If you’re one of millions of Americans fortunate enough to have had a date for Valentine’s Day, you just might want to check the tag on that pretty bouquet to make sure it has all its documents in place.
On the eve of the biggest flower-buying day of the year, U.S. Customs and Border Protection warned of dangerous illegal alien flora that could pose a grave threat to American dining room tables everywhere.
From the CBP media release:
With Valentine’s Day approaching, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials want to remind travelers of prohibited flowers from Mexico, so there are no surprises at the border.
Chrysanthemums, gladiolas, and orange jasmine from Mexico, are prohibited through the passenger ports of entry. Travelers cannot bring floral arrangements with those flowers into the country.
Roses, carnations, and most other cut flowers are allowed into the U.S. after they pass inspection. However, plants potted in soil cannot be brought from Mexico. Travelers must declare all flowers and plants to CBP officers.
Wow. Bummer for those wanting to give their sweetheart a pot of mums for V-Day. But CBP wants you to know their agents are standing on the front lines to make sure these dangerous illegal alien blooms aren’t bringing harmful diseases or unknown threats to American greenhouses:
Throughout the year, and especially around Valentine’s Day, CBP agriculture specialists are busy making sure that flower imports are free from insects and diseases that could harm the agricultural and floral industries of the United States. They are specially trained to inspect plant and animal products for signs of insect infestation or disease. Their careful attention to detail ensures that even microscopic pests are detected and prevented from being introduced into the United States where they could cause significant economic or environmental harm.
While we’re not lining up to advocate for the spread of harmful bugs or pests, we would like to point out that, just perhaps, the same amount of cautious attention should be given to the people currently allowed to unlawfully come into our country in unchecked droves. Instead, the Department of Homeland Security recently announced plans to cut aerial border surveillance in half – because allowing in dangerous people is apparently less important than halting the unlawful entry of ill-intended chrysanthemums.
Meanwhile, as CBP agents are carefully inspecting Mexican gladiolas, 45,071 illegal alien children and family units crossed the Southwest U.S. border in the first four months of FY2016.