In an effort to better manage the high volume of travelers entering the United States, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is implementing a new permitting process at the Calexico East Port of Entry. The changes, set to take effect Monday, will impact individuals seeking I-94 permits, a document issued by the Department of Homeland Security to verify legal entry and authorize a visitor’s period of stay in the country.
Under the new policy, travelers arriving by vehicle at Calexico East who require an I-94 permit will no longer be allowed to park on the north side of the border and walk into the pedestrian processing building. Instead, they must enter through the pedestrian gate from Mexico and proceed to the I-94 issuance area inside the facility. Meanwhile, those crossing through the Calexico West Port of Entry on foot will continue to have unrestricted access to the I-94 issuance area, which remains operational 24 hours a day.
CBP is strongly encouraging travelers to apply for a provisional I-94 permit online before arriving at the port of entry in order to reduce wait times. Applications can be submitted through the CBP Home mobile app or the CBP I-94 website for a $6 fee. However, applicants must present themselves for inspection within seven days of applying, or the permit will expire.
The I-94 permit is required for most foreign visitors entering the United States, with exceptions for U.S. citizens, returning lawful permanent residents, individuals with immigrant visas, and most Canadian citizens traveling for short visits or transit.
This policy change is a necessary step to ensure order, efficiency, and security at the border. With illegal immigration and border-related challenges on the rise, CBP is making adjustments that prioritize lawful entry, streamline processing, and safeguard American resources. By enforcing a more structured and accountable system, CBP is ensuring that those entering the country do so legally and in accordance with U.S. law.
