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Thankfully, there is a growing consensus in the region that living
in the border region is an advantage, and that closer collaboration
across the border is important. According to an ICF- commissioned
survey of San Diego-Tijuana residents by Cross Border Business Associates
(CBA), the majority of San Diegans and Tijuanenses (about two-thirds
on each side of the border) felt that having the border nearby had
a positive impact on their community.
However, also notable is the fact that a small but still sizable
portion of citizens from both San Diego (14.5%) and Tijuana (11.2%)
feel that the border has a negative impact on their communities.
While transboundary issues and concerns remain, people continue
to cross the border. According to CBA’s findings, 90% of San
Diegans from across the County have visited Tijuana, with over 55%
having visited in the last year. Among those San Diegans born in
Mexico, 87.7% have visited Tijuana in the last year. In turn, 66%
of Tijuaneneses have visited San Diego.
Beyond general perceptions, the CBA and ICF asked San Diegans and
Tijuanenses the mutual assets and challenges of the border, and,
in particular their neighboring sister city. Here a vivid snapshot
of key perceptions of area residents emerges.
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Shared
Perceptions
San Diego-Tijuana
San Diego
(as viewed by Tijuanenses)
Assets:
• Cultural attractions/amenities; binational cultural
fusion
• Employment possibilities (the opportunity to work
on the other side of the line)
• Economic impact of San Diego on Tijuana
• Variety and prices of good and services in San Diego
• Enhances quality of life for those living in Tijuana
(among those able to cross)
• Proximity to family and friends in San Diego
• Airport (for flights to the US/Europe/Asia)
Liabilities:
• Economic disparities between San Diego and Tijuana
• The aesthetic threat. The contrast in infrastructure,
between green space and unplanned urban spaces makes you feel
different –and threatened—when you cross.
• Mala influencia (bad influence of some American tourists
in Tijuana including use of illegal drugs, drunk driving and
under-age drinking; lack of respect for our culture and our
laws)
• Racism
• Threat of Terrorism
• Border Delays
Tijuana
(as viewed by San Diegans)
Assets:
• Cultural richness and attractions
• Provides U.S. senior citizens on fixed incomes with
more affordable prescription medicine
• More affordable health care and housing
• Mexicans come to San Diego to purchase U.S. goods
and services
• Proximity to family and friends in Tijuana
• Airport (for flights to Mexico)
Liabilities
• Poverty
• Crime, drug trafficking and desperation
• Illegal immigration
• Official Corruption
• Border Delays
• Cross border health and environmental issues |
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