On May 5, 2011, United States Customs & Border Protection (“USCBP”) announced that its Trusted Traveler Programs have reached one million members. Trusted Traveler Programs include: (a) Global Entry, (b) NEXUS, (b) SENTRI and (d) FAST. Each of these programs is briefly described below.

Global Entry is a voluntary pilot program that streamlines the international arrival process for pre-approved travelers through use of self-service kiosks located at 20 major U.S. airports. The pilot program is an alternative to regular passport processing lines and currently reduces average wait times by 70 percent.

Applications to Global Entry must be submitted online at www.globalentry.gov. A fee of $100 is collected via the website for a five-year membership. Applicants must then complete an interview and fingerprint data collection in person at any of the 20 airport sites.

Once enrolled in the pilot program, Global Entry members may proceed directly to the kiosks in the international arrivals area upon arrival in the U.S. At the kiosk, members insert their passport or lawful permanent resident card into a document reader, provide digital fingerprints for comparison with fingerprints on file, answer customs declaration questions on the kiosk’s touchscreen, and then present a transaction receipt to CBP officers before leaving the inspection area.

NEXUS is a joint USCBP-Canada Border Services Agency program that both implemented to enhance border security while simplifying the entry process for pre-approved, low-risk travelers. NEXUS was established in 2002 and currently has more than half-million members. NEXUS applicants must go through background checks in both Canada and the United States. The application fee for NEXUS is $50 and enrollment is for five years. In December 2010, USCBP added Global Entry benefits to NEXUS and SENTRI members.

Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (“SENTRI”) provides expedited USCBP processing for pre-approved, low-risk travelers entering the U.S. at land ports of entry from Mexico. The SENTRI program was first implemented at Otay Mesa, Calif., in 1995, and has grown to include 16 lanes at the nine largest ports of entry along the U.S.-Mexico border including San Ysidro, Calif., Calexico, Calif., Nogales, Ariz., two crossings in El Paso, Texas, and the Texas ports of Laredo, Hidalgo and Brownsville.

The Free and Secure Trade (“FAST”) program offers dedicated lanes and expedited border clearance for importers, carriers and drivers who have passed rigorous risk assessments that include fingerprinting. The program is available on both the northern and southern borders. There are about 80,000 members enrolled. FAST members report saving an average 27 minutes when transporting goods into the U.S., and an average of 18 minutes when entering Canada.

All Trusted Traveler Program applicants must voluntarily undergo a background check against criminal, law enforcement, customs, immigration, and terrorist indices; a 10-fingerprint law enforcement check; and a personal interview with a USCBP officer.