Homeland Security restarts Global Entry program after travelers faced long airport lines

The Department of Homeland Security has restored the Global Entry program after a brief suspension caused by the ongoing partial government shutdown, offering relief to international travelers who depend on the expedited customs clearance service.

The program, which resumed operations on Wednesday, had been suspended for just over two weeks as part of the department’s resource reallocation efforts during the shutdown. Global Entry provides pre-approved, low-risk travelers with access to dedicated kiosks when entering the United States, significantly reducing wait times at airports and other ports of entry for those willing to pay the enrollment fee and undergo background checks.

When announcing the suspension on February 22, Homeland Security officials had indicated the program would remain offline for the duration of the shutdown. The department had reassigned U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel who normally staff Global Entry to handle regular traveler processing, prioritizing essential border security functions amid staffing constraints.

The shutdown, which began on February 14, resulted from a political impasse between Democrats and the White House over funding for the Department of Homeland Security. At the center of the dispute are Democratic demands for changes to immigration enforcement policies that form a cornerstone of President Donald Trump’s deportation initiatives.

The timing of the shutdown has raised concerns throughout the travel industry as it coincides with preparations for the spring travel season, traditionally one of the busiest periods for U.S. airports. This past weekend, travelers at several major U.S. airports already experienced extended security lines, foreshadowing potentially worse disruptions if the shutdown continues.

Industry analysts note that Global Entry’s reinstatement, while welcome news for frequent international travelers, represents only a partial solution to the broader challenges facing the U.S. transportation system during the shutdown. The program serves approximately 10 million enrolled travelers, including many business professionals whose companies rely on efficient international travel.

Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, expressed cautious relief about the program’s return but emphasized ongoing concerns. “While restoring Global Entry helps a segment of travelers, we remain deeply concerned about the overall impact of the shutdown on America’s transportation infrastructure and international reputation,” Dow stated in a recent industry briefing.

The current situation has intensified discussions about potential structural reforms to insulate critical travel infrastructure from future political disputes. Some lawmakers and industry leaders are advocating for expanded opportunities to outsource security screening operations while maintaining Transportation Security Administration (TSA) oversight, an approach already implemented at nearly two dozen U.S. airports through the Screening Partnership Program.

“The recurring pattern of shutdowns affecting essential travel services suggests we need more resilient models,” said Erik Hansen, vice president of government relations at the U.S. Travel Association. “Expanded public-private partnerships could provide more stability while maintaining security standards.”

For travelers, the restoration of Global Entry offers immediate benefits, particularly for those with upcoming international trips. However, experts caution that other aspects of the international arrival process may still face delays as long as the partial shutdown continues to affect CBP staffing levels.

The shutdown’s impact extends beyond just Global Entry, affecting various DHS operations including the processing of new applications for trusted traveler programs like TSA PreCheck and NEXUS. Department officials have advised travelers to allow for additional processing time when entering the country, even with Global Entry now operational again.

As negotiations continue in Washington, the travel industry remains on alert for further disruptions that could affect the estimated 2.6 million passengers who pass through U.S. airports daily during peak travel periods.