Travel Group Calls on DHS to Resume Global Entry Program

Suspension of expedited customs clearance program raises security concerns and longer airport wait times

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The U.S. Travel Association is urging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to reopen the Global Entry program, which was suspended due to the ongoing partial government shutdown. The Global Entry program expedites customs and immigration clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers entering the United States. The suspension is raising concerns about increased security risks and longer wait times at U.S. airports.

Why it matters

The Global Entry program is a critical security measure that helps facilitate the smooth flow of travelers into the country. Its suspension during the DHS shutdown could lead to longer lines, greater security risks, and disruptions for millions of travelers. This comes at a time when the travel industry is already facing challenges from the pandemic and economic uncertainty.

The details

The Global Entry program was suspended on February 22 due to the partial government shutdown caused by a lapse in funding for the DHS. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers who operate the program are currently unpaid but continue to work. The U.S. Travel Association says the suspension 'does the opposite of what the Department of Homeland Security intends, adding volume to standard lines, stretching the very personnel the department is trying to protect and increasing security risks.' The program is primarily funded by the $120 fee paid by members, so there is no fiscal rationale for the suspension according to the association.

  • The Global Entry program was suspended on February 22, 2026 due to the DHS shutdown.
  • The DHS shutdown began in early 2026 due to a lapse in funding by Congress.

The players

U.S. Travel Association

A top U.S. travel industry group that is calling on the DHS to reopen the Global Entry program.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

The federal agency that operates the Global Entry program, which has suspended the service due to the DHS shutdown.

Geoff Freeman

President of the U.S. Travel Association.

Kristi Noem

Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

Chuck Schumer

Senate Minority Leader who is blaming the Trump administration for the Global Entry suspension.

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What they’re saying

“Suspending this critical security program does the opposite of what the Department of Homeland Security intends, adding volume to standard lines, stretching the very personnel the department is trying to protect and increasing security risks.”

— Geoff Freeman, President, U.S. Travel Association

“This is the third time that Democrat politicians have shut down this department during the 119th Congress. Shutdowns have real world consequences, not just for the men and women of DHS and their families who go without a paycheck, but it endangers our national security.”

— Kristi Noem, Secretary, Department of Homeland Security

“In the 43-day historic Trump government shutdown, DHS never changed the Global Entry program's status. Democrats are fighting against this exact kind of abuse.”

— Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader

What’s next

The DHS has not provided a timeline for when the Global Entry program may be restored, but has said the suspension will remain in place until funding for the department is renewed by Congress.

The takeaway

The suspension of the Global Entry program during the DHS shutdown highlights the real-world impacts that government shutdowns can have on critical security and travel infrastructure. It underscores the need for Congress and the administration to find a bipartisan solution to fund the DHS and avoid further disruptions to essential services.