Mexico Tightens Security at U.S. Border Crossings

The United States has always imposed stringent checks at its Mexican border, but now Mexico is responding with increased oversight of its own, especially at the heavily-trafficked crossing at Tijuana. Mexican president Felipe Calderon says the move is necessary, given the drug violence in northern Mexico thought to be committed with guns purchased in the United States. But business and local leaders are objecting, fearing the longer waiting times will crimp economic activity and tourism. In seeking to reduce the threat of one cross-border problem, Mexico risks undermining the benefits of another cross-border exchange. Effective monitoring of porous borders becomes ever more acute in a globalized world. −YaleGlobal