Summary
The Department of Homeland Security has temporarily closed the Global Entry program due to a partial government shutdown that began on February 14. The shutdown is linked to a disagreement between Democrats and the White House over immigration policies. The TSA PreCheck program remains operational, despite initial plans to shut it down as well.
Key Facts
- The Global Entry program is closed during the partial government shutdown.
- The shutdown started because of a disagreement between Democrats and President Trump over immigration legislation.
- The TSA PreCheck program will stay open despite earlier plans to shut it down.
- The Global Entry program allows pre-approved travelers to pass through U.S. customs quickly.
- The government shutdown is affecting airport operations, especially with a winter storm causing flight cancellations.
- More than 20 million Americans have TSA PreCheck, and many of them also have Global Entry.
- At some airports, wait times were under 15 minutes by midday Sunday.
- Some travelers reported longer waits and found the situation frustrating.
