The Global Entry program has been temporarily halted due to the ongoing partial government shutdown, as confirmed by the Department of Homeland Security. Initially, both Global Entry and TSA PreCheck were set to close, but the PreCheck service will remain operational.
This shutdown began on February 14, amid disagreements over funding for the Department of Homeland Security. Democrats seek changes in immigration policies tied to President Trump’s deportation agenda. This political standoff is causing significant disruptions for travelers.
On top of this chaos, a major winter storm has grounded around 90% of flights at key airports like JFK, LaGuardia, and Boston Logan. Global Entry, which expedites customs for low-risk travelers, is now a casualty of the shutdown. Typically, it reduces customs wait times from 30-90 minutes to just 5-10. Travel experts say that many regular travelers depend on this program, but exact statistics on its efficiency are lacking.
As of 2024, more than 20 million Americans have TSA PreCheck, many of whom also hold Global Entry memberships. Interestingly, reports from TSA’s mobile app show that wait times at various airports were hovering under 15 minutes even on the day of the shutdown.
Blair Perkins, one traveler recently affected by the shutdown, voiced her frustration. Arriving at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport after a trip to Cancun, she found herself in a long customs line, which took her about 30 minutes to clear—a stark contrast from the usual five minutes with Global Entry. Perkins remarked that it feels like travelers are being used as pawns in a political game.
Federal officials elaborated that emergency budget measures forced them to prioritize services for the majority of travelers, leading to cuts in programs like Global Entry. U.S. Travel Association president Geoff Freeman articulated relief that TSA PreCheck would continue, highlighting the potential crisis that could have ensued from its shutdown.
While some travelers managed smoothly with TSA PreCheck, others were caught off guard by the news. A survey conducted prior to these events indicated that 74% of travelers expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of airport security during government shutdowns, saying it affects their travel plans.
Critics, including some lawmakers, argue that these actions are political maneuvers aimed at distracting from larger issues within the administration. Senator Andy Kim likened this to “weaponizing our government,” a sentiment shared across various social media platforms.
As travelers navigate this uncertain landscape, it’s essential to stay informed. For more details about the ongoing impacts of the partial government shutdown, you can follow updates from trusted sources like the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Travel Association.
