The ban for entry into the U.S. across the northern border has been extended one month to Oct. 21 for nonessential travelers.

The move was announced Monday (Sept. 20) by the Biden Administration. That announcement drew criticism from Congresswoman Elise Stefanik who issued the following statement.

“On the same day the Biden Administration announced it will start to ease foreign travel restrictions with several countries, including China and Iran, President Biden still refuses to even establish a clear plan for reopening the northern border,” Stefanik said. “It’s past time for this administration to do its job, so members of the North Country can be reunited with their families, tourism can resume, and small businesses no longer have to suffer from this administration’s failure. This prolonged closure has been devastating for our region, and New York deserves better.”

In June, Stefanik introduced the Restoring Northern Border Travel Act, which would require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to expand the categories of permitted travel into the U.S. across the U.S. – Canada border to include individuals traveling to visit family members or property in the U.S., attend business meetings or site-visits, or access U.S. airports. This bill would also require DHS to begin implementing and submit to Congress a plan to fully restore nonessential travel into the U.S. at the northern border. She has also called on Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) to bring this legislation to the Senate floor for a vote.

Congresswoman Stefanik has met with several Members of Parliament to discuss strategies to reopen the U.S. – Canada border and sent letters to each of Canada’s provincial and territorial Premiers requesting their partnership and assistance. She applauded the Canadian government’s announcement that allowed fully vaccinated Americans to travel to Canada starting on August 9, 2021.