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We recently attended the AILA Latin America and Caribbean Chapter Conference in Barbados, and we left with pages of notes and a long list of practical reminders. What we appreciate most about conferences like this is that attorneys do not just discuss concepts. They share situations they have actually dealt with, including the unexpected issues that can catch travelers and applicants off guard.
One story shared by attorney Ramon Curiel stood out precisely because of how unexpected the issue was.
He described a case involving a traveler whose Global Entry access was revoked, not because of anything the traveler had done personally, but due to the address listed on their Global Entry application. That address was associated with someone else who had prior issues with the law. Once that connection surfaced, it was enough to raise red flags and ultimately cost the traveler their trusted traveler status.
The traveler was caught off guard. The address itself seemed harmless. But the history attached to it was not.
What this means in practice
The takeaway from this discussion was straightforward but important: Global Entry applications are not reviewed in a vacuum. Details that may seem administrative or insignificant can still be evaluated in a broader context.
An address is not just a line on a form. It is a data point. If that data point is linked, even indirectly, to past legal issues involving someone else, it can trigger additional scrutiny. And once scrutiny begins, outcomes are not always easy to reverse.
This was a good reminder that trusted traveler programs operate on a risk-based model. Anything that introduces uncertainty, even if it has nothing to do with the applicant’s own conduct, can jeopardize the benefit.
Where this intersects with credibility and documentation
We are not attorneys, and we do not advise on Global Entry applications. But this story resonated with us because it highlights a pattern we see across immigration-related processes more broadly. Credibility is built, or undermined, through details.
When we prepare business plans and supporting documentation, we are constantly thinking about how every element contributes to the overall picture an officer or reviewer is forming. Consistency, clarity, and accuracy matter, not because each detail stands alone, but because together they shape trust.
When something does not line up, even if it feels peripheral, it can distract from the core purpose of the review. And once attention shifts, the process often becomes more complicated than expected.
The broader takeaway
The story shared in Barbados was a reminder that benefits like Global Entry come with expectations that go beyond good intentions. Applicants should be thoughtful about every piece of information they provide, including addresses that may have a history they are not fully aware of.
For us, the lesson is familiar. The stronger and more precise the information presented, the fewer questions are raised along the way. Clear, careful documentation does not guarantee a smooth outcome, but it significantly reduces the chances that avoidable issues will surface later.
This was another example of how something that feels minor can end up playing a major role, and why attention to detail continues to matter at every stage.
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The information provided in this blog is intended solely for informational purposes. While we strive to offer accurate and up-to-date content, it should not be considered legal advice. Immigration laws and regulations are subject to change, and individual circumstances can vary widely. For personalized guidance and legal advice regarding your specific immigration situation, we strongly recommend consulting with a qualified immigration attorney who can provide you with tailored assistance and ensure compliance with current laws and regulations.
Visa Business Plans is led by Marco Scanu, a certified coach from the University of Miami with a globally-based practice coaching Fortune 1000 company executives, entrepreneurs, as well as professionals in four different continents. Mr. Scanu advises clients on turnaround strategies and crisis management.
Mr. Scanu received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Cum Laude) from the University of Florida and an MBA in Management from Bocconi University in Milan, Italy. Mr. Scanu was also a Visiting Scholar at Michigan State University under the prestigious H. Humphrey Fellowship (Fulbright program) with a focus on Entrepreneurship, Venture Capital, and high-growth enterprises.
At present, Mr. Scanu is the managing partner and CEO at Visa Business Plans, a Miami-based boutique consulting firm providing attorneys and investors with business planning services in the areas of U.S. and Canadian immigration, SBA loans, and others.
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