Woonsocket Radio News Room

Rhode Island Delegation Announces Reopening of Global Entry Enrollment Center

Successful reopening comes after delegation demanded an update from Customs and Border Protection on renovation process

 

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse joined Congressmen Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo in announcing the reopening of the Global Entry Enrollment Center at T.F. Green International Airport. When it abruptly closed for renovations on July 6, 2020, the center left Rhode Islanders unable to conveniently schedule their required in-person interviews for Global Entry. Following the delegation’s efforts to seek information and a timetable from the Acting Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, today, the center is listed as open for business and once again ready to assist Rhode Islanders with their Global Entry applications.

 

“We’re thrilled that U.S. Customs and Border Protections listened to us and reopened the Global Entry Enrollment Center at T.F. Green International Airport after a more than 4-year closure,” said the lawmakers. “Global Entry is a critical program for frequent travelers and the ability to conduct the required interviews in-state will help reduce the burden on new and renewal applications. Today, as we celebrate the center’s reopening, we stand ready to assist our constituents to make their international travel as safe, reliable, and convenient as possible.”

 

BACKGROUND

On July 6, 2020, the Global Entry Enrollment Center at T.F. Green International Airport closed for renovations, forcing Rhode Islanders to travel out of state to conduct their interviews.

 

On May 16, 2024, the Rhode Island congressional delegation sent a letter to Acting Commissioner of U.S Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Troy Miller, requesting information on Rhode Island’s Global Entry Enrollment Center. In their letter, the lawmakers expressed their disappointment that information has not been forthcoming on when residents can expect the center to reopen.

 

Global Entry is a CBP program that allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers to have expedited access through immigration when entering the United States, allowing them to bypass long lines at airports or other border patrols. All applicants for Global Entry must undergo a rigorous background check and an in-person interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. Now that the location at T.F. Green International Airport has reopened, Rhode Islanders will not have to leave the state to access the benefits of Global Entry.

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