First question: do you have a credit card which reimburses the $100 fee? If no I'd personally wouldn't take the "gamble"; if yes go for it.
Second question: do you do lots of intl. travel? Also CBP has an app which can help speed you through the CBP when you return to the USA--this may be sufficient(?)

You have a record. It was not too long ago. Don't bother unless you have spare money.

Very large fine = you're not trustworthy, forget about GE.

Pre-Check is a different issue--while they don't trust you not to smuggle they don't think you're a terrorist.

Good afternoon,

Well, my boyfriend finally got his FOIA and this is what it said:

This is a final response to your Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). You were denied the program because of a 2014 short form seizure of cigarettes, however, you should consider to file a reconsideration request to the Ombudsman as it appears it was an abandoment by you. We conducted a comprehensive search of files within the CBP databases for records that would be responsive to your request. Unfortunately, we were unable to locate or identify any responsive records, based upon the information you provided in your request.

Questions:
1. Is there a time limit from the date he was denied GE until he can send in another reconsideration? His GE denial was July 2019
2. If he's past the time limit for another reconsideration (this will be his 2nd); does it look at least promising to reapply for his GE again?
3. What's the timeline now with getting a GE with all of the shut-downs and such?

Thanks in advance.

This is what I said 6 months ago. And I will say this once again.

You have a record. Don't bother unless you have spare money.

I believe your reply was to another person who had a 'hefty fine' (or the sorts) ...

The letter stated to consider filing a reconsideration with the Ombudsman which is why I was asking the above questions

Requests to the ombudsman for reconsideration do not incur additional fees.

Sorry about not being clear. The problem I see is the GE in question should have been expired. So I am not sure that the Ombudsman will take up the reconsideration. Of course I could be wrong about this.

Given it has been expired, then OP can simply apply for a new one without reconsideration if that "seizure" does not apply OP. That's where my OP comes in.

Bottom line - OP is free to do anything. But I would not simply have the hope up for anything at all.

Went back and found old emails - the reconsideration request was 11/15/19 and they say to allow 6 months and with the shut-down, I'm sure they are behind ... so, hoping that it's not expired as we are still awaiting the Ombudsman's response.

Simply follow the instructions contained in the FOIA response. Someone at DHS went out of their way to make a suggestion and you should do exactly what is suggested.

Include a copy of the FOIA response with your submission.

Do the reconsideration and attach the FOIA copy. Or at least mention it was an abandonment with every detail of the encounter you recall and your history since then.

Thankfully, I had him call CBP before doing anything --- so, apparently, even though he has a screen shot of when he submitted his reconsideration of 11/15/19, it didn't go through - so, he wrote as much detail that he could in the small limited # of characters box stating that on the recommendation of FOIA, he is requesting reconsideration - he proceeded to give a summary of what happened and of course attached the FOIA letter ... CBP said that reconsideration requests are averaging 3-5 months. Fingers crossed & I'll update when I know something ...

Thank you to all that helped

I did get an approved reconsideration if you search my name above. And that was with a real, though accidental violation. Coupled with 7 subsequent years of issue free travel and pointing out that I travel with my previously cleared spouse all the time, helped get me approved. It took 8 months though.

Wow ... much more worse things out there that should be stopped or denied for ... not a honest mistake or someone being sold items and told no issues and willing to pay duty getting flagged... oh welll - hoping we hear back in 3-5 months ... 8 months would still work, but my anxiety level will be rising - we are flying to London next June.

UPDATE!!!!!
Reconsideration submitted on 06/26/20
CA approval received on 07/09/20

Now the process of waiting for interview locations to start back up.

Thank you all for your help, guidance and support during this long journey :)