The Department of Homeland and Security announced on Tuesday that the United States is extending its travel ban to and from Mexico and Canada until June 22, according to a recently published article.

First and Second Order of Travel Ban to and from Mexico and Canada 

The restriction of travel ban across the borders of U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada have was first implemented in March when the outbreak of the new coronavirus began. Before the first order of travel restriction expired, Trump along with Mexico and Canada decided to extend it again for another 30 days.

For the third time, the DHS announced that travel restrictions across the borders will be extended until June 22. This decision was made to stop the entry of asymptomatic that may add up to the swelling number of COVID-19 cases and a death toll in the country.

As of today, the U.S. still leads the world with the highest number of infected persons. The country has recorded nearly 1.6 million individuals who tested positive for the virus and with a death toll of more than 94,000 according to worldometers.

The U.S. still continues to combat the new coronavirus and is doing everything to flatten the curve. Travel restrictions are one of the measures implemented by the federal government to control the entry and spread of the virus. 

Travel Ban Extension for the Third Time

For as long as no vaccine is available, the contagion will continue in many ways. Acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf said in a statement "Non-essential travel will not be permitted until this administration is convinced that doing so is safe and secure. We have been in contact with our Canadian and Mexican counterparts and they also agree that extending these restrictions is prudent at this time."

Moreover, only the "Essential Travels" listed below are allowed to travel and these are:

  • U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents returning to the United States
  • Individuals traveling for medical purposes (e.g., to receive medical treatment in the United States)
  • Individuals traveling to attend educational institutions
  • Individuals traveling to work in the United States
  • Individuals traveling for emergency response and public health purposes (e.g., government officials or emergency responders entering the United States to support Federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial government efforts to respond to COVID-19 or other emergencies)
  • Individuals engaged in lawful cross-border trade
  • Individuals engaged in official government travel or diplomatic travel
  • Members of the U.S. Armed Forces, and the spouses and children of members of the U.S. Armed Forces, returning to the United States
  • Individuals engaged in military-related travel or operations 

It can also be remembered that during the first order of travel extension, Pres. Trump said: "These measures will protect the health of all three nations and reduce the incentive for mass global migration that would badly deplete the health care resources needed for our people." 

Moreover, Pres. Trump also banned travel from Europe and Iran as an addition to his travel ban from China in January. The European Union borders will remain shut down until June 15. 

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