Border closures and staff shortages affect local economy
The border city of Nogales, Arizona, is facing a double whammy of challenges that are hurting its local businesses. The pandemic and the migrant crisis have forced the closure of the border to non-essential travel, reducing the number of customers from Mexico. Moreover, the construction of a new pedestrian crossing and the reassignment of customs officers to deal with the influx of migrants have caused long delays and frustration for those who can cross.
Gregory Kory, the owner of La Cinderella, a clothing store in downtown Nogales, said he misses his customers dearly. He estimated that 90% of his clientele are from Mexico, and they have been deterred by the border situation. “Today seems dismal, there’s nobody on the street,” he said.
Kory’s family owns two businesses in Nogales, and he said they are considering relocating or closing some days of the week if things do not improve soon. “We have to get crafty and figure out where to do business,” he said.
Migrants released into the streets as border crossings surge
While the streets outside businesses are empty, Terrace Avenue is full of migrants who have been released by the Border Patrol. The agency has been overwhelmed by the surge of arrivals at the southern border, and has resorted to street releases for two weeks. The migrants are given notices to appear in immigration court and are left to fend for themselves.
Assiss, a migrant from Nepal, said he came to America to escape danger in his home country. “I feel safe here. That’s good,” he said. However, he and other migrants face uncertainty and hardship as they try to find shelter, food, and transportation to their destinations.
The street releases have raised concerns among local officials and residents, who fear that the migrants may spread COVID-19 or become victims of crime or exploitation. The mayor of Nogales, Arturo Garino, said he has asked the federal government for more resources and coordination to handle the situation. “We need help. We need help yesterday,” he said.
Businesses hope for better days ahead
The border crisis and the construction project have taken a toll on Nogales businesses, which depend on cross-border trade and tourism. According to a study by the University of Arizona, Mexican visitors spent $2.4 billion in Arizona in 2018, supporting more than 51,000 jobs. Nogales accounted for 23% of that spending.
The businesses hope that the border will reopen soon and that the construction will be completed by late November, as planned. The new pedestrian crossing, called Morley Gate, is expected to improve security and efficiency at the port of entry. The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said it will work to return to normal operations as quickly as feasible.
The business owners also hope that the federal government will address the root causes of migration and find a humane and orderly way to process asylum seekers. They said they welcome immigrants who contribute to the economy and society, but they also want to protect their own livelihoods and community.
