With the Department of Homeland Security in its third week of shutdown, NARFE reports that the Trump Administration has suspended Global Entry enrollments and renewals and threatened—but not yet executed—a pause of TSA PreCheck. The lapse stems from a standoff over Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection funding. Approximately 190,000 DHS employees face delayed pay, and non-essential services—including FEMA grant programs—are on hold. For business-travel programs, the Global Entry suspension removes a critical time-saver at U.S. ports of entry, translating into longer queues and possible missed connections for frequent flyers and senior executives. Companies should alert travelers that Global Entry kiosks remain functional for existing members but new applications and renewals are frozen. HR departments coordinating short-term international assignments may need to budget additional transit time and consider airport concierge services as interim mitigation. Immigration attorneys warn that shutdowns can also stall USCIS adjudications funded by discretionary appropriations, potentially delaying EAD renewals and green-card interviews scheduled at DHS-run facilities. Mobility managers are advised to build contingency plans and monitor congressional negotiations closely.
Source: NARFE
