NOGALES, Ariz. (KGUN9-TV) - Travel just got easier for Mexican nationals who shop and eat in the U.S. during the holidays.
The Port of Nogales launched a new service for those enrolled in the Global Entry programs, similar to Disneyland's FastPass service.
Lines are notoriously long at the Nogales Ports of Entry, which is a major issue because it cuts into the short holiday shopping window.
"People from Mexico come mostly for the weekend so Sunday by 3 or 4 p.m. there going to head back. So the more time we have them in our market the larger economic impact it will have," said Felipe Garcia, Executive Vice President for VisitTucson.
For that reason, the Port of Nogales is expediting the 1-94 process for those enrolled in Sentri to get through the Deconcini and Mariposa crossings. "The Front of the Line" service will provide Trusted Travelers a faster and more efficient I-94 process.
In addition, the Port of Nogales announced a new permit processing station on Mariposa Road that makes it easier to access than the other three permit stations at the ports of entry.
What about the danger of national security breaches?
Customs and Border Protection says trusted travelers are vetted, considered a low risk traveler and checked every 24 hours.
"Our security measures do not diminish. We do not stand down on security. What we try and do is -- we try to make it as efficient as possible," said Armando Goncalvez, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Program Manager.
A more efficient and faster process designed to draw more Mexican nationals to Arizona, especially those who have been turned off by SB 1070.
"That we're taking into consideration that Mexico visitors come here and we're caring about them. And again, an effort like this is going to be a strong PR message over the border," said Garcia.
And he said the feedback from the other side of the border is very positive.
