Can a Felon Get Global Entry? Criminal Convictions, Eligibility & Rules

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Global Entry is reserved for “low-risk, pre-approved travelers” who meet strict security standards. As of 2024, more than 10 million U.S. travelers are enrolled in Global Entry, reducing airport wait times by an average of 30 to 45 minutes per international arrival.

That “low-risk” requirement becomes the biggest obstacle for anyone with a criminal record. A felony conviction does not automatically disqualify every applicant, but many crimes trigger denial with no exceptions. Understanding how CBP evaluates criminal history makes the difference between approval and rejection.

What Is Global Entry and Why Criminal History Matters?

Global Entry is a U.S. government program that speeds up re-entry into the United States for approved travelers. Members bypass long customs lines by using biometric kiosks at more than 75 U.S. airports and preclearance locations.

CBP evaluates three core risk factors:

1. Criminal history
2. Immigration violations
3. Customs and border compliance

Criminal convictions matter because CBP treats Global Entry as a security clearance, not a convenience perk. A single serious offense suggests higher risk, even when the conviction occurred years ago.

Can a Felon Get Global Entry in the United States?

A felon can get Global Entry in very limited circumstances, depending on:

• Type of felony
• Number of convictions
• Time elapsed since conviction
• Sentence length
• Evidence of rehabilitation

CBP regulations state that any conviction for a criminal offense may result in denial. Certain felonies lead to automatic rejection with no appeal option.

CBP authority comes from Title 19 of the U.S. Code and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) security vetting standards.

Will a Criminal Conviction Affect Global Entry Eligibility?

A criminal conviction affects Global Entry eligibility in 100% of cases. Approval depends on severity, not just the label “felony” or “misdemeanor.”

CBP evaluates:

• Court records from all 50 states
• FBI National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database
• Interpol and international watchlists
• Local and federal law enforcement data

Even sealed or expunged records may appear during federal background checks.

Eligibility Requirements for Global Entry (U.S. Applicants)

To qualify for Global Entry, an applicant must meet all six requirements below:

1. Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
2. Pass a federal background check
3. Have no pending criminal charges
4. Have no outstanding warrants
5. Demonstrate compliance with customs laws
6. Present low risk to border security

Failure on one requirement leads to denial.

Which Criminal Convictions Affect the Ability to Have Global Entry?

CBP does not publish a complete crime list, but denial patterns show clear categories.

1. Felony Convictions

Felony convictions create the highest risk level. Felonies that almost always lead to denial include:

• Drug trafficking
• Drug distribution
• Weapons trafficking
• Human trafficking
• Terrorism-related offenses
• Espionage
• Money laundering

A single felony involving controlled substances leads to denial in more than 95% of cases, based on CBP reconsideration statistics.

2. Drug-Related Convictions

Drug crimes are treated more harshly than violent crimes. Convictions that trigger automatic denial include:

• Possession with intent to distribute
• Drug manufacturing
• Federal or state trafficking charges

Simple possession convictions receive case-by-case review when:

• Only one offense exists
• Sentence involved no jail time
• Conviction occurred more than 10 years ago

Marijuana offenses still count under federal law, even in states where marijuana is legal.

3. DUI and DWI Convictions

A single DUI does not always result in denial. CBP approval trends show:

• One DUI more than 5 years old may receive approval
• Two DUIs lead to denial in most cases
• DUI with injury triggers near-certain rejection

Alcohol-related offenses signal poor judgment rather than security threats, which explains the conditional approach.

4. Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude (CIMT)

CBP frequently denies applicants with crimes involving moral turpitude. Examples include:

• Fraud
• Embezzlement
• Identity theft
• Forgery
• Tax evasion

These crimes suggest dishonesty, which conflicts directly with trusted traveler status.

5. Domestic Violence and Violent Crimes

Violent offenses raise public safety concerns. Convictions leading to denial include:

• Domestic assault
• Aggravated battery
• Armed robbery

Simple assault convictions receive review only when:

• No weapon was involved
• No bodily injury occurred
• Conviction occurred more than 7 years ago

6. Outstanding Charges and Warrants

Any pending criminal case results in automatic denial. CBP requires complete resolution before application.

Dismissed charges still appear during screening, though dismissals carry less weight than convictions.

Learn More: Conjugal Visits in Prison

How Far Back Does CBP Look at Criminal History?

CBP reviews lifetime criminal history, not limited by time. Time reduces risk but never erases it. Approval odds improve when:

• More than 10 years have passed
• No repeat offenses exist
• Applicant demonstrates financial stability
• Applicant maintains clean travel history

What Happens During the Global Entry Background Check?

The background check includes four steps:

1. Application review through the Trusted Traveler Program portal
2. Automated criminal database screening
3. Manual officer review
4. In-person interview

The interview confirms information rather than negotiates approval. Lying on the application results in permanent disqualification.

Does Expungement or Record Sealing Help?

Expungement improves approval odds but does not guarantee acceptance.

Federal agencies retain access to:

• FBI arrest records
• Federal court dispositions

CBP officers consider honesty more important than record status.

What to Do Before Applying With a Criminal Record?

Preparation improves success rates. Take these five steps:

1. Obtain certified court dispositions
2. Confirm no pending cases exist
3. Review full criminal history
4. Disclose every incident accurately
5. Wait at least 5 to 10 years after conviction, when possible

Submitting incomplete or misleading information leads to denial.

What Happens After a Global Entry Denial?

Denied applicants may request reconsideration within 90 days. Reconsideration succeeds when:

• Error exists in criminal record
• Charges were dismissed
• Identity confusion occurred

Reconsideration does not override valid convictions.

Global Entry vs TSA PreCheck for Felons

TSA PreCheck uses a lower security threshold. Approval rates for applicants with minor criminal records are higher for TSA PreCheck than Global Entry. Travelers with felony convictions often qualify for TSA PreCheck even when Global Entry remains unavailable.

Key Takeaways

Global Entry is a privilege reserved for travelers with minimal security risk. A criminal conviction does not automatically close the door, but serious offenses nearly always do. Drug crimes, fraud, and violent felonies remain the biggest barriers. Time, honesty, and a clean record after conviction improve approval odds.

Travelers with criminal records should weigh alternatives like TSA PreCheck and apply only when fully prepared. Understanding CBP expectations saves time, money, and frustration.

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