An influential U.S. Senator is ratcheting up the pressure on President Joe Biden to fully open the U.S. border.
Canada and the Trudeau government allowed its COVID-19 travel restrictions to expire on Saturday, October 1. But the U.S. still requires all non-residents to show proof of vaccination before entering. Critics say that’s hurting American tourism.
“We urge the United States to reciprocate the policy of our Canadian neighbours by easing our own COVID-19 restrictions for the sake of our northern border communities and their economies,” New York senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Brian Higgins (western New York) said in a letter sent to the White House.
“We believe now is the most opportune moment to ease restrictions that would once again unleash the northern border economy, reunite friends, families and colleagues across the border, and continue the U.S.-Canada partnership that has been crucial for both of our nation’s successes,” they said. “The United States must reciprocate their (Canada’s) decision and allow Canadians to enter the country without requiring the reporting of an individual’s vaccination status.”
The Canadian Press quotes White House officials as saying no changes are imminent.
