In December of 2020, Congress passed a new federal spending bill that authorized the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to begin a pilot program that will expand travel opportunities for travelers from Mexico looking to visit Arizona and New Mexico. Glendale Mayor and chair of the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG), Mayor Jerry Weiers explains, “This pilot program extends Arizona’s tourism and shopping zone so that business and leisure travelers can visit and enjoy Arizona’s many breathtaking landscapes and quality shopping experiences which in turn benefits our economy and our communities by generating increased tax revenues.” Applicants for the U.S. issued Border Crossing Cards (BCC) will be required to provide fingerprints, picture identification, employment information, background checks, and an in-person interview. To read more about MAG and all the protentional benefits for BBC’s, click here.