For frequent travelers, Global Entry offers unparalleled convenience, allowing for expedited entry into the United States and avoiding the usual customs lines. However, for some applicants, the path to Global Entry approval can be met with unexpected challenges in the form of application denials. At National Security Law Firm (NSLF), we specialize in helping clients navigate these roadblocks, whether by guiding them through the appeal process or helping them reapply with stronger applications. In this blog, we’ll break down the most common reasons for Global Entry denials and how to effectively address them.
Common Reasons for Global Entry Application Denials
1. Criminal History
One of the most frequent reasons for Global Entry denials is the presence of criminal history, whether it involves misdemeanors or felonies. Even a minor conviction from years ago can raise red flags about an applicant’s eligibility. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) views any criminal record as a potential risk to the program’s trustworthiness and may deny your application.
Example: We’ve helped clients with decades-old misdemeanors appeal their denials by demonstrating their rehabilitation and clean records since the incident.
Tip: Always be upfront about any criminal convictions. If you have one, provide context and documentation to show rehabilitation efforts.
2. Customs or Immigration Violations
A history of customs or immigration violations—such as smuggling, providing false declarations, or overstaying a visa—can lead to a Global Entry denial. CBP takes these violations seriously, as they raise concerns about your compliance with U.S. law and your trustworthiness.
Example: A client who had failed to declare items during a trip years earlier was initially denied. We successfully appealed by demonstrating it was an isolated incident and provided evidence of their compliance since.
Tip: If you have any prior customs violations, be prepared to explain them clearly and provide supporting documentation in your appeal.
3. Failure to Meet Program Requirements
To be eligible for Global Entry, you must meet certain program requirements—such as having a clean legal record and providing accurate personal details. Failing to meet these requirements can easily lead to a denial. This includes submitting incomplete or inaccurate information during the application process.
Tip: Double-check your application before submitting it. Incomplete or incorrect information can lead to delays or an outright denial.
4. Disqualifying Factors
Certain disqualifying factors—such as having outstanding warrants or being subject to ongoing investigations—can automatically render you ineligible for Global Entry. CBP views these as significant risks and will not grant membership until these issues are resolved.
Tip: If you’re currently facing legal issues, it’s best to resolve them before applying for Global Entry to avoid automatic denial.
5. Interview Performance
The Global Entry process often requires an in-person interview with a CBP officer. Failing to perform well in this interview can result in denial. Inconsistencies, misleading statements, or a lack of clarity during the interview can raise concerns about your eligibility.
Example: We’ve worked with clients who unintentionally provided inconsistent information during their interviews. After correcting these errors and clarifying the facts, we successfully appealed their denials.
Tip: Be prepared to answer questions clearly and truthfully during your interview, and ensure that your responses align with the information in your application.
6. Incomplete or Inaccurate Information
Providing incomplete or inaccurate information on your application is another common reason for denial. CBP carefully reviews every application, and any discrepancies or missing information can result in rejection.
Example: A client was denied due to a minor mistake in their travel history section. We helped them correct the error and resubmit their application, which was then approved.
Tip: Double-check all personal, travel, and employment information in your application. Even small mistakes can result in a denial.
7. Failure to Disclose Relevant Information
Honesty is key in the Global Entry application process. Failing to disclose relevant information—such as past criminal convictions, immigration violations, or customs infractions—will almost certainly lead to denial. CBP expects full transparency, and any omission could be viewed as an attempt to deceive.
Tip: Even if you think a past issue is minor or irrelevant, it’s better to disclose it and explain than to risk denial for nondisclosure.
Strategies for Addressing a Global Entry Denial
If your Global Entry application has been denied, don’t panic—there are steps you can take to address the issue and potentially reverse the decision.
1. Review the Denial Letter
Carefully review the denial letter to fully understand the reasons for your rejection. This will help you identify what went wrong and allow you to address the specific concerns in your appeal.
Tip: Focus on the key areas highlighted in the letter, and be prepared to respond to each of the concerns raised.
2. Provide Explanations and Mitigating Factors
If your denial is due to a criminal record, customs violation, or other disqualifying factors, offer a clear and detailed explanation of the incident. Highlight any mitigating factors, such as steps you’ve taken to improve or rehabilitate your behavior since the event.
Tip: Provide supporting documents, such as court records showing expungements or evidence of rehabilitation, to strengthen your appeal.
3. Seek Legal Assistance
An experienced attorney can make a significant difference in navigating the appeal process. At NSLF, we have successfully represented numerous clients in Global Entry appeals, helping them reverse denials and obtain membership. Our team can review your case, identify potential issues, and advocate on your behalf.
Tip: Legal representation can be crucial in complex cases where criminal history or legal issues are involved. Our team at NSLF knows how to present your case in the best light.
4. Address Concerns and Provide Additional Documentation
Take proactive steps to resolve the concerns outlined in the denial letter. Provide any additional documentation that supports your eligibility, such as clean criminal records, proof of lawful compliance, or letters of reference that demonstrate your character and trustworthiness.
5. Resubmit Your Application (If Applicable)
If allowed, consider resubmitting your Global Entry application after correcting the issues that led to the initial denial. Ensure that all information is accurate, complete, and supported by relevant documentation.
Overcoming Global Entry Denials with Confidence
While a Global Entry application denial can be disheartening, it doesn’t have to be the end of the road. By understanding the reasons for denial and taking proactive steps to address them—whether through careful review, providing additional explanations, or seeking legal assistance—you can significantly improve your chances of getting approved.
At National Security Law Firm, we specialize in guiding applicants through the appeal process and have a strong track record of reversing Global Entry denials. If you’re facing a denial, don’t hesitate to reach out for expert support.
Facing a Global Entry Denial? Let NSLF Help You
Our Guaranteed Global Entry Appeal Service – Get Approved or Your Money Back!
At the National Security Law Firm, we understand how frustrating having your Global Entry denied or revoked can be. That’s why we offer our Guaranteed Global Entry Appeal Service—designed to relieve the stress, handle every step of the appeal, and get you approved quickly. When you choose us, you’re putting your case in the hands of seasoned experts with a track record of success in Global Entry appeals.
Here’s what our comprehensive service includes:
- Guaranteed Approval or Your Money Back:
We are confident in our ability to secure your Global Entry on appeal—we guarantee it. If we fail, we’ll refund your money in full—no questions asked. Your success is our priority. - Quick and Easy Onboarding:
We respect your time. Our fast and straightforward electronic onboarding process takes less than 15 minutes. Once you’re on board, our experienced Global Entry lawyers handle everything, freeing you to focus on what matters most. - Complete Handling of Court Records:
Don’t worry about gathering court documents—we’ve got you covered. Our team will track down and obtain any necessary court records for your appeal, ensuring everything is in order and saving you the hassle. - Expert Analysis of Your Denial:
Unsure why your Global Entry was denied? Our team, with its deep experience in reviewing Security Threat Assessments (STAs) from years working for the government, will thoroughly analyze your case. - Guidance Through the Interview and Renewal Process:
Once your appeal is granted, we’ll continue to guide you through the Global Entry interview and renewal process, ensuring you’re fully prepared and know what to expect. - Insider Tips for Fast Interview Scheduling:
We know how to get your Global Entry interview scheduled quickly and at a convenient location. Our insider knowledge will help you navigate the process smoothly and without delay. - All of this is available for a flat, all-inclusive fee of $2,995.
No hidden charges, no surprises—just straightforward, experienced service from trusted Global Entry appeal lawyers.
With our Guaranteed Global Entry Appeal Service, you’re backed by a team of dedicated attorneys who know the process inside and out. Contact us today to get started!
*The use of the word “guaranteed” in attorney advertisements refers explicitly to a refund policy and does not imply a guarantee of any particular outcome in your legal case. Legal cases are inherently unpredictable, and the result of any legal matter cannot be assured. The National Security Law Firm guarantees that you will receive a full refund of our legal fee if you do not obtain Global Entry on appeal. This guarantee applies solely to the refund and not to the success or outcome of your case.
Get Professional Help and Stay Informed: Join Our Free “Ask a Global Entry Lawyer” Facebook Group!
Have you recently faced a denial or revocation of your Global Entry membership? The appeals process can be complex and overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. We invite you to join our “Ask a Global Entry Lawyer (Global Entry Q&A)” Facebook Group. In this dedicated space, you can get answers directly from experienced Global Entry lawyers and connect with others facing similar issues.
Why Join Our Facebook Group?
- Experienced Legal Advice for Free: Our skilled Global Entry lawyers are here to provide you with valuable insights, answer your questions, and guide you through the appeal process.
- Community Support: Connect with others who have gone through the same process. Share your experiences, learn from others’ stories, and get support from a community that understands your situation.
- Stay Up-to-Date: Get the latest updates on Global Entry policies, appeal procedures, and best practices to increase your chances of success.
- Easy Access: Simply join the group, post your questions, and get reliable advice from NSLF’s Global Entry lawyers.
Don’t face your Global Entry appeal alone. Join our “Free Global Entry Q&A (Ask a Global Entry Lawyer)” Facebook Group now and get the professional guidance you need to navigate the process confidently.
Explore Our Comprehensive Global Entry Resources
At the National Security Law Firm, we believe in empowering our clients with the knowledge and guidance they need to navigate the complex world of Global Entry. Whether you’ve faced a denial, are confused about your eligibility, or want to know how to maximize your case, we’ve got you covered. Our Global Entry practice area page links to dozens of detailed articles and blogs designed to answer your questions and help you feel confident in every step of the process.
What You’ll Find in Our Resource Library:
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Not sure where to start? Our FAQs cover everything from basic eligibility to what happens during the Global Entry interview. We break down common concerns and provide straightforward answers.
- Maximizing Your Global Entry Case: Learn expert strategies to strengthen your appeal, avoid common mistakes, and increase your chances of success. Our guides walk you through how to prepare your documentation, handle criminal records, and more.
- Understanding Your Denial: If your Global Entry was denied or revoked and you’re unsure why, we offer detailed resources to help you uncover the reasons and plan your next steps. Our blogs cover everything from criminal records to unexplained denials.
Our extensive collection of articles also covers specific issues like FOIA requests, traffic violations, customs violations, and Global Entry appeals. For a complete list of topics and resources, visit our Global Entry Appeals page and take advantage of the insights shared by our trusted team of Global Entry lawyers.
Our blog posts provide valuable insights and practical advice to help you confidently navigate your Global Entry appeal. For personalized answers and additional guidance, don’t forget to join our “Free Global Entry Q&A (Ask a Global Entry Lawyer)” Facebook Group and connect with our experienced Global Entry lawyers today!
Why Trust the National Security Law Firm?
1. The Insider Advantage
The National Security Law Firm (NSLF) is led by Brett O’Brien, a former Intelligence Law attorney with the Army’s counterintelligence agency. NSLF’s Global Entry team is trusted by countless clients to secure Global Entry privileges for those who have been denied or had their membership revoked. Brett O’Brien developed NSLF’s Global Entry program based on his extensive experience conducting Security Threat Assessments (STAs) for the Army. Global Entry investigations are a type of Security Threat Assessment. Brett’s deep involvement in overseeing these investigations gives NSLF a unique and trusted insider advantage in handling Global Entry appeals.
Don’t make the mistake of trusting civilian lawyers who lack military or intelligence law expertise. They often miss the critical firsthand experience needed to conduct and review STAs for the government—knowledge that is essential for effectively representing you in your appeal or revocation. When you choose NSLF, you are placing your trust in a team with insider knowledge, a proven track record, and an unwavering commitment to securing the best possible outcome for you.
2. Guaranteed Results or Your Money Back
When you hire the National Security Law Firm for your Global Entry appeal or revocation, you can trust that you’re in the hands of experienced, results-driven attorneys. We are so confident in our ability to secure your Global Entry that we offer a guarantee: if we do not succeed in obtaining your Global Entry on appeal, we will refund your money in full. This guarantee reflects the trust we place in our team and our commitment to your success.
3. Trusted by Top Business Leaders
The National Security Law Firm is the nation’s original Global Entry law firm, trusted by top business leaders, CEOs, and executives from Fortune 500 companies and beyond. Our trusted reputation for success in Global Entry appeals makes us the go-to firm for those who cannot afford delays or mistakes.
By partnering with NSLF, you can trust us to handle the complex legal work involved in your Global Entry appeal, allowing you to focus on your business with confidence.
4. Glowing Reviews and Proven Success
Our clients consistently trust us to deliver results, and our track record speaks for itself. NSLF’s Global Entry lawyers have helped numerous clients secure their Global Entry status, and our glowing Google reviews are a testament to the success we’ve achieved. Clients across the nation praise our professionalism, dedication, and unmatched expertise, all of which contribute to our trusted reputation as one of the top Global Entry law firms.
5. The Five Pillars of Success
At NSLF, trust is at the core of everything we do. Our practice is built on our “Five Core Pillars of Success,” which reflect our military-inspired strategy, dedication, and precision in delivering the highest level of legal service. From how we hire and train our attorneys to how we handle every case, these principles are what our clients trust to set us apart from the competition. Visit our About Us page to learn more about the Five Pillars that define our trusted approach and commitment to our clients.
Enlist The National Security Law Firm: Secure Your Global Entry Status Today
When you choose The National Security Law Firm, you’re trusting a team that approaches every Global Entry appeal with the precision, strategy, and determination of an elite military unit. Our insider knowledge and relentless pursuit of success set us apart in helping clients regain their Global Entry privileges. We are committed to securing the best possible outcome for your case.
Take Action Now: Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and take the first critical step toward reclaiming your trusted traveler status. With our proven experience and commitment, we’ll guide you through every phase of the process.
Global Entry Appeals. Done Right.
Don’t wait—begin your Global Entry appeal today. Our onboarding process is fast and easy, and consultations are always free. Schedule your free consultation now and let our trusted team stand by your side in this important journey.
Check Out Our Google Reviews
