A few months ago there were some reflections on the Mifnet about the new US
online passport renewal program. I joined the chorus of voices marveling at the
efficiency of the new program.
Yesterday I discovered a glitch. Arriving at JFK from Europe on Delta, I made
first use of my new passport at a Global Entry kiosk. It was the first time
I’d attempted to use Global Entry in two years. Apparently you do not now use
your passport at the kiosk, rather you merely pose for a face scan. As soon as
my face scan was complete, red exclamation points appeared, and I was
immediately directed by a CPB agent to the regular inbound immigration line
reserved for arriving diplomats.
After an annoying long 15-minute wait while a couple ahead of us negotiated at
length with the agent (my wife guessed it was a recently married couple dealing
with a name change), the agent tapped away for a few minutes and then directed
me to a separate bullpen area where problems are dealt with. I asked him what
the problem was; he responded by asking me I’d recently lost my passport. I
said I had not.
I won’t say the bullpen was a hostile environment but it was clear the agents
there would not be forthcoming about what my problem was. After waiting another
10-15 minutes in silence (and worry), my name was called and I was given my
passport with approval to enter the US. No explanation was provided, so I
asked. It turns out that the online passport renewal process did not include
the voiding of my prior passport, which as of yesterday had not yet reached its
original expiration date, so the system was apparently showing me as possessing
two valid US passports.
Recall that the new online process does not include the return of your existing
US passport - they don’t want them. In the old days a renewal applicant
surrendered their existing passport as a part of the renewal application
process, and it was later returned to the renewal applicant clearly voided by
holes punched in the cover. Either the new online renewal process does not
include a process step for voiding one’s prior passport, or they missed that
step in my case. I am curious to know if any Mifnetters have had a similar
experience.
Also, are you now required to show your plastic Global Entry card in addition
to or in lieu of your passport as a part of the Global Entry process?
Scott
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