President Obama Signs Legislation Allowing Issuance of the APEC Business Travel Card to Eligible U.S. Travelers

Posted on November 17, 2011 by Immigration/Global Migration Group

By Shin-I Lowe

President Obama at APEC SummitOn November 12, 2011, while meeting in Honolulu with Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders, President Obama signed the APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) Act, which will expedite travel in the Asia-Pacific region for qualified American travelers. Under the Act, U.S. Customs and Border Protection is authorized to issue the ABTC to U.S. citizens as part of its Global Entry program. Cardholders will receive expedited scheduling of visa interviews and access to fast-track immigration lanes at airports in APEC's 21 economies.

The Act, which unanimously passed Congress earlier this month, allows U.S. business people to apply for the cards for reciprocal rights in the region. Cardholders will have pre-cleared immigration entry into the 18 fully participating member economies, eliminating the cost and time involved in obtaining visas. Cardholders also will benefit from expedited transit through special fast-track lanes at major airports and seaports in all 21 economies.

An APEC press release cited business leaders’ praise of the development as a “clear signal” that the United States is helping businesses as they seek stronger trade ties in the Asia-Pacific region.

Photo credit: Official White House Photo by Pete Souza
 

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Global: Increase in Use of Trusted Traveler Programs

Posted on February 27, 2010 by Immigration/Global Migration Group

Over the past few years, the number of individuals using “trusted traveler” programs has increased, reports USA Today. These programs offer members the ability to expeditiously clear customs. The membership fee runs from $50 to $122.50 depending on the program, and membership lasts for five years. To qualify, applicants must pass a government-run background check (including fingerprint submission), a process that takes four to six weeks. Individuals with criminal records or who have violated immigration laws are ineligible.

Although the lowest in membership at 36,000, the Global Entry program offers the widest appeal to travelers and is used approximately 600 times per day at 20 U.S. airports. The program was designed for “trusted” international travelers who are considered low risk for terrorism. Members can bypass standard immigration lines and checkpoints by: (1) scanning their machine-readable passport or permanent resident card at a kiosk; (2) authenticating their identification via fingerprints; and (3) answering several questions.

The Nexus program is jointly operated by the U.S. and Canada and has 383,000 members. Members traveling to Canada can use kiosks at destination airports to avoid immigration clearance checkpoints; those traveling to the United States may pre-clear U.S. customs at Canadian airports.

The Sentri program is for travelers entering the United States from Mexico via land or sea, and is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents, and to Mexican citizens. The 15-year program boasts 210,000 members and permits access to expedited immigration clearance lanes.
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Global Entry Program Streamlines International Arrivals for Pre-Approved Travelers

Posted on December 21, 2009 by Immigration/Global Migration Group

Customs and Border Protection has introduced a new program called Global Entry. The Global Entry program allows US citizens, US permanent residents and Dutch citizens who are pre-approved as low-risk travelers to process quickly through international arrival areas in certain airports in the U.S. (list below). A process for UK citizens is expected to be added soon.

Global Entry is targeted at frequent travelers, but no minimum number of trips per year is required. For an enrollment fee of $100, individuals will receive registration valid for five years. Upon return to the US, rather than waiting in long lines for immigration/arrival control, travelers enrolled in Global Entry walk up to a kiosk, scan their passport, enter their information, and then go directly to baggage claim and customs.

Global Entry is currently available at:

  • John F. Kennedy International Airport
  • George Bush Intercontinental Airport
  • Washington Dulles International Airport
  • Miami International Airport
  • Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
  • Los Angeles International Airport
  • Chicago O'Hare International Airport
  • Newark Liberty International Airport
  • Honolulu International Airport
  • San Francisco International Airport
  • Orlando International Airport
  • Dallas/Ft Worth International Airport
  • Detroit Metro Wayne County Airport
  • Boston - Logan International Airport
  • Las Vegas - McCarran International Airport
  • Orlando-Sanford International Airport
  • Seattle-Tacoma International Airport
  • Philadelphia International Airport
  • San Juan Luis Muños Marín International Airport
  • Ft. Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport
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