WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Peter Meijer (R-MI) today joined a bipartisan group of his colleagues in sending a letter to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) seeking answers regarding their efforts to address backlogs of applications for Trusted Traveler Program renewals.
“Our constituents and other interested stakeholders have informed us that the Department may be encountering processing delays and backlogs for Trusted Traveler Programs including the NEXUS Program, managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which enables expedited travel between the U.S. and Canada at our shared land ports of entry,” the Representatives wrote.
Specifically, the Representatives seek answers to five areas of concern:
1. What processing and enrollment delays, if any, is DHS currently experiencing related to Trusted Traveler Programs?
2. How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted new applications and renewals for DHS Trusted Traveler Programs?
3. To what extent does the Department anticipate changes in the volume of applications and renewals for Trusted Traveler Programs as international travel restrictions are eased?
4. What plans does the Department have for clearing backlogs or speeding up the processing or new applications or renewals to Trusted Traveler Programs?
5. What authorities does DHS have to ensure the efficient and effective operation of Trusted Traveler Program renewals? What legislation action, if any, might Congress consider to improve the operation and efficiency of these programs?
“We are concerned that reopening borders to non-essential travel after a prolonged closure, combined with any lingering issues from processing applications and renewals during the pandemic, may lead to significant delays and unnecessary challenges in resuming the free movement of people and goods at the U.S.-Canada border,” the Representatives wrote. “As we continue our effort to fully reopen the U.S.-Canada border, any backlogs and processing issues must be addressed promptly.”
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