Global Entry Denial and Recourse
#226
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Hawai'i Nei
Programs: Au: UA, Marriott, Hilton; GE
Posts: 7,147
Well, I have been proved wrong. Care to share more about your denial and appeals process, and how the FOIA request helped?
#227
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: New York, NY
Programs: AA Gold. UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt (Lifetime Diamond downgraded to Explorist)
Posts: 6,776
You really need to step back and relax a bit about this. It's a frustrating and dumbfounding system and you're caught in one of the snags at the moment and only going to drive yourself nuts. Welcome to Dealing with gov't agencies 101.
You filed the appeal. Now you wait. Do not get a lawyer involved, yet as you'll probably set yourself back on the list and further complicate the situation. Do not reapply or try to get into another program. The only thing you could try is reaching out to your Congressional reps asking for assistance. Keep your request concise and factual though.
I had to appeal my initial rejection which basically came down to the interviewer not liking my answer when he asked how I felt about TSA operations compared to security at TLV airport. Took a few weeks but I was approved via the appeal and then joined Nexus 3 years later. Remember, these programs are a privilege extended to those that fit security criteria but it's also run by a government office...
You could do FOIA requests but I doubt you're going to get little to no info as a gov't security agency isn't going to disclose that info anyways. And DHS is notorious for their blocking of information. Their own OIG made public statements about their failures a few weeks ago.
You filed the appeal. Now you wait. Do not get a lawyer involved, yet as you'll probably set yourself back on the list and further complicate the situation. Do not reapply or try to get into another program. The only thing you could try is reaching out to your Congressional reps asking for assistance. Keep your request concise and factual though.
I had to appeal my initial rejection which basically came down to the interviewer not liking my answer when he asked how I felt about TSA operations compared to security at TLV airport. Took a few weeks but I was approved via the appeal and then joined Nexus 3 years later. Remember, these programs are a privilege extended to those that fit security criteria but it's also run by a government office...
You could do FOIA requests but I doubt you're going to get little to no info as a gov't security agency isn't going to disclose that info anyways. And DHS is notorious for their blocking of information. Their own OIG made public statements about their failures a few weeks ago.
#228
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: FIND ME ON TWITTER FOR THE LATEST
Posts: 27,730
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/27775224-post163.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/27800849-post168.html
But the process is neither quick nor all that simple, I used a lawyer to coordinate everything and it took well over a year-- closer to two. Still, in my opinion, if there's something lurking in one's records that they don't know about, could be worth finding out. Especially "in this day and age". My records were heavily redacted, but one could easily get the gist of things.
Well, that actually sounds kind of encouraging-- I had no idea turn-around could ever be that quick!
Last edited by JonNYC; Jan 31, 2017 at 2:36 am
#229
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 16
Yoshi212: 'I had to appeal my initial rejection which basically came down to the interviewer not liking my answer when he asked how I felt about TSA operations compared to security at TLV airport. Took a few weeks but I was approved via the appeal and then joined Nexus 3 years later.'
Wow, just a couple of weeks huh... That is awesome. You sent an email to the Ombudsman? I keep hearing 6 to 9 months - IF i even get an answer....
Again, its just frustation - I get it its a program etc. I wouldnt be as upset if I had a record or some thing of the other. I just wish I knew the reason, as Other doesnt really tell me anything on what issues I have and how to supposedly fix them.
Either way - definitely a waiting game... all i can do.
Wow, just a couple of weeks huh... That is awesome. You sent an email to the Ombudsman? I keep hearing 6 to 9 months - IF i even get an answer....
Again, its just frustation - I get it its a program etc. I wouldnt be as upset if I had a record or some thing of the other. I just wish I knew the reason, as Other doesnt really tell me anything on what issues I have and how to supposedly fix them.
Either way - definitely a waiting game... all i can do.
#230
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: New York, NY
Programs: AA Gold. UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt (Lifetime Diamond downgraded to Explorist)
Posts: 6,776
Not to ruin your hopes of "just a few weeks" but this was several years ago when the program was smaller so less workload for the Ombudsman's office and external pressure may have been used to push my case forward a bit.
But you're right that it's a frustrating waiting game ahead of you and good luck.
But you're right that it's a frustrating waiting game ahead of you and good luck.
Wow, just a couple of weeks huh... That is awesome. You sent an email to the Ombudsman? I keep hearing 6 to 9 months - IF i even get an answer....
Again, its just frustation - I get it its a program etc. I wouldnt be as upset if I had a record or some thing of the other. I just wish I knew the reason, as Other doesnt really tell me anything on what issues I have and how to supposedly fix them.
Either way - definitely a waiting game... all i can do.
Again, its just frustation - I get it its a program etc. I wouldnt be as upset if I had a record or some thing of the other. I just wish I knew the reason, as Other doesnt really tell me anything on what issues I have and how to supposedly fix them.
Either way - definitely a waiting game... all i can do.
#231
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 16
Well, CBP responded back to my email - and basically said the decision stands.
'If you were denied because you cannot satisfy CBP that all eligibility requirements are met, the decision stands. CBP may use information from other agencies when making eligibility decisions and is prohibited from releasing other agency information.'
So... I guess I'm SOL.
'If you were denied because you cannot satisfy CBP that all eligibility requirements are met, the decision stands. CBP may use information from other agencies when making eligibility decisions and is prohibited from releasing other agency information.'
So... I guess I'm SOL.
#233
Moderator: Information Desk, Women Travelers, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Chicago, IL, USA
Programs: AA Gold
Posts: 15,655
Well, CBP responded back to my email - and basically said the decision stands.
'If you were denied because you cannot satisfy CBP that all eligibility requirements are met, the decision stands. CBP may use information from other agencies when making eligibility decisions and is prohibited from releasing other agency information.'
So... I guess I'm SOL.
'If you were denied because you cannot satisfy CBP that all eligibility requirements are met, the decision stands. CBP may use information from other agencies when making eligibility decisions and is prohibited from releasing other agency information.'
So... I guess I'm SOL.
1. Someone else who applied using the same address as yours, which you've lived at for 8 years. Do you live in a single-family or multi-family home? Did the names they asked you in connect with that address sound familiar? Have you ever received mail for them? Seen their names on buzzers? Remember them as pas residents?
2. They asked about your parents' address.
3. They asked about your grandparents' address. Did you ever live there?
4. They asked about your uncle.
You say that none of your family members are on the no-fly list and you're certain of that. Are you aware that people often get on the list because of mistaken identity -- and this includes people who do not have Arab names? Can you tell us a bit about your family demographics and what might cause a red flag? Anyone have any arrests for crimes that often cross borders, such as drug distribution? Are all of your immediate and extended family members natural born citizens or are some LPRs or naturalized citizens? Is anyone family member married to an immigrant who may have family members who raise red flags?
#234
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 16
chgoeditor asked:
1. Someone else who applied using the same address as yours, which you've lived at for 8 years. Do you live in a single-family or multi-family home? Did the names they asked you in connect with that address sound familiar? Have you ever received mail for them? Seen their names on buzzers? Remember them as pas residents?
Single family home I bought in 2009. For the names that they asked - there were none that I knew of for my home address. I did disclose that my dad lives with me as well as my sister and brother and gave names.
2. They asked about your parents' address.
My dad's address is mine and my mom's address is my grandparents as she lives with them since they are elderly.
3. They asked about your grandparents' address. Did you ever live there?
Yes, I listed that on the application too. They asked about my uncle and some other gentlemen I didnt know.
4. They asked about your uncle.
Yes they asked if I knew him - of course I told them yes.
You say that none of your family members are on the no-fly list and you're certain of that.
Yes, I am certain. Everyone in my family has a passport.
Are you aware that people often get on the list because of mistaken identity -- and this includes people who do not have Arab names? Can you tell us a bit about your family demographics and what might cause a red flag?
I wasnt aware of that - but African American US citizens. Born and raised in the USA.
Anyone have any arrests for crimes that often cross borders, such as drug distribution?
My dad does have a record (he served some years in jail but got out in the 90s) but nothing to do with immigration or crossing the border. Again, he has a valid passport - not sure if this helps. They didnt ask about his past or anything.
Are all of your immediate and extended family members natural born citizens or are some LPRs or naturalized citizens? Is anyone family member married to an immigrant who may have family members who raise red flags?
Everyone in my family are US Citizens. No spouses from different countries.
1. Someone else who applied using the same address as yours, which you've lived at for 8 years. Do you live in a single-family or multi-family home? Did the names they asked you in connect with that address sound familiar? Have you ever received mail for them? Seen their names on buzzers? Remember them as pas residents?
Single family home I bought in 2009. For the names that they asked - there were none that I knew of for my home address. I did disclose that my dad lives with me as well as my sister and brother and gave names.
2. They asked about your parents' address.
My dad's address is mine and my mom's address is my grandparents as she lives with them since they are elderly.
3. They asked about your grandparents' address. Did you ever live there?
Yes, I listed that on the application too. They asked about my uncle and some other gentlemen I didnt know.
4. They asked about your uncle.
Yes they asked if I knew him - of course I told them yes.
You say that none of your family members are on the no-fly list and you're certain of that.
Yes, I am certain. Everyone in my family has a passport.
Are you aware that people often get on the list because of mistaken identity -- and this includes people who do not have Arab names? Can you tell us a bit about your family demographics and what might cause a red flag?
I wasnt aware of that - but African American US citizens. Born and raised in the USA.
Anyone have any arrests for crimes that often cross borders, such as drug distribution?
My dad does have a record (he served some years in jail but got out in the 90s) but nothing to do with immigration or crossing the border. Again, he has a valid passport - not sure if this helps. They didnt ask about his past or anything.
Are all of your immediate and extended family members natural born citizens or are some LPRs or naturalized citizens? Is anyone family member married to an immigrant who may have family members who raise red flags?
Everyone in my family are US Citizens. No spouses from different countries.
#235
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
chgoeditor asked:
Single family home I bought in 2009. For the names that they asked - there were none that I knew of for my home address. I did disclose that my dad lives with me as well as my sister and brother and gave names.
2. They asked about your parents' address.
My dad's address is mine and my mom's address is my grandparents as she lives with them since they are elderly.
My dad does have a record (he served some years in jail but got out in the 90s) but nothing to do with immigration or crossing the border.
Single family home I bought in 2009. For the names that they asked - there were none that I knew of for my home address. I did disclose that my dad lives with me as well as my sister and brother and gave names.
2. They asked about your parents' address.
My dad's address is mine and my mom's address is my grandparents as she lives with them since they are elderly.
My dad does have a record (he served some years in jail but got out in the 90s) but nothing to do with immigration or crossing the border.
Now at least you have something on which you might focus. We don't know how old you are (so how old you were at the time, what your father's crime was, and any other details such as whether he still on probation or parole, still owes a fine of any kind.
Is there any detail about all of this which you do not know and which might cause a suspicious investigator to reflect on whether you have earned CBP's trust? Again, don't take it wrong, but perhaps a careful sit down with your father?
#236
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: New York, NY
Programs: AA Gold. UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt (Lifetime Diamond downgraded to Explorist)
Posts: 6,776
Having a passport doesn't means someone isn't on a watch list and there are different lists.
Another consideration is your travel pattern. If you're not going to be traveling internationally and don't have a regular travel pattern DHS may consider you not qualified to have such a privilege. Or if you have traveled with any regularity to specific destinations and/or have flown to "trouble areas".
Another consideration is your travel pattern. If you're not going to be traveling internationally and don't have a regular travel pattern DHS may consider you not qualified to have such a privilege. Or if you have traveled with any regularity to specific destinations and/or have flown to "trouble areas".
#237
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 16
Sorry to say this, but you are living at the same address as a convicted felon. No idea what the felony was, but "some years" back in the '90's might have been a serious crime.
Now at least you have something on which you might focus. We don't know how old you are (so how old you were at the time, what your father's crime was, and any other details such as whether he still on probation or parole, still owes a fine of any kind.
Is there any detail about all of this which you do not know and which might cause a suspicious investigator to reflect on whether you have earned CBP's trust? Again, don't take it wrong, but perhaps a careful sit down with your father?
Now at least you have something on which you might focus. We don't know how old you are (so how old you were at the time, what your father's crime was, and any other details such as whether he still on probation or parole, still owes a fine of any kind.
Is there any detail about all of this which you do not know and which might cause a suspicious investigator to reflect on whether you have earned CBP's trust? Again, don't take it wrong, but perhaps a careful sit down with your father?
But the interviewer didn't ask about him in detail. Just asked who I lived with and I told him. There wasn't any other conversation surrounding it.
You can believe when I got the denial - I asked him if he was straight and if he were behind on anything. He assured me the answer was no.
#238
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 16
Having a passport doesn't means someone isn't on a watch list and there are different lists.
Another consideration is your travel pattern. If you're not going to be traveling internationally and don't have a regular travel pattern DHS may consider you not qualified to have such a privilege. Or if you have traveled with any regularity to specific destinations and/or have flown to "trouble areas".
Another consideration is your travel pattern. If you're not going to be traveling internationally and don't have a regular travel pattern DHS may consider you not qualified to have such a privilege. Or if you have traveled with any regularity to specific destinations and/or have flown to "trouble areas".
I go out of the country at least 1 a year. Normally to warmer climate places - Mexico, Brazil, Jamaica, Aruba, just to name a few....
I was thinking because I didnt go anywhere in 2016 - I was doing house work so I skipped the yearly trip - and if my travel pattern was a reason but I read others who said they rarely go out of the country and had no issues.
#239
Moderator: Information Desk, Women Travelers, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Chicago, IL, USA
Programs: AA Gold
Posts: 15,655
Currently 32. I was under 18 when he had his issues. Between the ages of 10 -16 where he was in and out of jail. Drug issues. He owes no more fines. Has a clear police report - had to get one for his job. He is definitely doing the right thing right now.
But the interviewer didn't ask about him in detail. Just asked who I lived with and I told him. There wasn't any other conversation surrounding it.
You can believe when I got the denial - I asked him if he was straight and if he were behind on anything. He assured me the answer was no.
But the interviewer didn't ask about him in detail. Just asked who I lived with and I told him. There wasn't any other conversation surrounding it.
You can believe when I got the denial - I asked him if he was straight and if he were behind on anything. He assured me the answer was no.
I've had two GE interviews and they never asked about any of my relatives, so the fact they asked about your uncle also raises a red flag that there might be something connected with him that set off alarms.
You know what is funny - given everything that is going on right now - I am going to Dubai in March for a class trip. I was wondering if that had something to do with it.
I go out of the country at least 1 a year. Normally to warmer climate places - Mexico, Brazil, Jamaica, Aruba, just to name a few....
I was thinking because I didnt go anywhere in 2016 - I was doing house work so I skipped the yearly trip - and if my travel pattern was a reason but I read others who said they rarely go out of the country and had no issues.
I was thinking because I didnt go anywhere in 2016 - I was doing house work so I skipped the yearly trip - and if my travel pattern was a reason but I read others who said they rarely go out of the country and had no issues.
Last edited by TWA884; Jan 31, 2017 at 5:06 pm Reason: Fix BB Code
#240
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Watchlisted by the prejudiced, en route to purgatory
Programs: Just Say No to Fleecing and Blacklisting
Posts: 102,095
Currently 32. I was under 18 when he had his issues. Between the ages of 10 -16 where he was in and out of jail. Drug issues. He owes no more fines. Has a clear police report - had to get one for his job. He is definitely doing the right thing right now.
But the interviewer didn't ask about him in detail. Just asked who I lived with and I told him. There wasn't any other conversation surrounding it.
You can believe when I got the denial - I asked him if he was straight and if he were behind on anything. He assured me the answer was no.
But the interviewer didn't ask about him in detail. Just asked who I lived with and I told him. There wasn't any other conversation surrounding it.
You can believe when I got the denial - I asked him if he was straight and if he were behind on anything. He assured me the answer was no.