nding arbitration panel) under NAFTA to force the U.S. to open its border to Mexican trucks with destinations anywhere in the U.S. (presently, Mexican trucks are limited to destinations within a certain distance from the U.S.-Mexico border). The border had been scheduled to open on December 17, 1995, but the U.S. Department of transportation denied full access to the U.S. market to Mexican truckers because of safety concerns. If the arbitration panel decides in Mexico's favor, the U.S. will be forced either to open its border to Mexican truckers or pay compensation to Mexico. A 1997 U.S. government report highlighted many environmental reasons for not opening the U.S. border to Mexican trucks. Since NAFTA was enacted, none of the concerns regularly voiced by the U.S. government and public safety advocateslike the existing problems of gun and drug smuggling across the borderhave been addressed.There are many frightening facts to confirm the fears associated with complete open borders to be fed by Mexican truckers. Issues such as truck safety: According to the Government Accounting Office, fewer than 1% of the 3.3 million trucks crossing the border into the U.S. every year are inspected. Nearly half of those checked are put out of service because of safety concerns. In 1998, at least 5,000 trucks per day were crossing into the U.S. through Texas, but only five (5) inspectors are on duty during week days. In El Paso, only one (1) inspector is on duty to inspect 1,300 trucks that pass through per day. The number actually inspected: 10-14 per day! Most cocaine comes across the U.S.-Mexico border. The U.S. DEA estimates that 70% of the cocaine smuggled into the United States comes across the U.S.-Mexico border. U.S. Customs Service estimates that 300 tons of cocaine are smuggled into the U.S. from Mexico annually. U.S. Customs reports that one of the hottest U.S. exports, stolen cars, are funneled through Mexico. Of the 200,000 stolen vehicle...
