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Global Entry has been suspended during the U.S. government's partial government shutdown of the DHS, a casualty of partisan dysfunction that almost ensnared TSA PreCheck as well.
On late Saturday (2/21) the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that it would suspend TSA PreCheck and Global Entry. This met with a swift backlash from travel industry trade groups, such as Airlines for America, whose president, Chris Sununu, stated that “A4A is deeply concerned that TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs are being suspended” and “the traveling public will be, once again, used as a political football.”
Similarly, the U.S. Travel Association, urged that “travelers should be prioritized, not leverage.”
On Sunday morning (2/22) a TSA spokesperson announced a reversal: “At this time, TSA PreCheck remains operational with no change for the traveling public. As staffing constraints arise, TSA will evaluate on a case by case basis and adjust operations accordingly.”
A DHS official, who spoke anonymously, said the backtracking and reinstatement of TSA PreCheck was “based off of conversations that [Homeland Security] Secretary Kristi Noem had with the White House and TSA” but also confirmed that Global Entry would remain suspended.
There are over 12 million Global Entry members (who also receive TSA PreCheck privileges) and over 20 million TSA PreCheck members.
Will the suspension of Global Entry impact your travel plans?
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