By Lizbeth Diaz

TIJUANA (Reuters) – Thousands of border crossings were reopened Monday to non-essential travel after a closure for 20 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, life has not returned to normal along the 2,000-mile (3,200 kilometer frontier).

The queues at pedestrian crossings were growing steadily ahead of the reopening.

Even so, divergent rules regarding coronavirus vaccines may impede family reunions. However, some curbs easing might have encouraged migrants seeking U.S. asylum, creating a new challenge for the Biden government.

Maria Luisa Gonzalez of California, a California resident, visited Tijuana to pick up her Chihuahua puppy from the vet.

Gonzalez stated, clearly frustrated that the operations meant to speed things along are not working. Gonzalez stated, visibly frustrated that the road had diverted him twice and that signs posted by them were confusing.

Tijuana City Council said that traffic had been re-routed in certain streets to avoid heavy use following the reopening. But some residents didn’t know where they should go.

Tijuana’s border is busy with San Diego, where thousands cross daily to study, work or shop.

Some inoculated Mexicans may not be allowed to travel immediately to the United States after they have received vaccinations from Mexico. These vaccines, such as the CanSino or Sputnik V of Russia and China, are not yet approved by WHO.

Donato Suarez was a Tijuana-based driver who wanted to see relatives in America but hasn’t seen them in nearly two years.

“We had planned to do something even when the border reopened,” said he, noting that about 300 people at his work are facing similar circumstances. “We will have to wait.”