US Department of Homeland Security Resumes Expedited Airport Screening for U.S. Citizens and International Travelers
By C. Matthew Schulz
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has restarted processing for the Global Entry and TSA PreCheck trusted traveler programs after a temporary shutdown earlier this month.
After a pause disrupted expedited airport screening services for many international and domestic travelers, DHS has now resumed enrollment processing and operations.
DHS confirmed the restart in an official announcement with the politically charged title "1 Week into Democrats’ Shutdown, DHS Implements Emergency Measures to Conserve Resources and Manpower Impacting Travelers and FEMA Responses to Non-Disaster Areas."
The agency explained that it has resumed processing applications and conducting interviews for Global Entry and related Trusted Traveler Programs. Travelers who were previously approved for these programs may continue using them normally, while new applicants should expect DHS to restart the usual processing and scheduling procedures.
Major Media Reaction
Several major media outlets have reported on the developments and the impact on travelers. Coverage includes reporting by the New York Times on the shutdown and restart of Global Entry operations, as well as analysis from TIME discussing the broader effect on airport delays and travel logistics, and Fox News, among others. These reports highlight the disruption the shutdown caused for travelers who rely on expedited security screening and immigration processing.
What Are Global Entry and TSA PreCheck?
Global Entry and TSA PreCheck are federal trusted traveler programs in the DHS Trust Traveler Program. These are designed to streamline security screening and border inspection for low-risk travelers.
Global Entry allows preapproved travelers to bypass traditional passport inspection lines when entering the United States at many international airports by using automated kiosks or biometric gates.
TSA PreCheck, by contrast, focuses on domestic airport security, allowing approved travelers to pass through expedited screening lanes without removing shoes, belts, or light jackets and without taking laptops or compliant liquids out of their bags.
Applicants must undergo background checks and, for Global Entry, an in-person interview before receiving approval. Once enrolled, members typically receive benefits for five years.
The programs are administered by DHS through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
Why Were These Programs Created?
Trusted traveler programs were developed as part of DHS’s broader strategy to improve border security while facilitating legitimate travel. By identifying travelers who pose a low security risk through pre-screening and background checks, DHS can focus inspection resources on higher-risk individuals while allowing trusted travelers to move through the process more quickly.
This approach reflects a risk-based security model widely used in aviation security and border management. Programs like Global Entry and TSA PreCheck reduce congestion at airports, improve the efficiency of security operations, and provide a more predictable travel experience for frequent international and domestic travelers.
Why Did DHS Temporarily Stop the Programs?
The recent pause reportedly stemmed from operational disruptions related to a broader DHS shutdown.
When the department suspends certain government functions—such as due to funding lapses or operational constraints—non-essential administrative activities may be halted. Trusted traveler enrollment processing and interviews often fall into this category because they involve administrative adjudication and background checks.
Although previously approved travelers typically retain their benefits during such interruptions, new applications and interviews can be delayed until normal operations resume.
Why DHS Restarted Them
DHS remains in partial shutdown, but with DHS operations for these two programs restored, the department has resumed enrollment processing and related activities for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck. The restart allows applicants to continue with background checks, conditional approvals, and in-person interviews that are required for program participation.
For travelers, the resumption means that new applications will again move through the system and interview slots should gradually reopen at enrollment centers. While some backlog may persist following the shutdown, DHS’s restart signals a return to normal operations for these widely used travel programs.
Travelers who had pending applications or planned interviews should monitor their Trusted Traveler Program accounts for updates and reschedule interviews if necessary. As DHS clears any backlog created during the pause, processing times may temporarily fluctuate.