Harmonization of the Fees and Application Procedures for the Global Entry and SENTRI Programs and Other Changes

<RULE> DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY <CFR>8 CFR Parts 103 and 235</CFR> <DEPDOC>[Docket No. USCBP-2020-0035]</DEPDOC> <RIN>RIN 1651-AB34 CBP Dec. No. 24-08</RIN> <SUBJECT>Harmonization of the Fees and Application Procedures for the Global Entry and SENTRI Programs and Other Changes</SUBJECT> <HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD> U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Department of Homeland Security (DHS). <HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD> Final rule. <SUM> <HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD> This final rule amends DHS regulations regarding two CBP trusted traveler programs: Global Entry and Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI). CBP is amending regulations to make the Global Entry and SENTRI application fees uniform, provide a uniform standard regarding payment of the Global Entry and SENTRI application fees for minors, change the fee payment schedule and certain aspects of the application process for SENTRI, and incorporate SENTRI-specific regulations into DHS regulations. CBP is also amending regulations to address Global Entry expansion to preclearance facilities and eliminate the dedicated commuter lane systems cost fee. </SUM> <EFFDATE> <HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD> This rule is effective October 1, 2024. </EFFDATE> <FURINF> <HD SOURCE="HED">FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:</HD> Rafael E. Henry, Branch Chief, Office of Field Operations, (202) 344-3251, <E T="03">Rafael.E.Henry@cbp.dhs.gov.</E> </FURINF> <SUPLINF> <HD SOURCE="HED">SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:</HD> <HD SOURCE="HD1">Table of Contents</HD> <EXTRACT> <FP SOURCE="FP-2">I. Background</FP> <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">A. Notice of Proposed Rulemaking</FP> <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">B. Adoption of Proposed Changes as Final</FP> <FP SOURCE="FP-2">II. Summary of Changes to the Global Entry and SENTRI Programs</FP> <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">A. Harmonizing the CBP Trusted Traveler Programs</FP> <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">1. Harmonization of the Global Entry and SENTRI Fees</FP> <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">2. Exemption of Certain Minors From Payments of the Application Fee</FP> <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">B. Establishment of New Regulation for the SENTRI Program</FP> <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">C. Additional Changes to the SENTRI Program</FP> <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">1. Changes to the Fee Payment Schedule for the SENTRI Program</FP> <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">2. Requirement for Electronic Submission of the SENTRI Program Application and Payment of Fees</FP> <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">D. Additional Changes to the Global Entry Program</FP> <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">1. 8 CFR 235.12(g)</FP> <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">2. 8 CFR 235.12(h)</FP> <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">3. Other Amendments to 8 CFR 235.12</FP> <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">E. Conforming Amendment to 8 CFR 103.7</FP> <FP SOURCE="FP-2">III. Discussion of Comments Submitted in Response to the NPRM Proposing Changes To Harmonize the Global Entry and SENTRI Programs</FP> <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">A. Overview</FP> <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">B. Discussion of Comments</FP> <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">1. Comments Expressing General Support for the Rule</FP> <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">2. Comments Expressing General Opposition</FP> <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">3. Comments on Fee Structure</FP> <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">4. Comments on Expanding Fee Exemption for Certain Minors</FP> <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">5. Comments Opposing Waiver of Fees for Minor Applicants</FP> <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">6. Comments About Combining Global Entry, SENTRI, and NEXUS Trusted Traveler Programs</FP> <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">7. Comments Opposing NEXUS Fee Change</FP> <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">8. Comments on SENTRI Program Changes</FP> <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">9. Comments on Definition of Family for Fee Exemption</FP> <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">10. Miscellaneous Comments</FP> <FP SOURCE="FP-2">IV. Statutory and Regulatory Requirements</FP> <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">A. Executive Orders 12866 and 13563</FP> <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">1. Purpose of the Rule</FP> <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">2. Background</FP> <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">3. Costs</FP> <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">4. Distributional Impacts</FP> <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">5. Total Monetized Decrease in Transfer Payments to U.S. Government</FP> <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">6. Total Monetized Increase in Transfer Payments to U.S. Government</FP> <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">7. Net Transfer Payments to U.S. Government</FP> <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">8. Benefits and Breakeven Analysis</FP> <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">B. Regulatory Flexibility Act</FP> <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">C. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995</FP> <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">D. Executive Order 13132</FP> <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">E. Paperwork Reduction Act</FP> <FP SOURCE="FP1-2">F. Privacy</FP> </EXTRACT> <HD SOURCE="HD1">I. Background</HD> U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operates several trusted traveler programs at air, land, and sea ports of entry into the United States that provide certain pre-approved, low-risk travelers dedicated processing into the United States. Participants of CBP trusted traveler programs are vetted travelers who have voluntarily applied for membership, have paid a required fee, and have provided certain personal data to CBP. Travelers who are active participants in a CBP trusted traveler program are considered to be a lower risk than other travelers because CBP conducts vetting both when the participant applies to the program and on an ongoing basis after the applicant becomes an approved participant. This allows CBP to focus its attention and resources on higher-risk travelers. Three of these CBP trusted traveler programs are the Global Entry, Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI), <SU>1</SU> <FTREF/> and NEXUS programs. <SU>2</SU> <FTREF/> The Global Entry program allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers dedicated CBP processing at designated airports, currently through the use of automated kiosks. <SU>3</SU> <FTREF/> The SENTRI program allows dedicated processing at specified land border ports along the U.S.-Mexico border for pre-approved travelers. The NEXUS program is a joint trusted traveler program between the United States and Canada, the details of which can be found at <E T="03">http://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/nexus.</E> <FTNT> <SU>1</SU>  SENTRI was previously governed by the Port Passenger Accelerated Service System (PORTPASS) regulations at 8 CFR 235.7, as discussed in further detail below. </FTNT> <FTNT> <SU>2</SU>  The Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program is another CBP trusted traveler program that allows pre-approved commercial truck drivers dedicated processing at select commercial ports of entry at the northern and southern land borders. This program has different vetting standards, is offered to a different type of traveler, and does not have the same benefits as the Global Entry, SENTRI, and NEXUS programs. TSA PreCheck is an additional Department of Homeland Security (DHS) trusted traveler program administered by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). </FTNT> <FTNT> <SU>3</SU>  CBP published an interpretive rule on August 29, 2023, at 88 FR 59439 as an interim measure to define the term “kiosk” to include updated technologies for Global Entry processing in addition to the legacy kiosks referenced in the previous version of the regulations. </FTNT> When the Global Entry, SENTRI, and NEXUS programs were established, each program had a separate application process. The information on applicants and participants in each program was contained in separate CBP databases. <SU>4</SU> <FTREF/> Over time, due to advances in technology, security concerns, and the expansion of the programs, CBP created a more unified application process and a centralized database. Now, the Global Entry, SENTRI, and NEXUS programs use the same application. <FTNT> <SU>4</SU>  Please note that other Federal agencies and foreign partners have access to this data in certain circumstances as described below in the section on privacy and as provided in the privacy documentation. </FTNT> The application for Global Entry, SENTRI, or NEXUS is submitted electronically through the Trusted Traveler Program System (TTP System) website at <E T="03">https://ttp.cbp.dhs.gov.</E> This website was formerly the Global Online Enrollment System (GOES) website. <SU>5</SU> <FTREF/> CBP uses the same vetting process to assess the risk level of an applicant regardless of whether they apply to the Global Entry, SENTRI, or NEXUS program. CBP officers review the applicant's information during the application processing to ensure that the applicant is in compliance with U.S. customs, immigration, and agriculture laws, regulations, and policies. CBP officers also compare that information against various criminal, antiterrorism, and other government databases. If an applicant appears to meet the eligibility criteria of the specific program during initial vetting, the applicant will be notified via the TTP System that they are conditionally approved. The applicant can then schedule a personal interview with a CBP officer at a time and place designated by CBP or, (for Global Entry and NEXUS only) at a specified “Enrollment on Arrival” airport. <FTNT> <SU>5</SU>  Prior to the effective date of this rule, SENTRI applicants could submit a paper application, Form 823S, via mail or in person at a port of entry. </FTNT> An applicant is notified via the TTP System if their application is denied. An applicant may contest their denial or removal from a CBP trusted traveler program by initiating the redress process through the DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP) at <E T="03">https://www.dhs.gov/dhs-trip,</E> or by contacting the Trusted Traveler Ombudsman via a reconsideration request filed through the TTP System at <E T="03">https://ttp.cbp.dhs.gov.</E> If the applicant is accepted into the Global Entry, SENTRI, or NEXUS programs, CBP mails the appropriate Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)-approved Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) trusted ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ Preview showing 10k of 162k characters. Full document text is stored and available for version comparison. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━