Checkpoints and Borders Policy Debate - Gay Married Couples & US Customs

I recall seeing a proposal a few months ago to allow same-sex married couples to only fill out a single form and to appear together when reentering the US.

(1) Does anyone know if this has been adopted (and if I recall it correctly)?

(2) I'm applying for a Secure Entry card and authorization. If the procedures have changed - would it also apply to that program - can my card work for both of us?

What is a Secure Entry card?

What is a Secure Entry card?

Referring to Global Entry probably, or perhaps maybe Secure Entri (SENTRI).

Same-sex married couples can already use the same customs form, at least if the family name is shared.

Same-sex married couples can already use the same customs form, at least if the family name is shared.

We use a single customs form and approach the customs officer together when we travel, and have never had a problem. And we have different last names.

What is a Secure Entry card?

A card (in combination with the Secure Entry program) to pre-authorize travelers. In some locations, the card allows returning citizens to log into kiosks and potentially bypass an inspector and the associated lines.

There's a number of related programs Global Entry, SENTRI and Nexus for other types of border crossings. Also, the authorization is anticipated to be accepted for domestic security programs like CLEAR.

Amex Platinum cardholders can get their application fee credited to their accounts.

My hope is that my husband (different surnames) and I will be able to use my Secure Entry card to check in at the kiosk @ JFK when we return from Europe next Spring.

A card (in combination with the Secure Entry program) to pre-authorize travelers. In some locations, the card allows returning citizens to log into kiosks and potentially bypass an inspector and the associated lines.

There's a number of related programs Global Entry, SENTRI and Nexus for other types of border crossings.

Ok-- most people call what you're talking about a Trusted Traveler program (not a secure entry card or secure entry program).

Also, the authorization is anticipated to be accepted for domestic security programs like CLEAR.

There are no current plans to include CLEAR in any government anything.

Amex Platinum cardholders can get their application fee credited to their accounts.

Unfortunately, they introduced that well after I had already been a NEXUS member.

My hope is that my husband (different surnames) and I will be able to use my Secure Entry card to check in at the kiosk @ JFK when we return from Europe next Spring.

With respect to returning to the USA, there is no card to use in the Global Entry Kiosks-- you use your passport. There is also no blue form to fill out as the kiosk prints a receipt to give at the exit. Finally, there is no piggybacking in Trusted Traveler lines-- all travelers must be members to use the line.

With respect to returning to the USA, there is no card to use in the Global Entry Kiosks-- you use your passport. There is also no blue form to fill out as the kiosk prints a receipt to give at the exit. Finally, there is no piggybacking in Trusted Traveler lines-- all travelers must be members to use the line.

And if the trip isn't until next spring, there's nothing to stop both of them from applying for Global Entry - if they're both eligible.

And if the trip isn't until next spring, there's nothing to stop both of them from applying for Global Entry - if they're both eligible.

That is true.

A friend of mine just entered the US with her domestic partner (registered in CA and both US citizens) and they filled out one card. The CBP agent yelled at them and told them they had to fill out 2 cards, because they weren't "family." When they stated they were domestic partners, the CBP agent stated "you aren't family to us."

My 2 best friends (couple for 15 years) and I just went through customs in PIT arriving from CDG a week ago. They asked me if they had to fill out 2 forms and I didn't know for certain.

We were surprised when the Customs agent said that since they lived in the same household they only had to fill out 1 form.

If you read the form closely it does state "members living in the same household". It says nothing about being married or family.

BTW in my experience the PIT Customs agents seem to be the friendliest I've ever encountered in my travels.

When they stated they were domestic partners, the CBP agent stated "you aren't family to us."

Stupid, unfriendly, and arrogant (ie, par for CBP). But true. There is a proposed rule to change this currently just out of comment period so it should hopefully take effect soon officially.

https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2012/03/27/2012-7122/members-of-a-family-for-purpose-of-filing-a-cbp-family-declaration