President Donald Trump told reporters Wednesday that a partial closure of the Southern border is imminent. The president made the announcement at a White House Coronavirus Task Force Briefing, as the administration tries to “blunt” the effect of the pandemic.
It was announced earlier Wednesday that the United States and Canada had mutually agreed that their shared border should be closed to all non-essential travel, to help stop the spread of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, which is also known as the novel coronavirus.
The provision that the president was referring to is 42 USC 265, which would allow him to prohibit entry to certain people.
“The Surgeon General, in accordance with regulations approved by the President, shall have the power to prohibit, in whole or in part, the introduction of persons and property from such countries or places as he shall designate in order to avert such danger, and for such period of time as he may deem necessary for such purpose,” the provision states.
This provision would restrict entry to immigrants but would remain open to essential travel, including medical, military, and industrial cargo.
“The Government of Mexico has not received a formal request from the United States government in this regard,“ according to a statement from Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. ”In the event that the proposal is made, once it is formally received the Government of Mexico will assess its scope and act on a sovereign basis in defense of its interests and considering public health and human rights, among others.”
According to the consulate, there have been 93 confirmed cases of the virus in Mexico. “Authorities continue to investigate additional suspected cases. The Mexican Ministry of Health (Spanish) publishes daily updates on the number of cases.”
Last week, the Trump Administration halted all travel between China, Iran, most European countries, England, and Ireland.