US travel groups, lawmakers urge Trump to resume global entry programme

WASHINGTON: US travel industry groups and lawmakers have urged the Donald Trump administration to reinstate the Global Entry programme, which allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers to clear US customs and immigration faster.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) suspended the programme on Sunday, citing limited funds and personnel amid a partial government shutdown.

 DHS later clarified that the Transportation Security Administration’s PreCheck programme would continue, reversing earlier reports it would also be halted.

The US Travel Association said that suspending Global Entry “adds volume to standard lines, stretches the very personnel the department is trying to protect, and increases security risks.”

The group said that the programme is funded by the $120 fee paid by participants, calling the suspension “illogical.”

Social media images showed long lines at Washington Dulles Airport on Monday as travelers faced delays entering the country.

Virginia Senator Mark Warner said that in 2025, over 18 million travelers used Global Entry, saving more than 300,000 officer hours at 79 ports of entry.

He criticised the administration, saying: “The administration should focus on real solutions, not inflict pain on American travelers as a political stunt.”

The announcement to halt PreCheck had alarmed travel groups and airlines, especially with the spring break travel season under way. More than 20 million passengers are enrolled in PreCheck, which allows faster security screening through dedicated lanes.

The DHS is operating under a partial shutdown following a funding lapse, as Congress remains divided on immigration enforcement policies.