DHS Suspends Trusted Traveler Enrollments and Renewals by New York State Residents
February 6, 2020
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At a Glance
- New York State residents will not be able to enroll or renew membership in Global Entry, NEXUS and other Department of Homeland Security Trusted Traveler Programs until further notice.
- New York State residents with current and valid Trusted Traveler membership should be able to continue to use their benefits, though delays or additional screening at U.S. ports of entry are possible after international travel.
- The suspension does not apply to Trusted Traveler members residing in other U.S. states, nor does it appear to apply to the TSA-Pre-Check program.
The issue
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf has announced that his agency will not accept applications for new and renewed Trusted Traveler Program memberships from New York State residents, on account of that state’s new Driver’s License Access and Privacy Act. That law limits sharing of driver’s license and vehicle registration information with federal authorities.
The suspension applies to new enrollments and re-enrollments in Global Entry, FAST, SENTRI and NEXUS, which use driver’s license information as part of an applicant’s background check. It also applies to vehicle exports. The suspension does not apply to Trusted Traveler members who reside in other U.S. states, nor does it appear to apply to the TSA Pre-Check program.
What this means for travelers
- Applicants for new or renewed Trusted Traveler membership: New York State residents will not be able to submit new applications for Trusted Traveler membership or renewal applications until further notice. DHS has reportedly begun to suspend pending Trusted Traveler applications and in-person interviews of New York residents. Pending applicants should check the status of their applications on DHS’s Trusted Traveler enrollment site and prepare for the possibility of delayed or suspended applications.
- Current Trusted Traveler members: Current Trusted Traveler Program members who live in New York should be able to continue to use their valid membership for entry to the United States. Delays and additional screening at U.S. ports of entry are possible after international travel, however. New York Trusted Travelers whose memberships are close to expiration will not be able to renew until further notice and will become subject to standard immigrations and customs screening once their membership expires.
Fragomen is closely following the Trusted Traveler suspension and will issue further updates as developments occur.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
