Tucson, Ariz. – Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva will visit the San Luis Port of Entry on Tuesday at 1:00 p.m. to discuss the increasing health risks of long wait times for American travelers, including elderly and retired visitors, returning on foot from Mexico. Grijalva has been approached by multiple constituents describing unsafe heat conditions, fainting episodes and three-hour wait times in the summer sun for American citizens and legal permanent residents trying to re-enter the United States.

Grijalva will meet with Chris Leon, the assistant director of the port, to discuss the potential for an expedited re-entry plan or other mitigation measures. He will be available to the press before and after the meeting, which is closed to the public.

Health risks are more acute in Mexico for American nationals because of a lack of sufficient emergency services near the border.

“Making retired Americans stand for three hours in the heat is not a national security priority,” Grijalva said. “If we can’t fix this, we’re going to lose a lot of important cross-border traffic that people in both countries will miss very quickly. Whether they’re visiting family members, going to shop for the day, or tending to medical needs across the border, Americans should be able to return safely and quickly. This is a discussion that can’t be put off, and I look forward to finding solutions with Port of Entry staff as soon as possible.”

If You Go

When: 1:00 p.m.

Where: San Luis Port of Entry

What: Conversation between Rep. Grijalva and Port of Entry Assistant Director Chris Leon about reducing border re-entry wait times