GLOBAL ENTRY PILOT PROGRAM SCHEDULED FOR ROLLOUT IN JUNE 2008

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recently announced that the Global Entry Pilot Program is scheduled for rollout this summer.

Designed to expedite the screening and processing of low risk, frequent international travelers that enter the United States, the Global Entry Program will be available for U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (i.e., green card holders) who are frequent international travelers provided: (1) they have not been found guilty of a criminal offense; (2) charged with a customs or immigration violation; or (3) declared inadmissible to the United States under immigration legislation. Biometric fingerprint technology will be used the passenger's identity and confirm an individual's status as a Global Entry Program participant.

The Global Entry Program works in the following manner: Upon returning to the United States from international travel, the Program's enrolled travelers may bypass the regular passport control line and proceed to the Global Entry kiosk. At the kiosk, the traveler will activate the system by inserting their passport or U.S. permanent residency card into the document reader. The kiosk will then direct the Program member to electronically provide their fingerprints, which will then be compared to the individual's biometric fingerprints on file. A digital photograph will also be taken as part of the transaction record. Lastly, the traveler will be prompted to answer several CBP declaration questions posted on the kiosk's touch screen. Once the process is completed, the traveler will be issued a transaction receipt which must be presented to a CBP official as the traveler leaves the inspection area.

The Global Reach Pilot Program will begin processing applications from the public on May 12, 2008. Applications for enrollment in the Global Entry Program will be available through the Global Online Enrollment System (GOES) (www.goes-app.cbp.dhs.gov/). Enrollment is a three-step process: (1) an applicant must it a completed online application through GOES and pay a $100 fee through http://www.pay.gov/; (2) CBP officials will review the application and conduct a background investigation; and (3) the applicant will be interviewed by CBP officials.

The three airports that will host the pilot portion of the Program include JFK International Airport, the George Bush Intercontinental Airport, and Washington Dulles International Airport. Operations at are scheduled to begin on June 10, 2008.

6^th Update

April 16, 2008