Hi Dave,
Originally Posted by
bseller
I am also aware, tho not intimately aware of HOW foreign nationals gain access. My point really is that this is going to remain a tool of frequent travellers, including some airline staff with whom I've spoken.
IMO, it will NEVER reach the point that it is overwhelmed by the common international tourist types.
You are quite correct. Unless you are a regular visitor to the US, you won't take the time to apply.
As for the process, it's quite simple:
You apply to the partner program in your country of citizenship. They submit your request to the Flux Alliance in order for the CBP to run a background check on you. In parallel, they run their own check.
If you pass both checks, you get invited for an appointment to take your biometric information (in the Netherlands, it's an eyescan), while the CBP agent stationed there takes your picture and 10-digit fingerprints. Quite painless and fast.
Cheers,
GenevaFlyer