WASHINGTON, D.C. — Business leaders from border communities in California and Texas are expressing grave concerns about President Trump’s threats to close the U.S.-Mexico border.
Closing the border would have immediate and dramatic economic impacts while doing little to address the humanitarian crisis at the southern border.
The following are quotes from business leaders, mayors, and experts from border regions. These and additional border leaders are available for interview. Please contact Cathleen Farrell. Additional resources on the border are available here.
Eddie Aldrete, Senior Vice President, IBC Bank; Chair of the Board of Directors, National Immigration Forum:
“The inefficiency of the border is already costing our economies billions of dollars. Now, through the reapportionment of Customs and Border Protection officers we are experiencing a crisis of delays as many of our ports of entry in Texas are experiencing three-hour wait times just to enter into the U.S.”
Jerry Sanders, CEO, San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce:
“Closing the border would be catastrophic to businesses of all kinds, from mom and pop to large corporations, and all of their employees. And consumers will feel the effects too.”
Pete Saenz, Texas Border Coalition (TBC) Chairman and Mayor of Laredo, Texas:
“President Trump’s threat to close the border would be catastrophic and immediate, not just for border communities but also for the nation as a whole.
“U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Kevin McAleenan says $2 billion worth of economic activity occurs daily on the border – providing Americans with good jobs and solid wages, all of which could be lost if the border closed. If Commissioner McAleenan is right, this represents about 4 percent of the U.S. economy.
“Closing the border would cause an immediate depression in border state communities and, depending on the duration, a recession in the rest of the country.”
Monica Weisberg-Stewart, TBC Immigration and Border Security Chair:
“Catastrophic. Closing the border would have a catastrophic effect on our economy, our security and our stability, and not just for the border, but for the state and for the nation as well. It goes against the grain of everything we’ve worked so hard to build with cross-border alliances and relationships.”