Upon withdrawal of visas, they pay for school transportation to the US; families spend up to $130 a week

The U.S. government has defended its policy of revoking tourist visas for Mexican parents who bring their children to schools in Texas, asserting that such action is a privilege rather than a right. This stance comes amid growing concerns among families living near the border, particularly in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, over the potential loss of legal status due to alleged immigration violations. The situation has led to the emergence of a new service, private school transportation, that has become increasingly popular among families with children born in the United States but attending schools in Texas. These families, many of whom are Mexican nationals, face the risk of having their tourist visas revoked, either because they are suspected of working illegally in the U.S. or due to routine inspections conducted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. As a result, some parents have turned to private transportation services to ensure their children can attend school without jeopardizing their family’s legal standing. Transportation companies based in Reynosa have expanded their operations, offering routes that connect the city to schools in Hidalgo, McAllen, San Juan, Palm View, Pharr, and Mission, Texas. The vehicles used for these trips are fully compliant with U.S. traffic regulations, and drivers are U.S. citizens. Parents must provide their child's passport or birth certificate and sign a contract committing to pay between $46 and $65 per student, depending on the distance of the route. For example, families traveling from central Reynosa or nearby neighborhoods close to the Reynosa-Hidalgo International Bridge pay $45 to reach schools in Hidalgo, McAllen, San Juan, or Palm View. Those requiring longer routes, such as those in western Reynosa or surrounding areas, pay up to $65. One driver described the daily operation, noting that his company operates three pickup points where parents drop off their children before departing at 4:45 a.m. He explained that each vehicle carries around 50 students per day and employs seven U.S.-licensed drivers. He noted that enrollment has increased significantly this academic year, largely due to fears of visa revocations. He shared that one parent had recently lost her visa, making it impossible for her to cross into the U.S. during emergencies. Laura Cantú, a mother residing in Reynosa, has opted for this private transportation option to ensure her two children, both born in the U.S., can continue attending school. She reports paying up to $130 weekly for the service, which includes transporting her children to schools in McAllen. Previously, she would take them across the border twice a week, but recent visa revocations have forced her to change her approach. She explains that she was regularly crossing the border with her children and another student, but now that some parents have been denied their visas, she has had to adjust her schedule. She says that authorities accuse parents of working in the U.S., leaving little room for defense. These developments highlight the broader impact of U.S. immigration policies on local communities, especially those living along the border. As enforcement intensifies, families are being forced to find alternative solutions to maintain access to education while navigating the complexities of legal residency. The situation underscores how immigration enforcement can directly affect everyday life, creating additional financial burdens and logistical challenges for affected families.