Secretary Napolitano Announces Rule Proposing Permanent Global Entry Program

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano today announced the publication of new proposed rule that would establish Global Entry—a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) voluntary initiative that streamlines the international arrivals and admission process at airports for trusted travelers through biometric identification—as a permanent program.

“Global Entry expedites the customs and security process for trusted air travelers through biometric identification while helping DHS ensure the safety of all airline passengers,” said Secretary Napolitano. “Making Global Entry permanent will improve customer service at airports across the country and enable law enforcement to focus on higher-risk travelers.”

Global Entry—currently available as a pilot program at 20 U.S. international airports—allows pre-approved members a streamlined, automated alternative to regular passport processing lines. The program currently reduces average wait times by more than 70 percent, with more than 75 percent of travelers using Global Entry processed in under five minutes.

The proposed rule published today poses federal regulations that would end the current pilot and make Global Entry permanent—allowing CBP to expand the program to additional U.S. international airports. Those members currently participating in the pilot will have their time credited to the five year membership as proposed in the rule, so there will be no break in membership or need to re-apply when the program becomes permanent.

At Global Entry kiosks, members insert their passport or lawful permanent resident card into a document reader, provide digital fingerprints for comparison with fingerprints on file, answer customs declaration questions on the kiosk’s touch-screen, and then present a transaction receipt to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers before leaving the inspection area.

To date, there have been approximately 100,000 admissions with Global Entry by 27,000 members. Global Entry is currently open to citizens of the United States and lawful permanent residents of the United States. Citizens of the Netherlands may also apply under a special reciprocal arrangement that links Global Entry with the Privium program in Amsterdam.

In August, Secretary Napolitano announced the expansion of the Global Entry pilot program to 13 additional airports across the country.

Citizens interested in commenting on this rulemaking—identified by docket number USCBP-2008-0097—may submit written comments by one of the following methods:

* The Federal eRulemaking Portal: www.regulations.gov
* Postal Mail:

Border Security Regulations Branch
Regulations and Rulings
Office of International Trade
Customs and Border Protection
799 9th Street, NW, 5th floor
Washington, DC 20001-4501

Comments must be received by Jan. 19, 2010.