DHS suspends expedited-entry travel program in New York, affecting 175,000 this year

Approximately 175,000 New Yorkers enrolled in federally run expedited-entry travel programs will be blocked from renewing their status this year as a result of the Department of Homeland Security’s refusal to accept and renew applications it says it can no longer judge due to a new state law that prevents it from conducting proper background checks.

Ken Cuccinelli, a senior DHS official performing the duties of acting deputy secretary, told reporters on Thursday that between 150,000 to 200,000 New Yorkers apply for membership in DHS Trusted Travel Programs every year. Membership must be renewed every five years, and in 2020, 175,000 New York residents will need to renew their status but will not be able to.