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​began the unprecedented process of attempting to gain en- trance for Turkey into the United States Global Entry Program. The Global Entry program provides expedited border passage for pre-screened individuals at many of the major airports in the United States. Only a select number of countries have been allowed to participate in the program, and success for Turkey would be extremely important for frequent travellers between the United States and Turkey and for promoting further travel of Turkish businessmen to the United States.



TABA has received support for this project from Turkish government officials and members of the United States Congress. Also, President Alptekin worked in conjunction with Congressman Gregory Meeks (whose congressional district is home to John F. Kennedy Airport where the Global Entry program was first initiated) to draft a letter to United States Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, requesting her support for Turkey’s admission into Global Entry. Further, this September, with the assistance of Congresswoman Virginia Foxx, an additional letter will be sent out to members of Congress.