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Lawful permanent residents (LPRs) of the US are granted their status by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and are allowed to reside and work in the country. However, in recent times, LPRs have faced heightened scrutiny and potential enforcement actions by CBP and ICE, with some even being detained at US airports. This has led to an atmosphere of fear among LPRs, who are unsure if they can use self-service at airports like SEA Airport (Seattle-Tacoma International Airport). While LPRs are eligible for expedited security screening at participating US airports, including SEA Airport, it is important for them to understand their rights and the legal framework surrounding their status to navigate interactions with authorities and avoid unnecessary complications.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who is eligible for expedited security screening at SEA Airport? | U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and select foreign nationals |
| What is the average Global Entry processing time at SEA Airport? | Under 15 seconds |
| What percentage of TSA PreCheck passengers in March 2023 waited under five minutes? | 89% |
| What documentation do I need to travel as a lawful permanent resident? | Valid government ID and boarding pass |
| Do I need to remove shoes, belts, liquids, laptops, or light jackets? | No |
| Can I use self-service kiosks or E-Gates at SEA Airport as a lawful permanent resident? | Yes |
| Can I use Global Entry Customs Kiosks when returning to the U.S.? | Yes |
| Can I use the NEXUS lane when driving from Canada to the U.S.? | Yes |
| Can I use the NEXUS lane when driving from the U.S. to Canada? | No |
| Do children under 17 need a PreCheck membership? | No, but they must be on the same reservation and have PreCheck on their boarding pass |
| Do I need a PreCheck membership to travel with a group? | Yes, every adult must have a PreCheck membership |
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What You'll Learn
Lawful permanent residents can use self-service at SEA Airport
Lawful permanent residents (LPRs) can use self-service kiosks at SEA Airport in Seattle. However, it's important to understand the rights and potential risks of LPR status when travelling through US airports.
LPR Self-Service at SEA Airport
US lawful permanent residents can use self-service kiosks and E-Gates with facial comparison technologies at SEA Airport, reducing wait times. This is part of the TSA PreCheck program, which also allows expedited security screening at over 200 participating US airports.
Understanding LPR Status
LPR status grants non-US citizens the right to permanently reside and work in the United States. However, LPRs may face scrutiny and potential enforcement actions by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers, particularly if they are deemed "arriving aliens".
Rights of LPRs at US Airports
LPRs have certain rights when entering the US at airports:
- They cannot be denied entry for refusing to answer questions about religious beliefs, political opinions, or providing passwords.
- They have the right to request a private area for the removal of religious head coverings.
- They cannot be compelled to sign any documents, including abandonment of residence forms, without understanding their rights and potential consequences.
Risks for LPRs at US Airports
LPRs may be at risk of detention or arrest at US airports due to heightened enforcement of immigration laws and scrutiny of past immigration and criminal histories. LPRs with prior criminal convictions or those absent from the US for over 180 days may be classified as "arriving aliens" and subject to further inspection or detention.
In summary, while LPRs can use self-service options at SEA Airport, it is crucial for them to understand their rights and potential risks when travelling through US airports.
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Who is eligible for self-service at SEA Airport?
Self-service at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is available to U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents (LPRs), and select foreign nationals. This includes Canadian citizens, Canadian permanent residents, and Mexican nationals.
LPRs, also known as green card holders, are non-U.S. citizens who have been granted the right to permanently reside and work in the United States. While LPR status generally allows for smooth entry into the U.S., there have been reports of LPRs being detained at airports due to heightened enforcement of immigration laws and scrutiny of past immigration and criminal histories.
To be eligible for self-service at SEA Airport, LPRs must maintain their status and understand their rights, as certain actions or suspicions may result in CBP officers classifying them as "arriving aliens," which can lead to potential enforcement actions.
Children under 17 can use the self-service option if they are travelling with a parent or guardian who has PreCheck on their boarding pass and if they are on the same reservation.
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Global Entry and TSA PreCheck for expedited security
US lawful permanent residents are eligible for expedited security screening at participating US airports, including Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). This includes access to Global Entry and TSA PreCheck expedited security lanes.
TSA PreCheck
TSA PreCheck® is a program that expedites traveller screening through participating TSA security checkpoints. US lawful permanent residents are eligible to participate in TSA PreCheck. Benefits include reduced wait times and no need to remove shoes, belts, liquids, laptops, or light jackets. TSA PreCheck can be used at over 200 participating airports, including SEA Airport. In March 2023, 89% of TSA PreCheck passengers at SEA Airport waited less than five minutes.
To enrol in TSA PreCheck, you must complete an online or in-person application and pay an enrollment fee. The cost of TSA PreCheck is $85 for a five-year membership. After enrolling, you will receive a Known Traveller Number, which must be included in your airline reservations, and the TSA PreCheck indicator must be visible on your boarding pass.
Global Entry
Global Entry is a Trusted Traveller Program that provides expedited US customs screening for international air travellers when entering the United States. Members of Global Entry also receive TSA PreCheck benefits. Global Entry members can use Global Entry Customs Kiosks at over 75 airports when returning to the US from abroad. At SEA Airport, the average Global Entry processing time is less than 15 seconds.
To enrol in Global Entry, you must complete an online or in-person application and pay an enrollment fee. The cost of Global Entry is $120 for five years of membership. Current TSA PreCheck members may be eligible for expedited Global Entry application processing but must complete the application before their TSA PreCheck membership expires.
CLEAR
CLEAR is another option for expedited entry through general security checkpoints at more than 50 airports, including SEA Airport. CLEAR members can use a dedicated lane and verify their identity with their eyes or fingerprint. However, CLEAR does not provide access to PreCheck or expedited screening.
NEXUS
NEXUS is a Trusted Traveller Program that provides expedited entry when driving from Canada into the US. US lawful permanent residents are eligible to participate in NEXUS and can use the designated NEXUS lanes at SEA Airport. Every member of your travelling party will need a NEXUS membership to use the designated entry lanes.
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Rights of lawful permanent residents at US airports
Lawful permanent residents (LPRs) in the US have many of the same rights as US citizens when travelling within and to the US.
Expedited security screening
LPRs are eligible for expedited security screening at participating US airports, including Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). This includes the use of self-service kiosks or E-Gates using facial comparison technologies, which can reduce wait times.
TSA PreCheck
LPRs can access TSA PreCheck expedited security lanes at airports within the US and its territories. TSA PreCheck includes benefits such as not needing to remove shoes, belts, liquids, laptops, or light jackets.
Global Entry
LPRs can use Global Entry Customs Kiosks at more than 75 airports when returning to the US from abroad. Global Entry also provides expedited entry into the US when driving from Canada.
NEXUS
LPRs can use the NEXUS lane when driving from Canada into the US. Every member of an LPR's travelling party will need their own NEXUS membership to use the designated entry lanes.
Rights during questioning
LPRs who have maintained their status only have to answer questions establishing their identity and permanent residency. Refusal to answer other questions may cause delays but will not result in denial of entry into the US. LPRs cannot be denied entry unless their travel was not brief (more than 180 days) or they engaged in illegal activity after leaving the US.
LPRs do not have to answer questions about their religious beliefs and practices or political opinions. Questioning individuals about these topics can infringe upon rights guaranteed by the Constitution and federal law.
Search of electronic devices
LPRs' electronic devices, such as laptops and mobile phones, may be searched and confiscated by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers without any suspicion of wrongdoing. However, LPRs cannot be denied entry to the US for refusing to produce passwords, provide device access, or submit electronic devices for a search.
Religious head coverings
LPRs who wear religious head coverings have the right to refuse a CBP or Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officer's request to remove it publicly. LPRs can request to remove their head covering in a private area and may also choose to pat down their own head covering under supervision.
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Lawful permanent residents and international arrivals at SEA Airport
Lawful permanent residents of the US, aged 18 and over with a valid government ID, can use self-service kiosks at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). They are eligible for expedited security screening and can use the dedicated CLEAR lane for expedited entry to general security checkpoints.
US lawful permanent residents are also eligible for TSA PreCheck, which offers reduced wait times with self-service kiosks or E-Gates using facial comparison technologies. To access this, you must enrol and include your known traveller number in the appropriate field of your airline reservation. Children under 17 can go through the line with their parents if they are on the same reservation and PreCheck is displayed on their boarding pass.
International arrivals at SEA must go through the following four steps to clear customs:
- All international flights arrive at the International Arrivals Facility (IAF).
- All connecting and non-connecting passengers must process through US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) before entering the US. This includes claiming all checked luggage.
- An inspection/interview is conducted by CBP officers.
- Passengers can then either exit to Seattle or transfer to connecting flights.
CBP's Trusted Traveller Programs provide expedited travel for pre-approved, low-risk travellers through dedicated lanes and kiosks. Global Entry members can claim their luggage at their assigned baggage claim and then use the kiosks on the International Arrivals Facility's Baggage Claim level near Baggage Claim 18.
Processing can take 60 minutes or longer during peak periods, so it is recommended that you schedule at least three hours between arriving and your next flight to prevent missed connections.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, lawful permanent residents can use self-service kiosks or E-Gates with facial comparison technologies at SEA Airport.
Lawful permanent residents can benefit from reduced wait times and expedited security screening when using self-service options at SEA Airport.
Lawful permanent residents must have a valid government ID and be 18 years or older to use the self-service options at SEA Airport. They also need to enrol in the TSA PreCheck program and have the indicator displayed on their boarding pass.
