[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 222 (Thursday, November 19, 2009)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 59932-59941]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-27774]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

8 CFR Parts 103 and 235

[USCBP-2008-0097]
RIN 1651-AA73


Establishment of Global Entry Program

AGENCY: U.S. Customs and Border Protection; DHS.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.

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SUMMARY: Pursuant to section 7208(k) of the Intelligence Reform and 
Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, as amended, U.S. Customs and Border 
Protection (CBP) proposes to establish an international trusted 
traveler program, called Global Entry. This voluntary program would 
allow CBP to expedite clearance of pre-approved, low-risk air travelers 
into the United States. CBP has been operating the Global Entry program 
as a pilot at several airports since June 6, 2008. Based on the 
successful operation of the pilot, CBP now proposes to establish Global 
Entry as a permanent voluntary regulatory program.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before January 19, 2010.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by docket number USCBP-
2008-0097, by one of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Mail: Border Security Regulations Branch, Regulations and 
Rulings, Office of International Trade, Customs and Border Protection, 
799 9th Street, NW., 5th Floor, Washington, DC 20001-4501.
    Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name 
and docket title for this rulemaking, and must reference docket number 
USCBP-2008-0097. All comments received will be posted without change to 
http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information 
provided. For detailed instructions on submitting comments and 
additional information on the rulemaking process, see the ``Public 
Participation'' heading of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of 
this document.
    Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or 
comments received, go to http://www.regulations.gov. Submitted comments 
may also be inspected during regular business days between the hours of 
9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the Office of Regulations and Rulings, Customs 
and Border Protection, 799 9th Street, NW., 5th Floor, Washington, DC. 
Arrangements to inspect submitted comments should be made in advance by 
calling Mr. Joseph Clark at (202) 325-0118.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Fiorella Michelucci, Office of Field 
Operations, 202-344-1220 or Daniel Tanciar, Office of Field Operations, 
202-344-2818.

I. Public Participation

    Interested persons are invited to participate in this rulemaking by 
submitting written data, views, or arguments on all aspects of the 
proposed rule. CBP also invites comments that relate to the economic, 
environmental, or federalism effects that might result from this 
proposed rule. Comments that will provide the most assistance to CBP 
will reference a specific portion of the proposed rule, explain the 
reason for any recommended change, and include data, information, or 
authority that support such recommended change.

II. Background and Purpose

    Section 7208(k) of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention 
Act of 2004 (IRTPA), 118 Stat. 3638, as amended by section 565 of the 
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008, 121 Stat. 1844, codified at 8 
U.S.C. 1365b, requires the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) 
to create a program to expedite the screening and processing of pre-
approved, low-risk air travelers into the United States. Under the 
IRTPA, the Secretary shall ensure that the international trusted 
traveler program includes as many participants as practicable by 
establishing a reasonable cost of enrollment, making program enrollment 
convenient and easily accessible, and providing applicants with clear 
and consistent eligibility guidelines.
    See 8 U.S.C. 1365b(k)(3). The program shall also incorporate 
available technologies, such as biometrics and e-passports, and 
security threat assessments.
    Section 7208(k) of the IRTPA requires DHS to initiate a rulemaking 
action to establish the criteria to participate in the program and to 
set the appropriate fee for such participation. This rule meets that 
requirement by proposing, among other things, the criteria for 
participation in this voluntary program and the fee necessary to cover 
the costs of the program.

A. Existing Trusted Traveler Programs

    CBP currently operates several regulatory and non-regulatory 
international trusted traveler programs. These programs provide 
expedited travel for pre-screened populations and operate under the 
Port Passenger Accelerated Service System (PORTPASS), a legacy system 
of the former Immigration and Naturalization Service, described in 8 
CFR 235.7. CBP currently operates three PORTPASS

[[Page 59933]]

programs: the Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection 
(SENTRI), which allows expedited entry at specified land border ports; 
the Free and Secure Trade program (FAST), which, among other things, 
provides expedited border processing for known, low-risk commercial 
drivers \1\; and the I-68 program, which allows expedited entry process 
for boaters entering the United States from Canada for recreational 
purposes. Although considered a PORTPASS program, the I-68 program is 
described separately in 8 CFR 235.1(g). CBP also operates NEXUS, a 
trusted traveler program limited to travel between the U.S. and Canada. 
NEXUS is authorized by 8 U.S.C. 1753. Additional details regarding all 
of these programs can be found at http://www.cbp.gov.
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    \1\ FAST was established in 2002 under bilateral agreements 
between the United States and Canada (northern border) and the 
United States and Mexico (southern border).
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B. Global Entry Pilot

    In addition to the permanent traveler programs described above, CBP 
is currently conducting a pilot program called Global Entry. The pilot 
began at three airports on June 6, 2008. See 73 FR 19861 and 73 FR 
30416. On August 13, 2008, CBP announced the expansion of the pilot to 
four additional airports (for a total of seven airports) and to 
additional terminals at one of the original three airports. See 73 FR 
47204. The pilot was expanded to thirteen additional airports (for a 
total of twenty airports) on August 10, 2009. See 74 FR 152. The Global 
Entry pilot utilizes fingerprint biometrics technology to verify 
registered program participants and automated kiosks to provide 
participants expedited entry into the United States at any of the 
pilot's airport locations. Applicants apply online through the Global 
On-line Enrollment System (GOES) at http://www.globalentry.gov. 
Applicants pay a non-refundable fee of $100 when applying to the 
program. All applicants undergo a background check, including an 
interview by a CBP officer, before being enrolled in the pilot program.
    The pilot program is generally limited to U.S. citizens, U.S. 
nationals, and U.S. lawful permanent residents.\2\ On April 23, 2009, 
however, CBP published a notice in the Federal Register announcing that 
it had expanded eligibility for participation in the Global Entry pilot 
to include citizens of the Netherlands who participate in Privium, an 
expedited travel program in the Netherlands, provided they otherwise 
satisfy the requirements for participation in the Global Entry pilot 
program. See 74 FR 18586.
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    \2\ A U.S. citizen means a person who acquired U.S. citizenship 
at birth or upon naturalization as provided by law and who has not 
subsequently lost such citizenship. A U.S. national is (A) a citizen 
of the United States or (B) a person who, though not a citizen of 
the United States, owes permanent allegiance to the United States. 8 
U.S.C. 1101 (a)(21). A U.S. lawful permanent resident is a person 
who has been lawfully accorded the privilege of residing permanently 
in the United States as an immigrant in accordance with the 
immigration laws, such status not having changed. Such status 
terminates upon entry of a final administrative order of exclusion, 
deportation or removal. 8 CFR 1.1(p); 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20).
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    Only individuals 14 years of age or older may apply to enroll in 
Global Entry. Individuals may not qualify if they:
     Are inadmissible to the United States under applicable 
immigration laws;
     Provide false or incomplete information on their 
application;
     Have been convicted of a criminal offense in any country;
     Have been found in violation of customs or immigration 
laws; or
     Fail to meet other Global Entry requirements.
    An individual who is not accepted into the Global Entry pilot 
program has three avenues for inquiry: (1) DHS Travelers Redress 
Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP); (2) directly through the enrollment center; 
and (3) the CBP Trusted Traveler Ombudsman.
    For more information about specific details of the pilot program, 
please refer to the initial notice published on April 11, 2008, in the 
Federal Register at 73 FR 19861. Additional details also may be found 
on the Web site: http://www.globalentry.gov.
    The Global Entry pilot is operating successfully. The automated 
kiosks are working smoothly with no current major technical issues or 
problems. From June 2008 through March 2009, over 8,000 applications 
were filed and 7,923 participants were enrolled. CBP is approving 
applications for participation more quickly than was expected. The 
average approval time for each application has been less than one 
week--better than the initial estimates of ten to fourteen days. Public 
reaction has been positive, and CBP has received comments during the 
pilot lauding the program.\3\
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    \3\ For example, the Executive Director of the U.S. Chamber of 
Commerce commented ``[T]he Chamber commends U.S. Customs and Border 
Protection for announcing that it would pilot the Global Entry 
international trusted traveler (IRT) program * * * CBP's proposal to 
pilot Global Entry at three major U.S. airports is an important 
first step in what the Chamber hopes will be a nationwide program.''
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    DHS has conducted a statistical analysis based on data for 1,575 
flights with at least one Global Entry passenger onboard from November 
19, 2008 to January 9, 2009. That analysis indicates that participation 
in Global Entry may reduce a passenger's wait time by up to seventy 
percent--or an estimated seven minutes on average. This analysis 
further demonstrates that participation in Global Entry reduces the 
variability of wait times, with less than one percent of Global Entry 
passengers waiting longer than twenty minutes and approximately ten 
percent of all U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents waiting 
longer than twenty minutes. We found that Global Entry participation 
varies by airports, airlines and region from where the flight 
originates.

III. Establishing a Permanent Global Entry Program

    CBP has determined, based on the success of the Global Entry pilot 
program, that the pilot should be established as a permanent program 
and that it should be expanded to include additional airport locations. 
Accordingly, pursuant to section 7208(k) of the IRTPA, CBP is proposing 
to amend its regulations to establish Global Entry as a permanent 
international trusted traveler program. As proposed under this rule, 
the permanent Global Entry program will operate in a similar manner as 
the Global Entry pilot program. CBP anticipates that the existing 
Global Entry pilot will continue to operate until this proposal is 
adopted as a final rule. In the interim, CBP will continue to evaluate 
the pilot and will take into consideration the results of this 
evaluation, including all comments received by CBP in response to the 
Federal Register notices regarding the pilot, when formulating the 
details of the permanent Global Entry program in any final rulemaking.
    Current participants in the pilot program automatically will be 
enrolled in the Global Entry program for five years from the date of 
enrollment in the pilot program. Participation in Global Entry would 
continue to be voluntary.
    This permanent Global Entry program, like the Global Entry pilot 
program, will facilitate the movement of low-risk, frequent air 
travelers arriving from outside the United States. The Global Entry 
program will provide an expedited inspection and examination process 
for pre-approved, pre-screened travelers by allowing them to proceed 
directly to automated Global Entry kiosks upon their arrival in the 
United States. This permanent Global Entry program, along with the 
other trusted traveler programs that CBP operates, is consistent with 
CBP's strategic goal of

[[Page 59934]]

facilitating legitimate travel while securing the homeland.

A. Eligibility Requirements

1. Persons Eligible To Enroll
    U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and U.S. lawful permanent residents 
would be eligible for participation in the program. Children 14 years 
of age and older, but under the age of 18, must have the consent of a 
parent or legal guardian to participate in Global Entry. Children under 
the age of 14 are not eligible to participate in the program.
    Additionally, CBP plans to expand the program to include 
nonimmigrant aliens from other countries via joint arrangements between 
CBP and its respective counterparts in foreign governments. CBP is 
working with other countries that operate comparable international 
trusted traveler programs to enter into reciprocal arrangements for the 
purposes of expanding eligibility for Global Entry. For example, under 
the Global Entry pilot program, CBP has entered into an arrangement 
with the Netherlands to allow citizens of the Netherlands who 
participate in Privium, an expedited travel program operated by the 
Government of the Netherlands, to participate in the Global Entry 
pilot.
    Pursuant to the terms of these reciprocal arrangements, both CBP 
and the respective government of the nonimmigrant alien applicant would 
vet these applicants during separate enrollments. Each government would 
determine if the individual is eligible to participate in its 
respective program. To receive CBP approval to participate in Global 
Entry, applicants from these other countries would have to satisfy all 
the requirements specified in this proposed rule. CBP will announce any 
expansions of the Global Entry regulatory program through such 
reciprocal arrangements, as well as any substantial modifications or 
retractions (i.e., cancellations of such arrangements) by publication 
of a notice in the Federal Register. CBP anticipates that each country 
that participates under the Global Entry pilot would also participate 
under the permanent Global Entry program.
2. Disqualifying Factors
    An individual is ineligible to participate in Global Entry if such 
individual is inadmissible to the United States under the U.S. 
immigration laws. An individual may also be ineligible to participate 
in Global Entry if CBP determines that the individual presents a 
potential risk for terrorism, criminality or smuggling, or is otherwise 
not a low-risk traveler. This risk determination will be based in part 
upon an applicant's ability to demonstrate past compliance with laws, 
regulations, and policies. An applicant may not qualify for 
participation if any of the following risk factors are applicable:
     The applicant provides false or incomplete information on 
the application;
     The applicant has been arrested for, or convicted of any 
criminal offense or has pending criminal charges or outstanding 
warrants;
     The applicant has been found to be in violation of any 
customs, immigration, or agriculture regulations, procedures, or laws 
in any country;
     The applicant is the subject of an investigation by any 
Federal, State, or local law enforcement agency;
     The applicant is inadmissible to the United States under 
U.S. immigration laws and regulations, including applicants with 
approved waivers of inadmissibility or parole documentation;
     The applicant cannot satisfy CBP of their low-risk status 
or meet other program requirements; or
     The applicant has been identified on a government watch 
list.

B. Program Application and Selection Process

    The application for the Global Entry program will continue to be 
available on-line through the Global On-Line Enrollment System (GOES) 
at http://www.globalentry.gov. The application (the same application 
currently used for the pilot) would be completed and submitted 
electronically through GOES. Alternative application options, such as 
providing enrollment data via private sector entities, will be 
considered by CBP. If and when CBP provides for alternative application 
processes, CBP will announce those options to the public.
    There would be three steps to the application process:
    Step 1: Completion of on-line application: Applicants would 
complete and submit the program application on-line through GOES and 
submit payment of a non-refundable fee through Pay.gov. Applicants 
would be provided with a GOES on-line account in order to assist them 
and permit CBP to communicate with the applicant during the application 
process.
    Step 2: Application review and notification: CBP officers would 
review the applicant's information for processing to ensure that the 
applicant is in compliance with U.S. customs and immigration laws and 
regulations. CBP also will compare the information provided in the 
application against government criminal and antiterrorism databases. 
CBP may also use foreign government databases and sources to the extent 
permitted by relevant U.S. laws and regulations, and to the extent 
allowed under applicable arrangements with foreign governments.
    Applicants should check their GOES account after the application is 
filed to ensure that CBP received the application. After review, the 
applicant will receive notification from CBP through the applicant's 
GOES account regarding the status of the application. CBP will also 
send a message to the e-mail address provided by the applicant at the 
time of the application to check their GOES account. Applicants meeting 
the eligibility criteria will be notified that they can schedule an 
interview as indicated below. If the application is denied, 
instructions will be given on how to proceed if the applicant wishes to 
seek additional information.
    Step 3: Interview and Processing at Enrollment Center: Applicants 
will be notified that they can schedule an interview at an Enrollment 
Center using the GOES link to the on-line scheduling feature. 
Applicants would choose an Enrollment Center at any Global Entry 
airport location. The list of Enrollment Centers and contact 
information for those locations can be found at http://www.globalentry.gov. As operation of the program expands, CBP would add 
additional enrollment locations to the list.
    At the Enrollment Center, CBP officers would review the information 
provided by the applicant and conduct an interview of the applicant. 
The applicant would be required to bring to the interview originals of 
the identification documentation he or she specified in the 
application. Usually, this will be a U.S. passport or Lawful Permanent 
Resident Card (Form I-551) or, in the case of aliens, a foreign 
passport (and visa, if applicable). During this process, CBP officers 
would perform the following procedures: verify identity and proof of 
citizenship, U.S. national or lawful permanent resident status, as 
applicable; confirm admissibility to the United States; confirm the 
validity of travel documents; confirm that the candidate meets 
eligibility requirements; electronically capture a full set of ten 
fingerprints; conduct various checks, including a check for criminal 
records in law enforcement databases (which involves submission of the 
fingerprints to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)); and take a 
digital photograph of each applicant for the Global Entry database. CBP 
may consider whether to

[[Page 59935]]

require the submission of other biometrics in the future.
    Although an application can be made for a child (14 years of age or 
older, but under 18) to travel with a non-custodial adult, a child 
appearing at the Enrollment Center for processing must be accompanied 
by at least one custodial adult (parent or guardian). At the interview, 
the CBP officer may request appropriate documentary evidence of 
parental custody from the parent or guardian seeking to enroll the 
child in the Global Entry program.
    After the interview, applicants will be notified of their 
acceptance into the Global Entry program by a message posted to their 
GOES account. If an applicant is denied participation in Global Entry, 
a notice will be sent to the applicant's GOES account advising him or 
her of the denial, with instructions on how to proceed if the applicant 
wishes to seek additional information.
    Each Global Entry participant would be screened against the 
relevant criminal and anti-terrorism government databases each time he 
or she uses the Global Entry kiosk. CBP would also continue to conduct 
periodic checks for all participants during the entire period of 
enrollment to ensure that CBP can quickly take action should new 
information be made available that would disqualify the participant.
    The required immigration status and citizenship of participants 
must be valid at all times. Participants must possess required 
immigration and identity documents at all times during their travel, 
including at the time of arrival to participating airports.

C. Redress

    An individual whose application is denied or whose participation is 
suspended or terminated has three possible methods for redress. These 
processes do not create or confer any legal right, privilege or 
benefit, but are wholly discretionary on the part of CBP. The methods 
of redress include:
(1) Enrollment Center
    The applicant/participant may contest his or her denial, suspension 
or removal in writing to the enrollment center where that individual's 
interview was conducted, or if the applicant/participant has not been 
interviewed, he or she can write to the CBP Ombudsman as described in 
paragraph (3) below. The enrollment center addresses are available at 
http://www.globalentry.gov. The letter must be received by CBP within 
30 calendar days of the date provided as the date of suspension or 
removal. The individual should write on the envelope ``Redress Request 
RE: Global Entry.'' The letter should address any facts or conduct 
listed in the notification from CBP as contributing to the denial, 
suspension or removal and why the applicant/participant believes the 
reason for the action is invalid. The applicant/participant may also 
contact the enrollment center where the interview was conducted if it 
is believed that the denial, suspension or revocation was based upon 
inaccurate information. The individual should also include any 
reasonably available supporting documentation. After review, CBP will 
inform the individual of its redress decision. The decision of CBP in 
the matter is final. If the individual's request for redress is 
successful, the individual's eligibility to participate in Global Entry 
will resume immediately.
(2) DHS Travelers Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP)
    The applicant/participant may choose to initiate the redress 
process through DHS TRIP. An applicant/participant seeking redress may 
obtain the necessary forms and information to initiate the process on 
the DHS TRIP Web site at http://www.dhs.gov/xtrvlsec/programs/gc_1169676919316.shtm, or by contacting DHS Trip by mail at the address on 
this Web site.
(3) Ombudsman
    If an applicant/participant believes the denial, suspension or 
revocation was based upon inaccurate information he or she may contact 
the CBP Trusted Traveler Ombudsman at the address on the Web site 
http://www.globalentry.gov and following the link for ``Trusted 
Traveler Program Denials.''

D. Enrollment Period and Payment of Fee

    Congress has authorized the Secretary to charge a reasonable fee 
for participation in the program. See 8 U.S.C. 1365b(k)(3)(B). Pursuant 
to this authority, CBP is proposing a fee of $100. This non-refundable 
fee would be paid to CBP at the time of application through the Federal 
Government's on-line payment system, Pay.gov. Pay.gov is a system by 
which parties can make secure electronic payments to many Federal 
Government agencies. If the applicant is enrolled, this fee would cover 
his or her participation in the Global Entry Program for a total of 
five years. CBP currently charges a fee of $100 to apply for 
participation in the Global Entry pilot. Participants in the Global 
Entry pilot would not have to reapply or pay an additional fee to 
participate in the Global Entry program. Upon implementation of the 
Global Entry program, participants in the Global Entry pilot would be 
automatically enrolled in the Global Entry program for five years from 
the date of their enrollment in the pilot program.
    CBP believes that the $100 proposed fee is reasonable because, as 
explained in more detail below, it covers only the application 
processing costs associated with this program, including the submission 
of applicant fingerprints to the FBI, and provides a benefit to the 
applicant. Applicants who are enrolled as Global Entry participants 
will receive the benefit of expedited clearance through airports at 
which the Global Entry program is operational, for a period of five 
years, provided their participation is not terminated before the end of 
the five-year period.
(1) Alternatives To Charging a Fee
    The only alternative to charging a fee to cover CBP's application 
processing costs associated with the Global Entry program would be for 
the United States Government, and specifically CBP, to pay for the 
costs out of its general appropriated funds, without reimbursement. 
However, IRTPA authorizes the Secretary to charge a reasonable fee and 
not charging a fee would be contrary to stated Congressional and 
Administration policy that a fee should be charged when a specific 
benefit is rendered. 31 U.S.C. 9701; Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) Circular A-25, User Charges (Revised), section 6, 58 FR 38142 
(July 15, 1993). Therefore, CBP has determined that charging a fee for 
the subject service is the only viable alternative.
(2) Amount of the Fee
    CBP has determined that $100 is the amount necessary to recover the 
costs incurred by CBP for the processing of the application, including 
the submission of the applicant's fingerprints to the FBI, and other 
administrative costs of the program.
    However, the program costs covered by this fee do not include 
inspection costs incurred by CBP each time a Global Entry participant 
enters the United States. Such costs are covered by the various 
inspection user fees already charged by CBP. See 8 U.S.C. 1356(d); 19 
U.S.C. 58c(a)(5).
    The application processing costs covered by the fee are provided as 
follows:

[[Page 59936]]



         Unit Cost of Processing An Application for Global Entry
                             [5-year cycle]
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Unit Cost FBI Fingerprints...................................     $17.25
Unit Cost of Vetting an Applicant............................      38.04
Unit Cost of Issuing Sticker.................................       1.00
Unit Cost of Establishing, Operating, and Maintaining an           32.53
 Enrollment Center...........................................
Unit Cost of GES Servers, Storage, Enhancements and Upgrades.      11.14
Grand Total Unit Cost of Processing a Global Entry                 99.96
 Application.................................................
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Notes for Table
 
1. Position costs for application processing is calculated by
 multiplying .5 by the hourly rate of a U.S. Customs and Border
 Protection Officer (CBPO), (Total position cost = $144,000, including
 training, equipment and other costs). A 3.16% pay raise and benefits
 weighted average rate was applied.
2. A 3% inflation rate adjustment was applied for all costs.
3. GES is the acronym for CBP's Global Enrollment System. Application
 for the Global Entry program will occur in the Global On-Line
 Enrollment System (GOES), which is part of GES. The GES is housed in
 the CBP Secure network.
 
Other Assumptions
 
CBPOs working at the enrollment centers will perform other functions
 when no application processing-related work exists.
Unit cost is based on regular hours. Overtime is excluded.
Total enrollees = 250,000 (This total would be reached in a five-year
 cycle).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    As the above table indicates, the total calculated costs to CBP, 
per applicant, are $99.96. To simplify accounting tasks for both 
applicants and CBP, and to allow for the possibility of small 
variations in the estimated costs compared to the actual costs, CBP is 
setting the cost per applicant at one hundred dollars. This fee will be 
non-refundable.
    Based on the above considerations, CBP is proposing to amend its 
regulations at 8 CFR 103.7 to add language prescribing a fee of one 
hundred dollars ($100) to apply for participation in the Global Entry 
program.

E. Participating Airports

    The Global Entry program, like the existing Global Entry pilot 
program, would allow participants expedited entry into the United 
States at any of its airport locations by using automated kiosks 
located in the Federal Inspection Services (FIS) area of each 
participating airport. Although it is anticipated that the Global Entry 
program would eventually operate at most major international airport 
locations, the program initially would be limited to those airports 
that are participating in the Global Entry pilot. The airports chosen 
for Global Entry are those which typically experience the largest 
numbers of travelers arriving there from outside of the United States. 
The Global Entry pilot is currently operational at the following seven 
airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport, Jamaica, New York, 
(JFK); George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston, Texas (IAH); 
Washington Dulles International Airport, Sterling, Virginia (IAD); Los 
Angeles International Airport, Los Angeles, California (LAX); 
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Atlanta, Georgia 
(ATL); Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Chicago, Illinois (ORD); 
and Miami International Airport, Miami, Florida (MIA).
    Expansions to new airports would be announced to the public in a 
Federal Register notice and on the Web site http://www.globalentry.gov, 
just as they are currently announced for the pilot. An updated list of 
all the airports at which Global Entry is operational will be available 
at http://www.globalentry.gov.

F. Arrival Procedures for Global Entry Participants

    A Global Entry participant would not have to wait in the regular 
passport control primary inspection lines. After arriving at the FIS 
area, the participant would proceed directly to the Global Entry kiosk. 
A sticker affixed to the participant's passport at the time of 
acceptance in Global Entry would provide visual identification that the 
individual can be referred to the kiosk. These stickers will be made 
available to participants at the enrollment center located in each 
participating airport. Global Entry would use fingerprint biometrics 
technology to verify a participant's identity and confirm his or her 
status as a participant in the program. In addition to fingerprint 
biometrics, CBP may offer the use of additional biometric technologies 
as options for identity verification at Global Entry kiosks to 
participants when the technologies become available to the Global Entry 
program.
    After arriving at the kiosk, the participant would activate the 
system by inserting either a machine-readable passport or a machine-
readable Lawful Permanent Resident card into the document reader. On-
screen instructions would guide the participant to provide fingerprints 
electronically. These fingerprints would be compared with the 
fingerprint biometrics on file to validate identity and confirm that 
the individual is a participant of the program. The participant would 
also be prompted to look at the camera for a digital photograph and to 
respond to several questions by use of a touch-screen. CBP Officers 
stationed in booths next to the kiosk lanes would oversee activities at 
the kiosk. If a problem occurs with a participant's validation, the 
participant will be directed to proceed to the front of the regular 
inspection lines.
    When the procedures at the kiosk have been successfully completed, 
the participant would be issued a transaction receipt. This receipt 
would be provided to the CBP Officer along with the passport or Lawful 
Permanent Resident card at the exit control area for examination.
    When using the Global Entry kiosks, Global Entry participants would 
be required to declare all articles being brought into the United 
States pursuant to 19 CFR 148.11.
    If Global Entry participants declare any of the following, the 
kiosk would redirect the user to the nearest open passport control 
primary inspection station:
    1. Commercial merchandise or commercial samples, or items that 
exceed the applicable personal exemption amount;
    2. More than $10,000 in currency or other monetary instruments 
(checks, money orders, etc.), or foreign equivalent in any form; or
    3. Restricted/prohibited goods, such as agricultural products, 
firearms, mace, pepper spray, endangered animals, birds, narcotics, 
fireworks, Cuban goods, and plants.
    Pursuant to 19 CFR part 162, Global Entry participants may be 
subject to random examination or further examination and inspection at 
any time during the arrival process if determined necessary by CBP. 
Each successful use of Global Entry would constitute a separate and 
completed inspection and application for entry by the participants on 
the date that Global Entry is used.
    All aliens seeking admission to the United States generally must be 
inspected by the examining officer in order to determine admissibility 
and shall present required documentation. See 8 U.S.C. 1225(a)(3), (b), 
1182(a)(7); 8 CFR part 235. Additionally, pursuant to 8 U.S.C. 1185(b) 
and 8 CFR part 235, a person claiming U.S. citizenship must establish 
that fact to the examining officer's satisfaction and must present a 
U.S. passport or other acceptable documentation. The advance inspection 
and identification, when the enrolled participant satisfies the 
conditions and

[[Page 59937]]

requirements set fourth in this section, satisfies the reporting 
requirements of 8 CFR 235.1(a). Each successful use of Global Entry 
constitutes a separate and completed inspection and application for 
entry by the program participants on the date Global Entry is used.

G. Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)

    The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens and nationals from 
participating countries to travel to and enter the United States for 
business or pleasure for up to ninety days without obtaining a visa. 
Nonimmigrant aliens who wish to travel to the United States under the 
VWP are required to obtain a travel authorization via ESTA (Electronic 
System for Travel Authorization) in advance of departure to the United 
States. To obtain travel authorization, applicants must submit 
biographical data and answer eligibility questions. ESTA is accessible 
online at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov for citizens and eligible nationals 
of VWP countries.
    The Global Entry regulatory program is separate from VWP. 
Therefore, when CBP expands the program to include persons other than 
U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and U.S. lawful permanent residents, any 
Global Entry participants who are nonimmigrant aliens from a 
participating VWP country (e.g., the Netherlands) and who wish to 
travel to the United States under the VWP would be required to receive 
a travel authorization via ESTA in advance of departure to the United 
States. Global Entry applicants who have not already received a travel 
authorization via ESTA will be able to do so as part of the Global 
Entry application and enrollment process. During the Global Entry 
enrollment and interview phase the applicant will be asked whether he 
or she is in possession of an ESTA number. If not in possession of an 
ESTA number, the applicant will be asked questions from which it can be 
determined whether the applicant is VWP-eligible, and a determination 
regarding ESTA authorization will be made.

IV. Statutory and Regulatory Requirements

A. Executive Order 12866

    This rule is not an ``economically significant'' rulemaking action 
under Executive Order 12866 because it will not result in the 
expenditure of more than $100 million in any one year. This rule, 
however, is a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 
12866; therefore, this proposed rule has been reviewed by the Office of 
Management and Budget.
    Global Entry is a voluntary program that provides a benefit to the 
public by speeding the CBP processing time for participating travelers. 
Travelers who are otherwise admissible to the United States will be 
able to enter or exit the country regardless of whether they 
participate in Global Entry. This evaluation explores the potential 
costs and benefits of this voluntary trusted traveler program.
    As noted above, CBP estimates that over a five year period, 250,000 
enrollees will be processed, an annual average of 50,000 individuals. 
CBP will charge a fee of $100 per applicant and estimates that each 
application will require 40 minutes (0.67 hours) of the enrollee's time 
to search existing data resources, gather the data needed, and complete 
and review the application form. Additionally, an enrollee will 
experience an ``opportunity cost of time'' to travel to an Enrollment 
Center upon acceptance of the initial application. We assume that one 
hour will be required for this time spent at the Enrollment Center and 
travel to and from the Center, though we note that during the pilot 
program, many applicants coordinated their trip to an Enrollment Center 
with their travel at the airport. We have used one hour of travel time 
so as not to underestimate potential opportunity costs for enrolling in 
the program. We use a value of $28.60 for the opportunity cost for this 
time, which is taken from the Federal Aviation Administration's 
Economic Values for FAA Investment and Regulatory Decisions, A Guide. 
(July 3, 2007. See Table ES-1). This value is the weighted average for 
U.S. business and leisure travelers. For this evaluation, we assume 
that all enrollees will be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or Lawful 
Permanent Residents.
    Using these values, we estimate that the cost per enrollee is 
$147.76 ($28.60 per hour x 1.67 hours + $100 enrollment fee). If there 
are 50,000 enrollees annually, this is a cost of $7,388,100 per year. 
Over five years, the total costs will be approximately $32 million at a 
seven percent discount rate ($35 million at a three percent discount 
rate).
    As noted previously, Global Entry will allow for expedited 
processing for those travelers enrolled in the program. DHS currently 
estimates that, based on its statistical analysis from two-months worth 
of data, those enrolling in Global Entry will save seven minutes on 
average. Monetizing those benefits is difficult; entry processing times 
vary widely among airports and times of day, and the number of trips 
that the Global Entry benefit will be used for any given individual is 
unknown. During some peak periods at some international airports, entry 
processing times can be an hour or more. Avoiding such lines by using 
Global Entry kiosks and avoiding all other entry processing would 
likely represent a clear savings in time for a typical participant.
    Because participation in the Global Entry program is voluntary, the 
perceived benefits of reduced wait time would have to equal or exceed 
the cost of the program over five years. Potential enrollees will 
determine whether or not it is worthwhile to enroll in the program 
based on their individual preferences, which will be influenced by the 
number of trips they make and the typical wait times they experience 
when entering the United States. The most likely participants in the 
program are those that plan to make multiple trips over five years, 
typically experience long waits at the airports they use, or are averse 
to the perceived hassle or inconvenience of standing in line for entry 
processing. Using the estimates presented above, if the annualized cost 
of the program is $36 (total cost of $147.76 amortized over five years 
at a seven percent discount rate) and the average time saved per trip 
is seven minutes (monetized savings of $3.34 per trip), then an average 
traveler would need to make approximately eleven trips annually through 
participating airports to consider enrollment in the Global Entry 
program worth the cost and estimated burden.
    Additionally, those travelers not enrolled in Global Entry could 
experience a small benefit in time-savings as well. If Global Entry 
participants are not standing in the regular entry processing lines, 
non-enrollees could experience reduced wait times.
    Finally, the costs for CBP to administer this program are not 
included here because they will be recovered through the $100 
enrollment fee. CBP could experience benefits by speeding entry 
processing and avoiding time needed to process proven low-risk 
travelers.

B. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    This section examines the impact of the proposed rule on small 
entities as required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 604), 
as amended by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement and Fairness 
Act of 1996. A small entity may be a small business (defined as any 
independently owned and operated business not dominant in its field 
that qualifies as a small business per the Small Business Act); a small 
not-for-profit organization; or a small

[[Page 59938]]

governmental jurisdiction (locality with fewer than 50,000 people).
    CBP has considered the impact of this proposed rule on small 
entities. The individuals to whom this rule applies are not small 
entities as that term is defined in 5 U.S.C. 601(6). CBP acknowledges 
that there are certain ``sole proprietors'' who would be considered 
small businesses and could be affected if they chose to participate in 
Global Entry. However, Global Entry is voluntary and the fee to enroll 
in Global Entry is one hundred dollars plus the opportunity cost of the 
individual applying. CBP believes such an expense would not rise to the 
level of being a ``significant economic impact,'' particularly as the 
expense need not be incurred unless the enrollee chooses to incur it. 
However, we welcome comments on that assumption. The most helpful 
comments are those that can give us specific information or examples of 
a direct impact on small entities. If we do not receive comments that 
demonstrate that the rule causes small entities to incur direct costs, 
we may, during the process of drafting the final rule, certify that 
this action does not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities.

C. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995

    This proposed rule will not result in the expenditure by State, 
local, and tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the private 
sector, of $100 million or more in any one year, and it will not 
significantly or uniquely affect small governments. Therefore, no 
actions are necessary under the provisions of the Unfunded Mandates 
Reform Act of 1995.

D. Executive Order 13132

    The proposed rule will not have substantial direct effects on the 
States, on the relationship between the National Government and the 
States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the 
various levels of government. Therefore, in accordance with section 6 
of Executive Order 13132, this proposed rule does not have sufficient 
federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a federalism 
summary impact statement.

E. Paperwork Reduction Act

    Information is being collected from voluntary applicants in order 
to assess whether the individuals meet the eligibility requirements and 
are otherwise deemed to be low-risk travelers and therefore may 
appropriately participate in the voluntary Global Entry program. This 
information will be collected through the Global On-Line Enrollment 
System (GOES). This collection of information is required and 
authorized by 8 U.S.C. 1365b and 8 CFR part 235 for use in 
international trusted traveler programs. Additionally, the information 
being collected is necessary to satisfy the requirements regarding 
examination of aliens applying for admission to the United States 
pursuant to 8 U.S.C. 1225(a)(3), 8 U.S.C. 1225(b) and 8 U.S.C. 
1182(a)(7), and U.S. Citizens entering the United States pursuant to 8 
U.S.C. 1185(b).
    An agency may not conduct, and a person is not required to respond 
to, a collection of information unless the collection of information 
displays a valid control number assigned by OMB. OMB has already 
approved the collection of the Global Entry application information in 
accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507) 
under OMB Control Number 1651-0121. A revision request will be 
submitted to OMB to reflect the additional respondents that will be 
submitting the requisite information through GOES.
    The burden estimates for collecting and entering information for 
the GOES on-line application for Global Entry, interview time, and 
travel time are presented below:
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 50,000.
    Estimated Number of Responses per Respondent: 1.
    Estimated Number of Total Annual Responses: 50,000.
    Estimated Time per Response: 40 minutes.
    Estimate Total Annual Burden Hours: 33,500.
    Comments concerning the accuracy of this burden estimate and 
suggestions for reducing this burden should be directed to the Office 
of Management and Budget, Attention: Desk Officer for the Department of 
Homeland Security, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, 
Washington, DC 20503. A copy should also be sent to the Border Security 
Regulations Branch, Bureau of Customs and Border Protection, 799 9th 
Street, NW., 5th Floor, Washington, DC 20001-4501.
    Comments are invited on:
    (a) Whether the collection is necessary for the proper performance 
of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will 
have practical utility;
    (b) The accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the 
collection of the information;
    (c) Ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected;
    (d) Ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on 
respondents, including through the use of automated collection 
techniques or other forms of information technology; and
    (e) Estimates of capital or startup costs and costs of operations, 
maintenance, and purchases of services to provide information.

F. Privacy

    The on-line application for Global Entry collects information 
similar to that collected on applications for CBP's other trusted 
traveler programs (e.g., NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST). The information 
collected through the on-line application is deposited into the Global 
Enrollment System (GES), as the system of record for CBP trusted 
traveler programs. The personal information provided by the applicants, 
including the fingerprint biometrics taken at the time of the personal 
interview, may be shared with other government and law enforcement 
agencies in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. The 
personal information that is collected through GOES is maintained in a 
Privacy Act system of records (GES) that was last published in the 
Federal Register (71 FR 20708) on April 21, 2006. CBP has also 
published two Privacy Impact Assessments that cover this program on the 
DHS Privacy Office Web site, http://www.dhs.gov/privacy [GES, GOES]. In 
addition, an update addressing on-line functionality of the enrollment 
process was posted to the DHS Privacy Office Web site on November 1, 
2006. Applicant biometrics (fingerprints, photographs) are stored in 
the DHS Automated Biometric Identification System (IDENT). The IDENT 
Privacy Act System of Records notice was last published on June 5, 
2007.

G. Signing Authority

    The signing authority for this document falls under 8 U.S.C. 
1365b(k) pertaining to the authority of the Secretary of Homeland 
Security to develop and implement a trusted traveler program to 
expedite the travel of previously screened and known travelers across 
the borders of the United States.

List of Subjects

8 CFR Part 103

    Administrative practice and procedure, Authority delegations 
(Government agencies), Freedom of

[[Page 59939]]

information, Immigration, Privacy, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Surety bonds.

8 CFR Part 235

    Administrative practice and procedure, Aliens, Immigration, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

Proposed Amendments to CBP Regulations

    For the reasons set forth in this document, it is proposed to amend 
8 CFR parts 103 and 235 as follows:

PART 103--POWERS AND DUTIES; AVAILABILITY OF RECORDS

    1. The authority citation for part 103 would continue to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301, 552, 552a; 8 U.S.C. 1101, 1103, 1304, 
1356; 31 U.S.C. 9701; Public Law 107-296, 116 Stat. 2135 (6 U.S.C. 1 
et seq.); E.O. 12356, 47 FR 14874, 15557, 3 CFR, 1982 Comp., p.166; 
8 CFR part 2.

    2. In Sec.  103.7, paragraph (b)(1) is amended by adding at the end 
of the list of forms (after the entry for ``Form N-644'') the 
following: ``Global Entry. For filing an application for Global Entry-- 
$100.''

PART 235--INSPECTION OF PERSONS APPLYING FOR ADMISSION

    3. The authority citation for part 235 would continue to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1101 and note, 1103, 1183, 1185 (pursuant to 
E.O. 13323, published January 2, 2004), 1201, 1224, 1225, 1226, 
1228, 1365a note, 1365b, 1379, 1731-32; 8 U.S.C. 1185 note (section 
7209 of Pub. L. 108-458 as amended by section 546 of Pub. L. 109-295 
and by section 723 of Pub. L. 110-53).

    4. A new section 235.7a is added to read as follows:


Sec.  235.7a  Global Entry program.

    (a) Program Description. The Global Entry program is a voluntary 
international trusted traveler program consisting of an integrated 
passenger processing system that will expedite the movement of low-risk 
air travelers into the United States by providing an expedited 
inspection process for pre-approved, pre-screened travelers. In order 
to participate, a person must meet the eligibility requirements 
specified in this section, apply in advance, undergo pre-screening by 
CBP, and be accepted into the program. The Global Entry program allows 
participants expedited entry into the United States at selected 
airports identified by CBP at http://www.globalentry.gov. Participants 
will be processed through the use of CBP-approved technology that will 
include the use of biometrics to validate identity and to perform 
enforcement queries.
    (b) Definitions. For purposes of this section:
    Nonimmigrant Alien means any person not a citizen or U.S. national 
who has been granted the right to reside temporarily in the United 
States. The individuals making up this category are described at 
section 101(a)(15) of the Act.
    U.S. Citizen means a person who acquired U.S. citizenship at birth 
or upon naturalization as provided by law and who has not subsequently 
lost such citizenship.
    U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident means, in accordance with section 
101(a)(20) of the Act, a person who has been lawfully accorded the 
privilege of residing permanently in the United States as an immigrant 
in accordance with the immigration laws and whose status has not 
changed. Such status terminates upon entry of a final administrative 
order of exclusion, deportation, or removal.
    U.S. National means a citizen of the United States or a non-citizen 
who owes permanent allegiance to the United States as provided in 
section 101(a)(22) of the Act.
    (c) Program Eligibility Criteria--(1) Eligible Individuals. The 
following individuals, who hold a valid, machine-readable passport or a 
valid, machine-readable Lawful Permanent Resident Card, may apply to 
participate in Global Entry:
    (i) U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, and U.S. lawful permanent 
residents absent any of the disqualifying factors described in 
paragraph (c)(2) of this section.
    (ii) Certain nonimmigrant aliens from countries that have entered 
into reciprocal arrangements with CBP concerning international trusted 
traveler programs absent any of the disqualifying factors described in 
paragraph (c)(2) of this section, and subject to the conditions set 
forth in the particular arrangement. Individuals from a country that 
has entered into such an arrangement with CBP may be eligible to apply 
for participation in Global Entry only after announcement by CBP by 
publication of a notice in the Federal Register. The notice will 
include the country, the scope of eligibility of nonimmigrant aliens 
from that country (whether citizens of the foreign country only or also 
non-citizens) and other conditions that may apply based on the terms of 
the arrangement. CBP may change or terminate these arrangements without 
prior notice to the public, but will announce such actions as soon as 
practicable by publication of a notice in the Federal Register.
    (iii) Children 14 years of age and older, but under the age of 18 
who meet the eligibility criteria of paragraph (c)(1)(i) or (ii) of 
this section, must have the consent of a parent or legal guardian to 
participate in Global Entry. Children under the age of 14 are not 
eligible to participate in the program.
    (2) Disqualifying Factors. An individual is ineligible to 
participate in Global Entry if CBP determines that the individual 
presents a potential risk for terrorism, criminality or smuggling, or 
is otherwise not a low-risk traveler. This risk determination will be 
based in part upon an applicant's ability to demonstrate past 
compliance with laws, regulations, and policies. An applicant may not 
qualify for participation if any of the following risk factors are 
applicable:
    (i) The applicant provides false or incomplete information on the 
application;
    (ii) The applicant has been arrested for, or convicted of any 
criminal offense or has pending criminal charges or outstanding 
warrants;
    (iii) The applicant has been found in violation of any Customs, 
Immigration, or Agriculture regulations, procedures, or laws in any 
country;
    (iv) The applicant is the subject of an investigation by any 
Federal, State, or local law enforcement agency;
    (v) The applicant is inadmissible to the United States under the 
immigration laws, including applicants with approved waivers of 
inadmissibility or parole documentation;
    (vi) The applicant cannot satisfy CBP of their low-risk status or 
meet other program requirements; or
    (vii) The applicant has been identified on a Government watch list.
    (d) Participating Airports. The Global Entry program allows 
participants expedited entry into the United States at the locations 
identified at http://www.cbp.gov. Expansions of the Global Entry 
program to new airports will be announced by publication in the Federal 
Register and at http://www.cbp.gov.
    (e) Program Application.
    (1) Each applicant must complete and submit the program application 
electronically through the Global On-Line Enrollment System (GOES). The 
application and application instructions for the Global Entry program 
are available at http://www.globalentry.gov.
    (2) Each applicant must pay a non-refundable fee in the amount set 
forth at 8 CFR 103.7(b)(1) for ``Global Entry'' at the time of 
application. The fee covers participation for a total of 5 years

[[Page 59940]]

(provided participation is not suspended or terminated by CBP prior to 
the end of the 5 years, which is the length of the membership period). 
The fee is to be paid to CBP at the time of application through the 
Federal Government's on-line payment system, Pay.gov.
    (3) Each applicant may apply to renew participation up to 90 days 
prior to the close of the original membership period but before the 
expiration date to prevent a lapse in participation.
    (4) Each applicant may check the status of his or her application 
through his or her personal GOES account.
    (f) Interview and Enrollment.
    (1) After submitting the application, the applicant will be 
notified by CBP to schedule an in-person interview at a Global Entry 
Enrollment Center. Applicants may schedule the interview by using GOES 
and may select an Enrollment Center from the list presented.
    (2) Each applicant must bring to the interview with CBP the 
original of the identification document specified in his or her 
application.
    (3) CBP will collect a full set of ten fingerprints to conduct 
biometric based background checks.
    (4) Each applicant must allow CBP to take a digital photograph of 
the applicant.
    (5) An applicant may be required to provide additional biometric 
information that CBP may require to participate in the program.
    (6) After the interview, each applicant will be notified by CBP of 
his or her acceptance or denial in Global Entry by a message posted to 
his or her personal GOES account.
    (g) Valid Machine-Readable Passport or Valid Lawful Permanent 
Resident Card. Each participant must possess a valid, machine-readable 
passport or valid, machine-readable U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident Card 
(Form I-551). Machine-readable passports must include two optical-
character, typeface lines at the bottom of the biographical page of the 
passport that help to quickly read the biographical information on the 
passport. Machine-readable U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident Cards must 
also include two optical-character, typeface lines that help to read 
the information on the card.
    (h) Arrival Procedures. In order to utilize the Global Entry 
program upon entry in the United States, each participant must:
    (1) Use the Global Entry kiosk and follow the on-screen 
instructions;
    (2) Declare all articles being brought into the United States 
pursuant to 19 CFR 148.11. A Global Entry participant will be 
redirected to the nearest open passport control primary inspection 
station, if the participant declares any of the following:
    (i) Commercial merchandise or commercial samples, or items that 
exceed the applicable personal exemption amount;
    (ii) More than $10,000 in currency or other monetary instruments 
(checks, money orders, etc.), or foreign equivalent in any form; or
    (iii) Restricted/prohibited goods, such as agricultural products, 
firearms, mace, pepper spray, endangered animals, birds, narcotics, 
fireworks, Cuban goods, and plants.
    (i) Application for Entry, Examination and Inspection. Each 
successful use of Global Entry constitutes a separate and completed 
inspection and application for entry by the participants on the date 
that Global Entry is used. Pursuant to the enforcement provisions of 19 
CFR part 162, Global Entry participants may be subject to further 
examination and inspection at any time during the arrival process if 
determined necessary by CBP.
    (j) Pilot Participant Enrollment. Upon implementation of the Global 
Entry Program, participants in the Global Entry pilot will be 
automatically enrolled in the Global Entry Program for 5 years from the 
date of enrollment in the pilot program.
    (k) Denial, Removal and Suspension.
    (1) If an applicant is denied participation in Global Entry, a 
notice will be sent to the applicant's GOES account advising him or her 
of the denial, with instructions on how to proceed if the applicant 
wishes to seek additional information.
    (2) A Global Entry participant may be suspended or removed from the 
program for any of the following reasons:
    (i) CBP, at its sole discretion, determines that the participant 
has engaged in any misconduct under the Global Entry program;
    (ii) CBP, at its sole discretion, determines that the participant 
provided false information during the application and/or application 
process;
    (iii) CBP, at its sole discretion, determines that the participant 
failed to follow the terms, conditions and requirements of the program;
    (iv) CBP, at its sole discretion, determines that the participant 
has been arrested or convicted of a crime or otherwise no longer meets 
the program eligibility criteria; or
    (v) CBP, at its sole discretion, determines that such action is 
otherwise necessary.
    (3) CBP will notify the participant of his or her suspension or 
removal in writing. Such suspension or removal is effective 
immediately.
    (l) Redress.
    An individual whose application is denied or whose participation is 
suspended or terminated has three possible methods for redress. These 
processes do not create or confer any legal right, privilege or 
benefit, but are wholly discretionary on the part of CBP. The methods 
of redress include:
    (1) Enrollment Center.
    The applicant/participant may contest his or her denial, suspension 
or removal in writing to the enrollment center where that individual's 
interview was conducted or if the applicant/participant has not been 
interviewed, he or she can write to the CBP Ombudsman in accordance 
with paragraph (l)(3) of this section. The enrollment center addresses 
are available at http://www.globalentry.gov. The letter must be 
received by CBP within 30 calendar days of the date provided as the 
date of suspension or removal. The individual should write on the 
envelope ``Redress Request RE: Global Entry.'' The letter should 
address any facts or conduct listed in the notification from CBP as 
contributing to the denial, suspension or removal and why the 
applicant/participant believes the reason for the action is invalid. 
The applicant/participant may also contact the enrollment center where 
the interview was conducted if it is believed that the denial, 
suspension or revocation was based upon inaccurate information. The 
individual should also include any reasonably available supporting 
documentation. After review, CBP will inform the individual of its 
redress decision. The decision of CBP in the matter is final. If the 
individual's request for redress is successful, the individual's 
eligibility to participate in Global Entry will resume immediately.
    (2) DHS Travelers Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP).
    The applicant/participant may choose to initiate the redress 
process through DHS TRIP. An applicant/participant seeking redress may 
obtain the necessary forms and information to initiate the process on 
the DHS TRIP Web site at: http://www.dhs.gov/xtrvlsec/programs/gc_1169676919316.shtm, or by contacting DHS Trip by mail at the address on 
this Web site.
    (3) Ombudsman.
    If an applicant/participant believes the denial, suspension or 
revocation was based upon inaccurate information he or she may contact 
the CBP Trusted Traveler Ombudsman at the address on the Web site 
http://www.globalentry.gov

[[Page 59941]]

and following the link for ``Trusted Traveler Program Denials.''

    Dated: November 13, 2009.
Janet Napolitano,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. E9-27774 Filed 11-18-09; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9111-14-P