International Visitors Are Traveling to the United States For a Free COVID 19 Vaccine
Travel news reveals that travelers from around the world are coming to the United States to receive the Covid-19 vaccine for free. Is this scheme actually permitted? The answer depends on who you ask and where you look, but Travel Off Path has learned it’s already happening.
International Travelers Receive Free Covid Vaccines In The U.S.
When Travel Off Path called the U.S. Customs and Border Protection for clarification on the matter, a CBP officer stated, “No, it’s not allowed, foreign citizens are not able to enter the United States for the purpose of getting a vaccine.”
It may not be allowed, but it seems to be taking place. Why are travelers coming great distances to receive their Covid-19 vaccine?
In a bid to dig deeper, Travel Off Path talked to a Mexican resident who received her Covid-19 vaccine on a tourist visa while visiting Texas. She only wanted to be identified as María and explained that she flew to Dallas from Mexico City, received her Covid-19 vaccine and went back to Mexico a few days later. “I was actually just visiting Dallas for tourism so decided to get the shot while I was there,” María told Travel Off Path.
People Are Skirting the Law?
She said she was able to enter the United States for the primary purpose of tourism and related, “I don’t feel bad, I told the border patrol the truth, I was there for tourism and I love Dallas.”
“They were offering vaccines and there were tons of appointments so I got one and I only had to show my Mexican Passport as proof of identity.”
Texas is one of sixteen states that do not require residency for the Covid-19 vaccine.
Why Are People Getting the Vax in the US?
According to Texas Health and Human Services, “There is no residency or citizenship requirement to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, and a social security number is not required.”
So Travel Off Path deduced that María received her vaccine by coming here for tourist purposes, and oh by the way, getting a shot while she was there.
The publication noted that it could be a loop hole, gray area or the needed influx of tourism dollars that allow for such a situation to take place.
According to American Progress, undocumented immigrants make up 3.2% of the US population which equals more than 10 million people in the U.S. that would not qualify for the vaccine if proof of residency was required which would then inhibit vaccination efforts in some states.
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