Of course President Obama will never begin charging Mexicans an entry fee; and against the backdrop of Donald Trump’s righteous position on immigration, nor will anyone point out the hypocrisy within this statement:

“This is about putting our house in order,” said Rodulfo Figueroa, Mexico’s top immigration official in Baja California state, which includes Tijuana.

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Walking into Mexico at the nation’s busiest border crossing with the United States is no longer an uninterrupted stroll for foreigners.

Pedestrians going to Tijuana from San Diego at the San Ysidro crossing must choose between a line for Mexicans who get walk through unchecked, and a line for foreigners who must show a passport, fill out a form and – if staying more than a week – pay 322 pesos, or roughly $20, for a six-month permit.

Travelers have long followed similar protocol at Mexican airports, but the new border procedure marks a big change at land crossings that weren’t designed to question everyone. Pedestrians and motorists have generally entered Mexico unencumbered along the 1,954-mile border with the United States.

“This is about putting our house in order,” said Rodulfo Figueroa, Mexico’s top immigration official in Baja California state, which includes Tijuana.

The switch went off without a hitch late Wednesday. About a dozen foreigners stood in line, directed by English-speaking agents to six inspection booths. It took about 10 minutes from start to finish.

Joel Rios of San Diego, who was headed to Sea of Cortez for a fishing trip, was impressed. “It’s what you see in airports and in other countries, but you’re just not used to it in Mexico.”

Andrew Woodruff, who visits Tijuana bars and casinos about twice a week from the San Diego suburb of El Cajon, worried that lines may eventually become longer, discouraging visitors. (read more)