TRUSTED TRAVELER PROGRAMS & REDRESS

TRAVELER REDRESS INQUIRY PROGRAM (DHS TRIP)

If you find yourself consistently being detained for secondary screenings at U.S. entry ports when returning from international destinations, you should probably contact the Department of Homeland Security’s Travel Redress Inquiry Program (“DHS TRIP”).

The above statement also applies to travelers who:

Often face problems at ports of entry
Were delayed or denied entrance on an airplane
Were denied or delayed when trying to enter or exit U.S. ports of entry or border checkpoints.
Feel that they have been improperly or unfairly: denied, delayed, or required to undergo additional screening at national transportation hubs.

The reasons for these additional screenings can be anything from being confused with someone else, or past convictions. Fortunately, for those who fall into any of the above categories, there are steps you can take to ease your entry and exit through these ports.

If you do not understand why Customs and Border Protection (CBP) keeps singling you out for additional screening, you should to find out why. That task is not particularly difficult since the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) allows you to request copies of all information CBP has on you. The information on DHS databases go as far back as 1982, so by submitting a FOIA request on CBP.org, you should be able to pinpoint why you are being targeted at entry ports.

Once you figure out why you are often made to undergo additional screening by CBP, you can file an inquiry through DHS TRIP to have incorrect information corrected. It’s a straightforward process that only requires a computer and internet access.

Simply head to the online form, and fill out the required information.

If you found erroneous information in the copies you received from your FOIA request, you should address that in the appropriate part of the form. Make sure you include details and any other information that can help clear things up.

You’ll also be required to send in copies of some documents with your inquiry like your passport. Copies of these can be sent via snail mail or scanned and sent to TRIP@dhs.gov.

Once your inquiry is accepted, you will be sent a Redress Control Number. This allows you to check up on the status of your inquiry and for booking flights once your inquiry has been resolved.

So, if you find yourself getting consistently singled out at U.S. entry ports and would like to avoid more of the same in the future, the above steps should point you in the right direction. However, you should note that resolving issues on your DHS files does not automatically exempt you from additional screening in the future. The selection process for determining which travelers are singled out depends on many other factors like random selection and travel patterns.

Our firm assists in the filing of a DHS TRIP inquiry to get you a number you can use to ease your travel domestically or internationally.

Understanding Trusted Traveler Programs

Trusted Traveler Programs have been developed by the U.S Customs and Border Protection agency that offers a number of benefits, such as the ability to bypass regular lines, reduced waiting time, and expedited travel procedures. This program has become more popular in recent years, with a growing number of individuals seeking to enroll.

There are two major Trusted Traveler Programs: TSA Pre✓® and Global Entry, each with its own benefits. TSA Pre✓® expedites the security screening process for flights within the U.S., where it allows you to skip long security lines, keep your shoes and belt on, and avoid taking laptops out of their cases. Meanwhile, Global Entry covers international travel, where returning to the US can take a considerable amount of time, as passengers must go through customs and immigration checks. With Global Entry, you are eligible for TSA Pre✓® as well as expedited processing.

How to Apply for Trusted Traveler Programs

To enroll for TSA Pre✓® and Global Entry programs, you have to submit an online application to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) or the U.S Customs and Border Protection agency. You will then have an in-person interview at one of the TSA enrollment centers or an application support center. The center’s location will vary depending on your proximity to your selected location.

To apply for TSA Pre✓® or Global Entry, you must have no felony convictions or any outstanding warrants. Additionally, foreigners residing in the US are also eligible to join these programs.

What is the REDRESS program?

The DHS (Department of Homeland Security) created the U.S government’s Travel Redress Inquiry Program (TRIP), which includes the DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP), after realizing a need for a system that helps individuals who encounter difficulties during the travel process.

The REDRESS program serves as a solution for those who believe they have been unfairly restricted from boarding a flight, or even enter the country. Moreover, the REDRESS program has become an important tool in the post-9/11 world, providing a recourse for those who have been improperly placed on a no-fly list.

Applying for REDRESS

The application process for REDRESS is uncomplicated and straightforward. The first step is to fill out the Travel Redress Inquiry online form that requires your contact information, recent travel history, and details regarding the issues you’re facing. Once the form is submitted, the Department of Homeland Security promises to process the request within 30 days.

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