Government Shutdown Impacts Trusted Traveler Programs
Travelers looking to expedite their airport security process are facing a significant roadblock due to the ongoing partial government shutdown. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the suspension of two key Trusted Traveler Programs: TSA PreCheck and Global Entry.
The suspension took effect at 6:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Sunday, bringing application processing and enrollment activities to a temporary halt. This move directly impacts thousands of U.S. citizens and international visitors who rely on these programs for faster security screening and quicker re-entry into the United States.
What Programs Are Affected?
The suspension applies to the application and enrollment operations for several DHS Trusted Traveler Programs. The most widely recognized are:
- TSA PreCheck: This program allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers to experience expedited security screening at participating U.S. airport checkpoints. Members can keep on shoes, belts, and light jackets, and leave laptops and compliant liquids in their carry-on bags.
- Global Entry: Designed for international travelers, Global Entry provides expedited U.S. customs clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival. Members use automated kiosks at select airports instead of waiting in traditional passport control lines.
Other programs like NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST are also included in this suspension.
Why This Happens During a Shutdown
Trusted Traveler Programs are funded through user fees, not annual congressional appropriations. However, the personnel who process applications, conduct background checks, and run enrollment centers are federal employees. During a lapse in government funding, these employees are generally furloughed, meaning they are placed on temporary, unpaid leave. Without staff to run the application and vetting systems, the programs cannot accept new applicants or schedule interviews for conditional approval.
It’s important to note that individuals who are already members of these programs should continue to have access to their benefits, as their status is already verified in the system. The primary impact is on new applicants and those needing to renew their membership.
What Travelers Should Do Now
If you were planning to apply for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry in the near future, you will need to wait until the government shutdown is resolved and DHS reopens these services. Any scheduled enrollment center appointments have been canceled and will need to be rescheduled once operations resume.
Travelers are advised to monitor the official websites for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for the latest updates on when application processing will restart. In the meantime, all travelers should plan for potentially longer security and customs wait times at airports, especially during peak holiday travel periods.
The suspension of these popular programs underscores the wide-ranging, real-world consequences of a government shutdown, extending beyond federal offices and into the daily lives of citizens and the efficiency of the nation’s travel infrastructure.
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