Even as thousands of Indians face deportation after the Trump Administration scrapped the Dreamers Programme, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) department has recommended the Global Entry Programme for Indians for an expedited clearance of pre-approved, low-risk travellers at the airports and seaports.
With inclusion in Global Entry Programme, India has become the 11th country after Singapore, Argentina, Colombia, Germany, Mexico, the Netherlands, Panama, the Republic of Korea, Switzerland, the United Kingdom for CBP's trusted travellers category.
US citizens, nationals and lawful permanent residents may also apply for Global Entry. Canadian citizens and residents enrolled in NEXUS can also use the Global Entry kiosks.
Indian citizens can begin applying for Global Entry through the Global Online Enrollment System (GOES) website.
"CBP is excited to offer our flagship Trusted Traveller Programme to Indian citizens. By expanding Global Entry eligibility, CBP is transforming the international arrivals process, making it more secure, efficient and welcoming, for the millions of Indian citizens who visit the United States each year," said Acting Commissioner Kevin McAleenan in a statement.
Currently available at 53 US airports and 15 preclearance locations, Global Entry streamlines the international arrivals process at airports for trusted travellers. The more than 4 million Global Entry members bypass traditional CBP inspection lines and use an automated kiosk to complete their admission to the United States. As an added benefit, Global Entry members are also eligible to participate in the TSA Pre-TM expedited screening Programme.
Also read: Hollywood Sikh Temple in Los Angeles vandalised with hate graffiti threatening to ‘nuke’ Sikhs
The non-refundable application fee for a five-year Global Entry membership is USD100 and applications must be submitted online. Once the applicant successfully passes a background check, a CBP officer will conduct an interview with the applicant at one of the more than 100 Global Entry Enrollment Centers located throughout the US, Canada, and Qatar and then make a final eligibility determination.
While the goal of Global Entry is to speed travellers through the process, members may be selected for further examination when entering the United States. Any violation of the Programme’s terms and conditions will result in appropriate enforcement action and revocation of the traveler’s membership privileges.
US Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of US laws.
