US to require vaccines for all border crossers in January
AP Photo/Evan Vucci
President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the economy in the South Court Auditorium on the White House campus, Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2021, in Washington.
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden will require essential, nonresident travelers crossing U.S. land borders, such as truck drivers, government and emergency response officials, to be fully vaccinated beginning on Jan. 22, the administration planned to announce.
A senior administration official said the requirement, which the White House previewed in October, brings the rules for essential travelers in line with those that took effect earlier this month for leisure travelers, when the U.S. reopened its borders to fully vaccinated individuals.
Essential travelers entering by ferry will also be required to be fully vaccinated by the same date, the official said. The official spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity to preview the announcement.
Keep scrolling for a gallery of images from the US-Mexico border
The rules pertain to non-U.S. nationals. American citizens and permanent residents may still enter the U.S. regardless of their vaccination status, but face additional testing hurdles because officials believe they more easily contract and spread COVID-19 and in order to encourage them to get a shot.
The Biden administration pushed back the requirement for essential travelers by more than two months from when it went into effect on Nov. 8 for non-essential visitors to prevent disruptions, particularly among truck drivers who are vital to North American trade. While most cross-border traffic was shut down in the earliest days of the pandemic, essential travelers have been able to transit unimpeded.
Even with the delay, though, Norita Taylor, spokeswoman for the trucking group Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, criticized the vaccination requirement, calling it an example of “how unnecessary government mandates can force experienced owner-operators and independent truckers out of business.”
“These requirements are another example of how impractical regulations will send safe drivers off the road,” she said.
The latest deadline is beyond the point by which the Biden administration hopes to have large businesses require their employees to be vaccinated or tested weekly under an emergency regulation issued by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration. That rule is now delayed by litigation, but the White House has encouraged businesses to implement their own mandates regardless of the federal requirement with the aim of boosting vaccination.
About 47 million adults in the U.S. remain unvaccinated, according to figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
***
-
US to require vaccines for all border crossers in JanuaryEric Gay
FILE - A Haitian migrant uses the Rio Grande to take a bath after crossing a dam from Mexico to the United States, Sept. 17, 2021, in Del Rio, Texas. The Border Patrol encountered migrants in South Texas more often than ever in June and July, dashing expectations for a common summer slowdown. In September, about 15,000 mostly Haitian refugees were camped under a bridge in the small border town of Del Rio, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)
Eric GayFILE - A Haitian migrant uses the Rio Grande to take a bath after crossing a dam from Mexico to the United States, Sept. 17, 2021, in Del Rio, Texas. The Border Patrol encountered migrants in South Texas more often than ever in June and July, dashing expectations for a common summer slowdown. In September, about 15,000 mostly Haitian refugees were camped under a bridge in the small border town of Del Rio, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)
-
US to require vaccines for all border crossers in JanuaryFelix Marquez
FILE - Mounted U.S. Border Patrol agents attempt to contain migrants as they cross the Rio Grande from Ciudad Acuña, Mexico, into Del Rio, Texas, Sept. 19, 2021. The administration began a massive expulsion of thousands of Haitians while allowing thousands of others to stay in the U.S. The uneven response, which at one point included Border Patrol agents on horseback appearing to use reins as whips to corral Haitian asylum seekers, sparked sharp criticism and underscored for many a failed border policy. (AP Photo/Felix Marquez, File)
Felix MarquezFILE - Mounted U.S. Border Patrol agents attempt to contain migrants as they cross the Rio Grande from Ciudad Acuña, Mexico, into Del Rio, Texas, Sept. 19, 2021. The administration began a massive expulsion of thousands of Haitians while allowing thousands of others to stay in the U.S. The uneven response, which at one point included Border Patrol agents on horseback appearing to use reins as whips to corral Haitian asylum seekers, sparked sharp criticism and underscored for many a failed border policy. (AP Photo/Felix Marquez, File)
-
-
US to require vaccines for all border crossers in JanuaryJulio Cortez
FILE - A Border Patrol agent talks to migrants after they were detained and taken into custody, March 21, 2021, in Abram-Perezville, Texas. Biden took office on Jan. 20 and almost immediately, numbers of migrants exceeded expectations. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)
Julio CortezFILE - A Border Patrol agent talks to migrants after they were detained and taken into custody, March 21, 2021, in Abram-Perezville, Texas. Biden took office on Jan. 20 and almost immediately, numbers of migrants exceeded expectations. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)
-
US to require vaccines for all border crossers in JanuaryEric Gay
FILE - Haitian migrants walk to a bus after they were processed and released after spending time at a makeshift camp near the International Bridge, Sept. 19, 2021, in Del Rio, Texas. Biden and senior officials talked tough — "Do not come," Vice President Kamala Harris warned on a June visit to Guatemala, repeating herself for emphasis — but migrants who kept coming spoke of the change in presidential administrations and stories from friends and relatives who were quickly released in the United States. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)
Eric GayFILE - Haitian migrants walk to a bus after they were processed and released after spending time at a makeshift camp near the International Bridge, Sept. 19, 2021, in Del Rio, Texas. Biden and senior officials talked tough — "Do not come," Vice President Kamala Harris warned on a June visit to Guatemala, repeating herself for emphasis — but migrants who kept coming spoke of the change in presidential administrations and stories from friends and relatives who were quickly released in the United States. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)
-
-
US to require vaccines for all border crossers in JanuaryGregory Bull
FILE - A group of migrants mainly from Honduras and Nicaragua wait along a road after turning themselves in upon crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, in La Joya, Texas, May 17, 2021. Biden took office on Jan. 20 and almost immediately, numbers of migrants exceeded expectations. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull, File)
Gregory BullFILE - A group of migrants mainly from Honduras and Nicaragua wait along a road after turning themselves in upon crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, in La Joya, Texas, May 17, 2021. Biden took office on Jan. 20 and almost immediately, numbers of migrants exceeded expectations. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull, File)
-
US to require vaccines for all border crossers in JanuaryJacquelyn Martin
FILE - Vice President Kamala Harris listens to a question during a news conference, June 7, 2021, at the National Palace in Guatemala City. Biden took office on Jan. 20 and almost immediately, numbers of migrants exceeded expectations. Biden and senior officials talked tough — "Do not come," Harris warned, repeating herself for emphasis. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)
Jacquelyn MartinFILE - Vice President Kamala Harris listens to a question during a news conference, June 7, 2021, at the National Palace in Guatemala City. Biden took office on Jan. 20 and almost immediately, numbers of migrants exceeded expectations. Biden and senior officials talked tough — "Do not come," Harris warned, repeating herself for emphasis. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)
-
-
US to require vaccines for all border crossers in JanuaryJulio Cortez
FILE - A child sleeps on the shoulder of a woman as they prepare to board a bus to San Antonio moments after a group of migrants, many from Haiti, were released from custody upon crossing the U.S.-Mexico border in search of asylum in Del Rio, Texas on Sept. 22, 2021. Biden and senior officials talked tough — "Do not come," Vice President Kamala Harris warned on a June visit to Guatemala, repeating herself for emphasis — but migrants who kept coming spoke of the change in presidential administrations and stories from friends and relatives who were quickly released in the United States. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)
Julio CortezFILE - A child sleeps on the shoulder of a woman as they prepare to board a bus to San Antonio moments after a group of migrants, many from Haiti, were released from custody upon crossing the U.S.-Mexico border in search of asylum in Del Rio, Texas on Sept. 22, 2021. Biden and senior officials talked tough — "Do not come," Vice President Kamala Harris warned on a June visit to Guatemala, repeating herself for emphasis — but migrants who kept coming spoke of the change in presidential administrations and stories from friends and relatives who were quickly released in the United States. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)
-
US to require vaccines for all border crossers in JanuaryEvan Vucci
FILE - Vice President Kamala Harris, left, listens as President Joe Biden delivers remarks on immigration, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on Feb. 2, 2021. Biden took office on Jan. 20 and almost immediately, numbers of migrants exceeded expectations. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)
Evan VucciFILE - Vice President Kamala Harris, left, listens as President Joe Biden delivers remarks on immigration, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on Feb. 2, 2021. Biden took office on Jan. 20 and almost immediately, numbers of migrants exceeded expectations. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)
-
-
US to require vaccines for all border crossers in JanuaryDario Lopez-Mills
FILE - A woman from Guatemala weeps as she carries her child after being smuggled across the Rio Grande river in Roma, Texas, March 30, 2021. Biden took office on Jan. 20 and almost immediately, numbers of migrants exceeded expectations. (AP Photo/Dario Lopez-Mills, File)
Dario Lopez-MillsFILE - A woman from Guatemala weeps as she carries her child after being smuggled across the Rio Grande river in Roma, Texas, March 30, 2021. Biden took office on Jan. 20 and almost immediately, numbers of migrants exceeded expectations. (AP Photo/Dario Lopez-Mills, File)
-
US to require vaccines for all border crossers in JanuaryDario Lopez-Mills
FILE - Young child walks alone through the brush after being smuggled across the Rio Grande river in Roma, Texas, March 24, 2021. Children traveling alone shattered previous highs in March, making up most of the more than 4,500 people housed in temporary tents that were designed for 250 under COVID-19 standards. (AP Photo/Dario Lopez-Mills, File)
Dario Lopez-MillsFILE - Young child walks alone through the brush after being smuggled across the Rio Grande river in Roma, Texas, March 24, 2021. Children traveling alone shattered previous highs in March, making up most of the more than 4,500 people housed in temporary tents that were designed for 250 under COVID-19 standards. (AP Photo/Dario Lopez-Mills, File)
-
-
US to require vaccines for all border crossers in JanuaryJoel Martinez
FILE - Migrants walk to be processed by the U.S. Border Patrol after crossing the Rio Grande on May 14, 2021, in Roma. Texas. Biden took office on Jan. 20 and almost immediately, numbers of migrants exceeded expectations. (Joel Martinez/The Monitor via AP, File)
Joel MartinezFILE - Migrants walk to be processed by the U.S. Border Patrol after crossing the Rio Grande on May 14, 2021, in Roma. Texas. Biden took office on Jan. 20 and almost immediately, numbers of migrants exceeded expectations. (Joel Martinez/The Monitor via AP, File)
-
US to require vaccines for all border crossers in JanuaryDario Lopez-Mills
FILE - Migrant families wade through shallow waters towards Roma, Texas, March 24, 2021. Biden took office on Jan. 20 and almost immediately, numbers of migrants exceeded expectations. (AP Photo/Dario Lopez-Mills, File)
Dario Lopez-MillsFILE - Migrant families wade through shallow waters towards Roma, Texas, March 24, 2021. Biden took office on Jan. 20 and almost immediately, numbers of migrants exceeded expectations. (AP Photo/Dario Lopez-Mills, File)
-
-
US to require vaccines for all border crossers in JanuaryDario Lopez-Mills
FILE - A child weeps as he is unloaded from an inflatable raft after being smuggled into the United States by crossing the Rio Grande River in Roma, Texas. March 28, 2021. Children traveling alone shattered previous highs in March, making up most of the more than 4,500 people housed in temporary tents that were designed for 250 under COVID-19 standards. (AP Photo/Dario Lopez-Mills, File)
Dario Lopez-MillsFILE - A child weeps as he is unloaded from an inflatable raft after being smuggled into the United States by crossing the Rio Grande River in Roma, Texas. March 28, 2021. Children traveling alone shattered previous highs in March, making up most of the more than 4,500 people housed in temporary tents that were designed for 250 under COVID-19 standards. (AP Photo/Dario Lopez-Mills, File)
-
US to require vaccines for all border crossers in JanuaryFernando Llano
FILE - Migrants, many from Haiti, wade across the Rio Grande from Del Rio, Texas, to return to Ciudad Acuna, some to avoid possible deportation from the U.S. and others to get supplies on Sept. 22, 2021. In September, about 15,000 mostly Haitian migrants camped in the small Texas border town of Del Rio. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano, File)
Fernando LlanoFILE - Migrants, many from Haiti, wade across the Rio Grande from Del Rio, Texas, to return to Ciudad Acuna, some to avoid possible deportation from the U.S. and others to get supplies on Sept. 22, 2021. In September, about 15,000 mostly Haitian migrants camped in the small Texas border town of Del Rio. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano, File)
-
-
US to require vaccines for all border crossers in JanuaryJoel Martinez
FILE - Immigrants are processed by the U.S. Border Patrol after crossing the Rio Grande on May 22, 2021, in Roma, Texas. Biden took office on Jan. 20 and almost immediately, numbers of migrants exceeded expectations. (Joel Martinez/The Monitor via AP, File)
Joel MartinezFILE - Immigrants are processed by the U.S. Border Patrol after crossing the Rio Grande on May 22, 2021, in Roma, Texas. Biden took office on Jan. 20 and almost immediately, numbers of migrants exceeded expectations. (Joel Martinez/The Monitor via AP, File)
-
US to require vaccines for all border crossers in JanuaryFelix Marquez
FILE - Migrants, many from Haiti, wade across the Rio Grande river from Del Rio, Texas, to return to Ciudad Acuña, Mexico, Sept. 20, 2021, to avoid deportation from the U.S. The Border Patrol encountered migrants in South Texas more often than ever in June and July, dashing expectations for a common summer slowdown. In September, about 15,000 mostly Haitian refugees were camped under a bridge in the small border town of Del Rio, Texas. (AP Photo/Felix Marquez, File)
Felix MarquezFILE - Migrants, many from Haiti, wade across the Rio Grande river from Del Rio, Texas, to return to Ciudad Acuña, Mexico, Sept. 20, 2021, to avoid deportation from the U.S. The Border Patrol encountered migrants in South Texas more often than ever in June and July, dashing expectations for a common summer slowdown. In September, about 15,000 mostly Haitian refugees were camped under a bridge in the small border town of Del Rio, Texas. (AP Photo/Felix Marquez, File)
-
-
US to require vaccines for all border crossers in JanuaryGregory Bull
FILE - Three young migrants hold hands as they run in the rain at an intake area after turning themselves in upon crossing the U.S.-Mexico border in Roma, Texas, May 11, 2021. Biden took office on Jan. 20 and almost immediately, numbers of migrants exceeded expectations. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull, File)
Gregory BullFILE - Three young migrants hold hands as they run in the rain at an intake area after turning themselves in upon crossing the U.S.-Mexico border in Roma, Texas, May 11, 2021. Biden took office on Jan. 20 and almost immediately, numbers of migrants exceeded expectations. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull, File)
-
US to require vaccines for all border crossers in JanuaryFelix Marquez
FILE - Migrants, most from Haiti, cross the Rio Grande towards Del Rio, Texas, from Ciudad Acuña, Mexico, Sept. 23, 2021. In September, about 15,000 mostly Haitian refugees were camped under a bridge in the small border town. (AP Photo/Felix Marquez, File)
Felix MarquezFILE - Migrants, most from Haiti, cross the Rio Grande towards Del Rio, Texas, from Ciudad Acuña, Mexico, Sept. 23, 2021. In September, about 15,000 mostly Haitian refugees were camped under a bridge in the small border town. (AP Photo/Felix Marquez, File)
-
-
US to require vaccines for all border crossers in JanuaryDario Lopez-Mills
FILE - Children lie inside a pod at the main detention center for unaccompanied children in the Rio Grande Valley run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), in Donna, Texas, March 30, 2021. Health and Human Services belatedly, aided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, opened about a dozen emergency holding centers within about a month to process unaccompanied children. (AP Photo/Dario Lopez-Mills, Pool, File)
Dario Lopez-MillsFILE - Children lie inside a pod at the main detention center for unaccompanied children in the Rio Grande Valley run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), in Donna, Texas, March 30, 2021. Health and Human Services belatedly, aided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, opened about a dozen emergency holding centers within about a month to process unaccompanied children. (AP Photo/Dario Lopez-Mills, Pool, File)
-
US to require vaccines for all border crossers in JanuaryJulio Cortez
FILE - People cross the U.S.-Mexico border early March 24, 2021, in Roma, Texas. The Rio Grande Valley came alive each night with inflatable rafts carrying families across the meandering river. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)
Julio CortezFILE - People cross the U.S.-Mexico border early March 24, 2021, in Roma, Texas. The Rio Grande Valley came alive each night with inflatable rafts carrying families across the meandering river. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)
-
-
US to require vaccines for all border crossers in JanuaryJacquelyn Martin
FILE - Supporters of immigration reform march while asking for a path to citizenship and an end to detentions and deportations, April 28, 2021, in Washington. Biden took office on Jan. 20 and almost immediately, numbers of migrants exceeded expectations. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)
Jacquelyn MartinFILE - Supporters of immigration reform march while asking for a path to citizenship and an end to detentions and deportations, April 28, 2021, in Washington. Biden took office on Jan. 20 and almost immediately, numbers of migrants exceeded expectations. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)
-
US to require vaccines for all border crossers in JanuaryJulio Cortez
FILE - Migrants, many from Haiti, are seen at an encampment along the Del Rio International Bridge near the Rio Grande, Sept. 21, 2021, in Del Rio, Texas. About 15,000 mostly Haitian refugees were camped under the bridge in the small border town. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Julio CortezFILE - Migrants, many from Haiti, are seen at an encampment along the Del Rio International Bridge near the Rio Grande, Sept. 21, 2021, in Del Rio, Texas. About 15,000 mostly Haitian refugees were camped under the bridge in the small border town. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Categories: Trending
