If you’re a so-called “trusted traveler” and remember travel before the advent of TSA PreCheck and/or Global Entry, you know and appreciate what a time saver both programs can be.
However, what many people with TSA PreCheck and/or Global Entry don’t know is that your ability to remain in one or both of the programs is based on what you do as a citizen in your everyday life.
Case in point: some people have learned the hard way that if they have a dark mark (or marks) in their past, it could come to bite them in the butt, years and years later. We’ve gone over some of those circumstances in the past:
- Can you get Global Entry with a criminal record?
- Can you get TSA PreCheck with a criminal record?
- Can you get TSA PreCheck with a DUI on your record?
The Government Is Still Watching You
The thing is, once you’re in either program, it doesn’t mean you’re home free. The federal government still keeps an eye on you. They say so themselves.
The Department of Homeland Security’s Annual Performance Report talks about the enormous growth in the number of people in ‘trusted traveler’ programs—TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, which is good for them and great for those who are now in the program. However, the report also talks about the travelers who’ve been kicked out of either or both programs. Why? Because DHS checks millions of travelers daily for information that might indicate changes in their ‘risk’ status, potentially disqualifying them from expedited travel.
Remember, you’re a “trusted traveler” because they trust you. If they have reason to believe you can no longer be trusted, well… ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Can They Really Kick You Out?
Of course they can.
In the fine print of applying for Global Entry, DHS specifically says that, “consent is implied” for them to continually review trusted travelers, whether they’re traveling or not. And they are—you can find it all over the internet (like here and here).
Customs and Border Protection (CBP), “checks all GE members against major law enforcement databases every 24 hours,” according to DHS’ report. “The measure demonstrates the effectiveness of the GE trusted traveler program at … quickly incorporating any changes in traveler risk-status that result in suspension or removal to ensure that all active GE members meet required security protocols at all times.”
And that’s just for Global Entry. TSA continually vets its trusted travelers as well – comparing individuals to their multiple watchlists, “with respect to individuals who may pose a threat to transportation or National Security.”
What If You Lose Your Trusted Traveler Status?
For years, you were, in a word, screwed. Now, there can sometimes be a glimmer of hope.
Don’t get me wrong—if you did something that justified the government not trusting you anymore and therefore revoking your Global Entry and/or TSA PreCheck, you’re still screwed (like this person). But sometimes mistakes happen – maybe you have the same name as someone who was caught bringing home rum and cigars from Cuba, and then you lost your Global Entry. But in 2024, they started working on the link you can use if you’ve been denied and are trying to get more information, which is a start.
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1 comment
Actually I have NO PROBLEM with this. It means the program is being monitored and that makes me feel safer.
I often wondered if anybody checks the GE database regularly…well it seems they do !