“Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States,” according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Select airports have set up automatic kiosks where members of the program can enter the United States quickly and easily.
When program members arrive at select airports, all they have to do is proceed to the Global Entry Kiosks where they present their “machine-readable” Green Card or passport. From there, the member places his or her fingers on a scanner for fingerprint verification and then completes their customs declaration.
To wrap it up, the kiosk provides the member with a traveler transaction receipt and the member heads over to baggage claim – it’s a piece of cake for U.S. citizens and Green Card holders who travel to and from the States frequently. The Global Entry program truly makes frequent international travel less time-consuming, quick, and efficient. That’s music to the ears of international travelers who just spend hours on a plane!
Qualifying for the Global Entry Program
Not everyone qualifies for the Global Entry program. Before someone can become a member, he or she must pass a rigorous background check and they must go through an in-person interview. If the traveler violates any of the terms or conditions of the program, it can result in termination of their privileges and an enforcement action.
“Do I qualify for the program?” You may qualify if you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder) and you are a citizen of one of the following countries:
- Argentina
- Colombia
- Germany
- Mexican nationals
- Panama
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
Note: If you are a Canadian citizen, you may be eligible under the NEXUS program.
Some criminal reasons why you may not be eligible:
- You have been convicted of any criminal offense, including driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- You have pending criminal charges.
- There is an outstanding warrant against you.
- You are being investigated by a state, federal, or local law enforcement agency.
If you are a U.S. citizen or Green Card holder and you are facing DUI charges, your Global Entry membership may be at risk. To learn more about how an arrest or conviction can affect international travel and immigration status (where applicable), contact our firm to meet with an Orange County DUI attorney for free.