New Traveler Redress Inquiry Program

On February 21, 2007 the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced the launch of its Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (“TRIP”).

DHS intends TRIP to be the single point of contact for individuals who have inquiries or seek resolution with respect to difficulties they have experienced during their travel screening at transportation hubs, e.g. at airports, train stations, or U.S. port of entries. Travelers can use the online inquiry program to seek resolution of misidentification issues at ports-of-entry, or if they have been unfairly delayed or denied boarding for additional screening when traveling. The DHS notice on this program can be read here. The web page for the program is located here.

While TRIP may be a useful tool for individuals with a history of processing delays or misidentifications, I would not advise the use of this program to address specific issues with respect to the denial of a recent TN application at a port-of-entry. In that situation I would recommend consulting an immigration attorney who can review your TN application and the grounds for the denial, speak directly with the inspecting CBP officer who denied the case, and evaluate the possibility of rehabilitation.