NAFTA Rules Let Mexican Roam Freely Throughout the U.S.
4 Comments Published by clay September 7th, 2007 in State and Local Politics.
Mexican trucks get green light to cross over
Mexican trucks could begin rolling across the border today, though officials said it probably would take several days for the companies to map out their new routes.
The unprecedented border opening, which the administration said was required under the North American Free Trade Agreement, marks the first time that Mexican trucks will be allowed to travel beyond a 25-mile buffer zone to which they have been confined since 1982.
It also marks the first time that
Pros
(1) Eliminates the transfer of goods at the border from Mexican Trucks to U.S. Trucks
(2) Increased business for Mexican Companie, thus more jobs
(3) More opportunities for U.S. trucks to go into to Mexico for products made in Mexico to sell it in the U.S. (potential savings for the consumers)
Cons
(1) Risk on the U.S. Highways (increased traffic)
(2) Potential increase in drug smuggling or terrorist activities
(3) Unreliability of driver records from Mexico
(4) Lax enforcement in Mexico of driving laws
(5) Concerns about the accuracy of the drug and alcohol tests on drivers in Mexico
Should Mexican Truckers be allowed to roam freely throughout the U.S.?
Our roads are already in need of major repair and are crowded with drivers. Therefore, to add more traffic, I think state governments would need additional money from these businesses benefiting by “free” trade. Would this still be free trade, if we asked to pay a tax or fee on the business they do in the U.S.? Probably not, thus, I am fine with Mexican truckers roaming the U.S. under three conditions. (1) Pay taxes or fees to help maintain the road (2) The DMV or Department of Homeland Security creates a special trucker’s license for international drivers and drivers taking a training course, so we know they understand our laws (3) Department of Homeland Security is aware of where drivers are at all times.
Is it fair to ask for a tax or a fee for using our roads, if under NAFTA, we are participating in free trade with Mexico? I think so! Mexico charges us to drive their roads. When any driver drives in Mexico, they pay a toll, which is used to maintain the roads.
4 Responses to “NAFTA Rules Let Mexican Roam Freely Throughout the U.S.”
- 1 Pingback on Oct 28th, 2007 at 8:31 pm
I agree they should pay tolls, taxes and whatever else is needed. Not to mention every one of their trucks should be checked with a fine tooth comb to make sure there are no drugs and NO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS coming through. We all know this is going to happen. They are going to start smuggling them across. It’s bad enough we have thousands of these —– in our states that don’t pay taxes and are getting our S.S., and free medical. I live near a bunch of them. You move one of them in and you turn around and they have 20 people living in a 2 bedroom place. Hell don’t even let them in. Nobody wants them here anyway!
By opening up the roads to Mexican Trucking Companies, we create jobs and increase the standard of living in Mexico. This is key to reducing the numbers of people crossing the border illegally.
I disagree with Clay. I think it will bring more illegals and illegal drugs.
Also it will present a problem with our trucking industry.. Why ship with an American company, when you can pay less wages and benefits to the Mexican people.