The Global Entry Enrollment Center at T.F. Green International Airport has reopened, allowing Rhode Islanders to once again schedule in-state interviews to participate in the program.
The center, which had been closed for renovations since July 6, 2020, is now open for business. The reopening was announced on Dec. 10, 2024 by U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse, as well as Congressmen Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo. The announcement came after a sustained effort by the members of the Rhode Island delegation to advocate for the center’s reopening.
“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 in a statement. “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.”
The Rhode Island delegation sent a letter to Troy Miller, the Acting Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in May 2024 expressing their disappointment that they had not received information on the center’s reopening. The delegation’s letter specifically asked for an update on the renovation process and a timeline for the center’s reopening.
Global Entry is a CBP program that allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers to enter the United States through immigration in an expedited manner. The program enables travelers to avoid long lines at airports or other border patrols. To be eligible for Global Entry, applicants must undergo a thorough background check and a face-to-face interview at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. With the reopening of the center at T.F. Green International Airport, Rhode Islanders will no longer have to travel out of state to complete their interviews.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp journalist with the reporting included in this story.
