On November 22, 2024, the US Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) announced a change in the hours of operation at 38 border crossings between the United States and Canada, starting from midnight on January 6 next year. Unlike other states that are extending or maintaining current clearance times, New York State will see reduced hours at four transit points to and from Canada. Governor Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, recently voiced her opposition to this decision.
Governor Hochul expressed her strong opposition to the USCBP’s decision to shorten the clearance times at the four transit points between New York and Canada. She stated, “Although the Biden-Harris administration has made significant progress in strengthening security at the southern border, there has been a sharp increase in illegal border crossings in northern New York.”
Between New York and Canada, there are a total of 17 border crossing points, with four of them having their clearance hours “adjusted” by USCBP. These four points are Chateauguay in Quebec, Overton Corners along Highway 221, Trout River, and Rouses Point in Clinton County, New York.
Previously open for 24 hours a day, these four points will now have adjusted clearance times. Chateauguay and Trout River will be open from 6 AM to 6 PM, Overton Corners from 6 AM to 10 PM, and Rouses Point from 8 AM to 8 PM, starting from midnight on January 6, 2025, as per USCBP’s latest announcement.
Governor Hochul stated that the state government has taken measures to protect the northern border, including utilizing $5 million in federal Homeland Security funds to purchase more tools to support investigations into transnational criminal organizations. The New York State Police have also increased personnel, drone management systems, and handheld X-ray machines.
“However, more support from the federal government is crucial in addressing the current influx of immigrants,” Hochul emphasized.
Furthermore, Hochul criticized Republican members of Congress for failing to pass bipartisan immigration legislation that would provide more resources for New York and other states to cope with the influx of undocumented immigrants. She also urged USCBP to reverse the decision to shorten clearance times.
In addition to New York State, Vermont also has four border crossings where clearance times will be shortened.
The shortened clearance times will not only affect commuters between the two areas but have also raised objections from local businesses and fire departments.
According to a report by WCAX3 on November 21, Matt Hammonds, the owner of the “Freenchez” restaurant in Rouses Point, expressed his frustration, stating that businesses simply hope that people will make the most of the open clearance hours. Hammonds noted that the current border policies have indeed boosted revenue, as not only Canadians but also various other travelers come to patronize the establishment.
The report highlighted that the Rouses Point Fire Department in Clinton County has a cooperative relationship with four Canadian fire departments. Fire Chief Chris Trombley expressed concerns that in the event of a fire during the closure of the border crossing points, Canadian firefighters who could have easily entered the town from Moores or the outskirts of Rouses Point might have to go through other border crossings into New York before returning to the scene of the fire.