The ongoing partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which began on February 14, 2026, continues to affect federal operations. In a recent development, the Trump Administration has reactivated the Global Entry program after a temporary suspension. Global Entry, a program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States, was halted on February 22 but resumed operations on March 11 at 5:00 a.m. ET.
While Global Entry and TSA PreCheck are now operational, the lapse in DHS funding has led to staffing shortages among TSA agents at several major airports. Travelers have reported significant delays, with wait times for security screening reaching up to three hours at some locations. The shutdown stems from a congressional standoff over immigration enforcement funding and proposed guardrails on federal agents.
For immigrants and international travelers, these disruptions mean that while expedited screening programs have been restored, overall processing at ports of entry may still be slower than usual. It is crucial for anyone traveling internationally or navigating the U.S. immigration system to plan ahead, anticipate delays, and stay informed about the latest operational statuses of DHS agencies, including Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).