CBP Issues Proposed Rule on Global Entry "Trusted Travelers" Program for Air Passengers
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued a proposed rule to amend its regulations for Global Entry, a voluntary, international trusted traveler program, which allows CBP to expedite clearance of pre-approved, low-risk air travelers into the U.S.1
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Global Entry has Been a Pilot Program Since June 2008
CBP has been operating the Global Entry program as a pilot since June 6, 2008. Based on its successful operation, CBP now proposes to establish Global Entry as a permanent voluntary program and expand it to additional airport locations (the pilot is currently at 13 airports).
Comments on this proposed rule are due by January 19, 2010.
Global Entry Pilot Uses Biometrics Technology
The Global Entry pilot utilizes fingerprint biometrics technology to verify registered program participants and automated kiosks to provide participants expedited entry into the U.S. at any of the pilot's airport locations. Applicants apply online through the Global On-line Enrollment System (GOES) at http://www.globalentry.gov. Applicants pay a non-refundable fee of $100 when applying to the program. All applicants undergo a background check, including an interview by a CBP officer, before being enrolled in the pilot program.
(The pilot program is generally limited to U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and U.S. lawful permanent residents (however, Netherlands citizens that participate in Privium may join provided they satisfy pilot requirements).)
Permanent Global Entry Program to be Similar to Pilot
As proposed, the Global Entry program would operate in a manner similar to the Global Entry Pilot Program. Current participants in the pilot program would automatically be enrolled in the permanent program for five years from the date of enrollment in the pilot program. Participation in Global Entry would continue to be voluntary.
1CBP currently operates several regulatory and non-regulatory international trusted traveler programs. These programs provide expedited travel for pre-screened populations and operate under the Port Passenger Accelerated Service System (PORTPASS), a legacy system of the former Immigration and Naturalization Service. CBP currently operates three PORTPASS programs: the Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI), which allows expedited entry at specified land border ports; the Free and Secure Trade program (FAST), which, among other things, provides expedited border processing for known, low-risk commercial drivers; and the
I-68 program, which allows expedited entry process for boaters entering the United States from Canada for recreational purposes. CBP also operates NEXUS, a trusted traveler program limited to travel between the U.S. and Canada.
CBP contact: Fiorella Michelucci (202) 344-1220
Proposed rule (USCBP-2008-0097, FR Pub 11/19/09) available at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-27774.pdf