New York Residents Can Now Enroll in Global Entry

The Trump Administration has backed down in its battle with the State of New York, and residents can once again enroll in Global Entry.

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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will once again allow New York residents to enroll in Global Entry and other Trusted Traveler Programs. The Trump Administration had been at odds with the state over its Green Light law. The law allows New York residents to get a drivers license without proving their citizenship. DHS argued it was a national security issue and enacted the ban.

The Feds Singled Out New York

But in a stunning admission, government lawyers admitted that they’d provided false information while facing a legal challenge to the ban. They had claimed the New York law is unique, when the reality is altogether different. Several states, U.S. territories, and D.C. have similar laws.

We now know that the federal government singled out New York. Only its residents were denied access to Global Entry and other Trusted Traveler Programs. The feds weren’t going to win in court, so DHS reversed course and dropped its enrollment ban. New York residents can once again enroll in Global Entry.

Why Enroll?

Global Entry allows people arriving in the United States to speed through customs without any paperwork. The program is open to U.S citizens, permanent residents, and select foreign nationals. Once approved, your Global Entry is good for five years.

U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who join Global Entry will also get TSA PreCheck at no added cost. That’s a great deal! Normally, TSA PreCheck costs $85 for five years. Global Entry is $100 for five years. So for just $15 more, you’ll speed through airport security (TSA PreCheck) and speed through U.S. Customs (Global Entry).

Global Entry enrollment centers recently re-opened, and our story on the re-opening includes complete details of the Global Entry program and how to enroll at no cost.

Final Thoughts

New York residents can once again enroll in Global Entry and other Trusted Traveler programs. They’d been shut out since February. With international travel mostly stalled, this would be a good time to apply for Global Entry. The enrollment centers are open, and New York residents can finally apply. It takes some time to complete the process; but by the time international travel comes back, you may have your Global Entry card in hand.