(Deming) – Deming is now included  in an expanded border zone  accessible to Mexican nationals holding Border Crossing Cards.

The Department of  Homeland Security Wednesday issued a rule expanding the zone in which certain  pre-cleared Mexican nationals can travel into New Mexico to shop, conduct  business and/or visit family.

Previously… persons  holding Border Crossing Cards were permitted to travel 25 miles into the United  States for a period of 30 days without obtaining additional  permits.  Now… the border zone  has been expanded to 55 miles, which includes Deming, Las Cruces and  Lordsburg. 

Senator Jeff Bingaman  said Border Crossing Cards make it possible for frequent, low risk travelers to  visit border
communities and engage in economic activity.   Bingaman said the  expanded zone should provide a much-needed economic boost to southern New Mexico  communities without negatively impacting border security. 

Biometric Border  Crossing Cards are issued only to those individuals who have undergone  background, fingerprint and security
checks.   Deming and Luna County  officials had written federal decision makers in support of expanding the  zone.