Global Entry Ban For New Yorkers Sows Confusion — And Solidarity

The Trump Administration’s announcement that New Yorkers will no longer be allowed to obtain or renew Global Entry and Trusted Traveler benefits is prompting confusion — and solidarity.

Some wanted to know why the government’s online portal still showed their applications to be in progress. Others wondered if they would get refunds on their $100 application fees (a Customs and Border Protection spokesman said they would). But by and large, residents of New York City interviewed by WNYC stood by the new state law that forbids the Department of Motor Vehicles from sharing information with the federal government — like the identities of undocumented immigrants who have driver's licenses.

"I’m fine being personally inconvenienced if it means fewer people are deported," said Kayla Webley Adler, who was conditionally approved for Global Entry before her final interview on Thursday was cancelled. "But it just feels like this was handled in a really bungled way."