New Program Eases Border Entry for Students
By Moyosore Ayo-Ogunyemi
Cal State San Marcos is one of the institutions in San Diego County participating in the Coordinated Access Program (CAP), a new U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) pilot program that can reduce commute times for eligible students who cross the U.S.-Mexico border for educational purposes.
The program is available to CSUSM students enrolled in classes in any of these locations: Temecula, San Marcos, or CSUSM at Southwestern College in Chula Vista. The free program is intended only for academic purposes, such as classes, labs and research projects.
Through this program, approved students can use the dedicated pedestrian lanes at three major ports of entry, making the daily commutes more predictable during the school year.
To qualify for CAP, students must meet all the following criteria:
- Be currently enrolled at CSUSM, including through CSUSM at Southwestern College.
- Have verified enrollment for the academic year in which they are traveling (approval lasts 12 months, so students need to renew their information with CAP each year).
- Be crossing the border specifically for academic purposes, including in-person classes, research, or service projects.
- Carry valid, up-to-date travel and immigration documents.
CBP determines eligibility and approval; CSUSM does not influence this process, and CAP participation is not guaranteed.
To learn more about the program, visit the CAP website.
Media Contact
Eric Breier, assistant director of editorial and external affairs
ebreier@csusm.edu | Office: 760-750-7314