Congressional lawmakers whose districts share a border with Canada urged leaders in both countries develop guidelines for a phase reopening of the border. 

The move has the backing of the co-chairs of the Northern Border Caucus, Democratic Rep. Brian Higgins and Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik. 

Stefanik and Higgins in a letter released Monday to the acting Homeland Security secretary and his Canadian counterpart urged them to develop a package of "interim" measures for border crossings. 

The U.S. and Canada share a border that is more than 5,000 miles, running the entire length of the southern and norther portions of the two countries. 

“We are asking that the United States and Canada immediately craft a comprehensive framework for phased reopening of the border based on objective metrics and accounting for the varied circumstances across border regions," the lawmakers wrote. "Additionally, we request consideration of any interim measures that may be appropriate to bilaterally ease restrictions on family members and property owners – including those with property on U.S. soil accessible only through cross-border transit - in order to restore the social bond that unites our two nations.” 

Crossings are now limited to essential travel, a policy in place due the coronavirus pandemic since March 24 and extended to July 21.

Essential travel is limited to U.S. citizens returning to the country, people traveling for medical purposes, people traveling due to educational requirements or work, emergency or government response and members of the military.