Republican legislators urge DHS to provide update of Trusted Traveler Program renewals

U.S. Reps. Chris Jacobs (R-NY), Peter Meijer (R-MI), Kelly Armstrong (R-ND), and John Katko (R-NY), ranking member of the Homeland Security Committee, recently forwarded correspondence to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding a status update on the backlog of Trusted Traveler Program application renewals.

Per the DHS, Trusted Traveler Programs are risk-based programs designed to facilitate the entry of pre-approved travelers, with all applicants being vetted to ensure they meet program qualifications to which they are applying.

“Our constituents and other interested stakeholders have informed us that the Department may be encountering processing delays and backlogs for Trusted Traveler Programs including the NEXUS Program, managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which enables expedited travel between the U.S. and Canada at our shared land ports of entry,” the lawmakers wrote.

The legislators expressed concerns regarding reopening borders to non-essential travel after a prolonged closure may lead to significant delays and unnecessary challenges in resuming the free movement of people and goods at the U.S.- Canada border.

“As we continue our effort to fully reopen the U.S.- Canada border, any backlogs and processing issues must be addressed promptly,” the lawmakers concluded.