US Global Entry Program to Resume Amid DHS Shutdown The Trump administration announced on March 11, 2026, that the Global Entry program would be reinstated, restoring a fast-track system for international travelers that had been suspended during a partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security. The decision came as the funding dispute over the agency entered its fourth week, with officials stating the move aimed to reduce disruptions caused by the ongoing government standoff. A DHS spokesperson confirmed the reactivation of Global Entry, set for March 11 at 5:00 AM ET, emphasizing efforts to address the challenges faced by travelers. The program, which allows preapproved citizens and lawful permanent residents to bypass standard passport-control lines using automated kiosks, had been halted on February 22 after the department’s funding lapsed on February 14. At the time, lawmakers failed to agree on a spending bill, leading to the shutdown. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had previously directed personnel to prioritize security operations at airports and ports of entry, shifting resources away from the Global Entry program. This decision was quickly reversed for the TSA PreCheck program, but Global Entry remained suspended. The suspension drew criticism from Democratic lawmakers and industry groups, who argued it compromised both security and efficiency. The funding lapse stemmed from a broader political dispute over immigration enforcement. Democrats in Congress sought to impose new restrictions on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including requiring judicial warrants for certain home arrests, mandating visible identification for agents, and limiting the use of face coverings during operations.#dhs #global_entry_program #kristi_noem #us_travel_association #tsa_precheck_program
