In a survey of over 100,000 travelers who have crossed the U.S.-Mexico border during the pandemic, the Department of Homeland Security found that about 63% of U.S. citizens and permanent residents are traveling for non-essential purposes, U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar told reporters on Friday.

U.S. citizens and residents will not be refused entry when crossing back into the country from Mexico, but it is highly recommended they refrain from crossing unless for essential purposes. Cuellar said there are still too many people going to visit Mexico for reasons that do not include work, medical services or school.

For this reason Customs and Border Protection will be prioritizing resources for essential travelers as they cross back into the U.S.

“The folks that are legal residents or U.S. citizens, even though they cannot be denied (entry), are going to be treated differently by what I call a prioritization of resources, according to Homeland,” Cuellar said. “This is going to affect a lot of folks, and it’s going to be some long lines.”

Lines for essential travel will be much shorter, he said, while there will be fewer lanes open and personnel available to process non-essential travelers.

Non-essential travelers will also likely be sent into a secondary inspection so officers can inquire about their travel and educate them on safety recommendations during the pandemic.

This new process is rolling out now, the congressman said.

About 90% of Mexican citizens are obeying the travel restrictions, Cuellar said, citing Department of Homeland Security data.

Cuellar hopes this will help stop the spread of the virus and subsequently reopen the borders sooner to Mexican tourists, upon which Laredo’s retail and hospitality sectors depend.

“We as a nation need a plan for the border,” Cuellar said. “We are a smart nation and have the resources to enhance screen people and return back somebody if they are a foreigner; however, we also need that enhanced medical screening for all individuals who work along the border as well. What they considered nonessential is essential to us.”