Fast‑Track Return: Global Entry Reopens After DHS Pause

The United States has turned the page on a travel pause that began when lawmakers could not agree on a budget. A federal agency said it would bring back a program that lets frequent international travelers skip long lines at airports. The move comes after the department had stopped processing Global Entry users for a month because of a partial shutdown. The decision was framed as a way to reduce congestion at airports during the ongoing funding dispute. Earlier in February, officials announced that they would no longer accept Global Entry travelers after the government’s funding ended. The agency had said it was reallocating staff to serve all passengers, a shift that drew criticism from some lawmakers. The pause is part of a larger clash over immigration enforcement rules. Democrats want tighter controls on federal agents, while Republicans fear such limits could hamper law‑enforcement efforts. The suspension of Global Entry, a program that has been marketed as a time saver for frequent flyers, sparked backlash from both sides of the aisle and from travel industry groups.Senator Chuck Schumer accused the administration of using airport disruptions as a bargaining chip. Representative Bennie Thompson called the halt an attempt to punish ordinary citizens. The U. S. Travel Association urged the agency to restore the program, arguing that stopping it would lengthen wait times and reduce a layer of security built over years. Global Entry is run by Customs and Border Protection. It allows U. S. citizens and lawful permanent residents who have been vetted through background checks and interviews to use automated kiosks at airports. Members pay a fee and can keep the status for up to five years. The agency’s announcement signals a return to normalcy for many travelers and a shift in how the government balances budget concerns with practical services.