A leading U.S. travel industry group warned on Friday that removing immigration officials from Newark Liberty International Airport would cause "immediate and lasting harm" and potentially cost the U.S. economy $8 billion annually in tourist spending while stranding American travelers.
Impact on Travelers and Economy
The U.S. Travel Association emphasized that customs officials at Newark process 5 million Americans returning home each year. "American travelers from across the U.S. could find their flights into the U.S. diverted or canceled," the group stated. "Millions of international visitors will face the same disruption, and with the FIFA World Cup weeks away, the damage to America's reputation as a welcoming destination would be significant and lasting."
A shutdown could also jeopardize billions of dollars in imported cargo, the association added.
Political Dispute Over Immigration Enforcement
On Thursday, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin warned that the Trump administration could soon stop processing international travelers and cargo at Newark because local law enforcement in northern New Jersey are not assisting federal immigration officials. Mullin complained that local police were not ensuring federal agents could enter and exit a New Jersey detention center and threatened to reassign customs officials from the airport.
On Tuesday, Mullin said the administration was drafting plans to halt processing of international travelers and cargo at major U.S. airports in "sanctuary cities" that refuse to cooperate with immigration crackdowns. Such a move could effectively suspend international air travel and commerce at major airports in Democratic states, just as millions of foreign tourists are expected to arrive for the FIFA World Cup, which begins next month.
The final match is scheduled for July 19 in East Rutherford, New Jersey, approximately 12 miles from Newark airport.
Sanctuary Cities List
The U.S. Justice Department published a list of so-called sanctuary cities and states, including many with major international airports: Boston, Denver, Philadelphia, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, Newark, Seattle, and San Francisco. Last year, more than 50 million international travelers arrived at the three major New York airports alone.
