Airport travel is a must for working professionals who are constantly networking and taking on business ventures. For many business professionals, bypassing the security line and being pre-approved for CBP’s Global Entry Trusted Traveler program makes the travel experience a smoother one.
If you’ve already secured your Global Entry membership, you know that the review process can be a lengthy and in-depth one. If you are applying for Global Entry for the first time, you are likely discovering that, between the in-person interview, background check, and more, there is an immense amount of scrutiny in the screening process.
Is it an invasion of privacy to use such discretion in the screening process? What are states doing to protect their citizens? As of this post, New York (NY) has recently enacted the “Green Light Law” which is now causing serious repercussions for New York state residents who are either applying or re-applying for the Global Entry Trusted Traveler program. Read below to learn more about NY’s Green light Law and Global Entry.
What is NY’s “Green Light Law”?
On June 17, 2019, New York enacted the Green Light Law, or Driver’s License Access and Privacy Act. The law became effective on December 14, 2019. The law forbids New York’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) from releasing driving records, registration, and license information to the United State Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from accessing and validating pertinent driving records in New York.
What is CBP doing in response to NY’s “Green Light Law”?
Acting Secretary Chad Wolf at CBP stated, “It’s very clear: this irresponsible action [the law] has consequences.” Wolf went on to announce in his formal letter that New York residents will no longer be eligible to apply or renew their application in certain Trusted Traveler Programs (TTP), such as Global Entry.
CBP, therefore, considers NY’s “Green Light Law” a liability, as it prevents the access of DMV data to help thwart national security issues, such as unlawful trade and unlawful travel. The evidence-based data that the DMV provides on an applicant’s record is beneficial in determining whether or not they are to be considered low-risk travellers. Ultimately, when the data is denied, the security is compromised, according to DHS.
What can you do now to ensure that your Global Entry isn’t revoked or denied?
We strongly recommend having your underlying case record and Global Entry application reviewed by a licensed attorney. By reviewing the record, we can help minimize the damage and increase the likelihood that your Global Entry application will be accepted or renewed by CBP.
To help with this, we offer a comprehensive Global Entry case analysis. You can learn more about the Global Entry Trust Traveler program here, or can sign up online today for a case analysis.
Lifeback Legal is a division of the Law Firm of Shea M. Randall, a trusted California Law Firm. We specialize in helping individuals get their life back with California criminal record expungements and federal licensing services. We have become one of the leading providers of Global Entry reconsiderations and have experience dealing with the headache that can be caused by attempting to appeal a denial with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Our team can be reached by filing out the contact form below or by calling our office at (888) 751-5329.
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