The Trump administration has officially reinstated the Global Entry program, which expedites customs and immigration clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers entering the United States. This move comes after a suspension that began on February 22, causing significant disruptions at airports nationwide.
Program Suspension and Reversal
The Department of Homeland Security initially suspended the Global Entry program, citing the need to preserve limited funds and personnel during a partial government shutdown. However, the DHS reversed course on its plan to also suspend the Transportation Security Administration's PreCheck program, which is included as a perk for Global Entry members.
Impact on Travelers
The suspension led to severe delays, with lines stretching to three hours or more at some airports for travelers entering the United States. Approximately 13 million travelers are enrolled in Global Entry, which is available at 62 airports and typically allows members to check in at a Global Entry Kiosk in as little as 60 seconds, instead of undergoing face-to-face checks with immigration officials.
Absences by TSA personnel in recent days have exacerbated the situation, contributing to long security lines at various U.S. airports. Airlines and travel groups had been actively lobbying the Trump administration to restart the program to alleviate these bottlenecks.
Political and Funding Context
Funding for the DHS, which oversees the TSA, expired on February 14. This occurred as Democrats in Congress pushed for new limitations on aggressive immigration enforcement, following incidents where agents fatally shot U.S. citizens Alex Pretti and Renee Good last month in Minnesota.
Industry Response
Airlines for America CEO Chris Sununu criticized the handling of the suspension, stating that travelers were being used as a political football amid another government shutdown. He emphasized that the announcement was made with extremely short notice, giving travelers little time to plan, which is particularly problematic during a period of record air travel.
Sununu called for Congress to reach a deal that ensures the TSA can operate fully and that frontline employees are paid for their crucial work in maintaining aviation security.
The reinstatement of Global Entry is expected to provide relief to millions of travelers, though the underlying issues of government funding and political disputes over immigration enforcement remain unresolved.
