dhs trip final determination letter

I Traveled to a High-Risk Country—and It Ruined Airport Security for Me

Getting "SSSS" on my boarding pass is now the thing I fear most about flying

Spencer Platt / Staff / Getty Images

“Can you stand to the side, please? I need to call my supervisor,” the TSA agent told me. 

She had just scanned my driver’s license, and instead of the typical green, the light attached to the credential authentication technology unit flashed red. I meekly shuffled over to the side with a long line of impatient travelers behind me. 

A few minutes later, the TSA agent's supervisor came over and walked me through a series of screenings. I was sent through a body scanner and metal detector, after which they gave me a full-body patdown. ("I'm going to touch you here and here, like this and this," the female agent said, not so much to get my consent but more as a heads-up.) They scanned my hands for trace explosives. They sent my carry-on through the baggage scanner before taking everything out and carefully looking at each item; they opened my wallet and flipped through the pages of the book I was reading.

"There's nothing here," said one agent to another. I put my shoes and coat back on and waited a few minutes. Were they going to ask me more questions? Were they going to explain what they were looking for?

"You're free to go," one of the TSA agents told me after seeing the confused and questioning look on my face.

I was en route to Barbados for work and had gotten to the airport extra early that morning because, while trying to check into my flight the day before, I had received an error message saying that I needed to check in with a representative at the airport. Although the attendant had handed me my ticket without any issues, I realized that this particular snafu was connected to a recent trip I took to southeastern Turkey.

Flying to a High Security Risk Country

Two weeks prior, I was getting ready to board a flight to Sanliurfa, Turkey, to report on the unveiling of a 12,000-year-old archaeological site when a man in plainclothes came up to me.

"Are you Elizabeth?" he asked.

"Yes," I said, confused. How did he know my name?

"I need you to come with me."

The man led me to the front of the line, behind a wall where we had more privacy. Another man was standing there, who I later presumed to be a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agent. He leaned over a notepad with a pen in hand and began rattling off a list of queries, jotting down my responses: What did I do for work? What does my day-to-day look like? Why was I going to Sanliurfa? What are my social media handles? Did I live with anyone? What are their social media handles? You must travel a lot for work—why don't you have a lot of stamps in your passport? (I had gotten it renewed in December 2019; this was my first international trip in nearly two years). After a couple of minutes, I finally asked a question: "What is this about?"

"You're traveling right near the Syrian border," he explained. "Since you don't have family or any connections there, and you're traveling by yourself, we need to look into this. Nine times out of 10, though, everything checks out fine."

So they suspected I was a terrorist. Great.

Going Through Customs

My trip went without incident. I visited Gobekli Tepe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for housing the world's oldest-known monumental buildings. I went to the unveiling of Karahantepe, and I ate a lot of lamb. After a while, I forgot all about the journey to get me there.

Until I arrived back in the U.S.

When going through customs, the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer sent me into a separate room for further questioning. A second CBP officer asked me a series of questions, not unlike the ones the HSI agent had asked me before my trip, although this time, they requested more details about my trip: "Did you see anything suspicious while you were there? Any guns? If I Googled your article about Karahantepe, will I find it?" (In case you work for DHS, it's here .)

A History of Bad Flights

I have always been an anxious flier. Not because I’m scared of turbulence or anything like that, but because eight times out of 10, something goes horribly wrong with my trip. Like the time I was supposed to travel from Heathrow to Newark , I instead flew aimlessly around the English Channel for five hours because of a malfunction in the airplane's pressurization system. We couldn’t fly above a certain altitude needed to get across the Atlantic, and we couldn't go back to Heathrow because there was too much fuel in the tank to land safely. So, the pilot had to fly in circles until the plane had dropped enough fuel, rescheduling the flight for the following day.

Or the time I got food poisoning in Oaxaca , hours before my flight home, and spent a good chunk of the eight-hour journey in an airplane bathroom.

Or when my hand-me-down suitcase—which had slowly been shedding pieces and whose zipper had been giving me trouble throughout a two-week camping trip—finally ripped open upon arriving at San Francisco International Airport for my flight home. I had to get it shrink-wrapped to make sure all my things got home safely. (“You know exactly where this is going when you get home,” said the employee at Baggage Wrapping Service, referring to the curb). 

Even though I aim to get to the airport two hours before domestic flights, three hours before international flights, I often sprint through the airport, arriving at the gate during the final call, gasping for air as I settle down into my seat.

Suffice it to say, as someone who works in travel, honestly, I'm not too fond of flying—but my recent experiences added a whole new layer of anxiety. (“This would happen to you of all people,” a friend told me when I shared my latest horror story).

Who's at Risk of Getting "SSSS"

My experience in Barbados was the first of many: Every time I flew, I would get the dreaded "SSSS" (which stands for "Secondary Security Screening Selection") on my boarding pass, foretold by my inability to check into my flight online or the airport kiosk, and followed by full-body pat-downs and line-item searches.

The second time it happened, on my way back from Barbados, I was told I was "randomly selected by Homeland Security" for additional screening. Random? I doubted it.

It's not just travelers who have recently been to one of the U.S. Department of State's designated high-risk areas that get a secondary screening. People identified as a security risk by TSA's Secure Flight Program include those who've booked a last-minute or one-way flight, paid in all cash, or have a name that matches another person on a DHS watch list.

Searching for Solutions

The fourth time I got a secondary screening, I flew to Indiana to spend Christmas with my family. My mom had asked me to bring a cell phone I hadn't used in two years so that we could trade it in. After getting flagged just before getting all my things searched, TSA asked me if all my electronics were turned on. "Just an old cell phone," I said. "It's completely dead, I think." I took it out of my purse and pressed the "on" button. Nothing. They asked me to leave the line to charge it.

As I was sitting next to TSA, waiting impatiently for my old phone to charge, I took my new phone and—finally—began searching for solutions. (Why did it take me so long, you ask? False optimism, I suppose).

While I had thought that applying for Global Entry would help clear my name, a quick Google search taught me that other people who had been in similar situations had no such luck. It was then that I learned about the DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP) , a "single point of contact for individuals who have inquiries or seek resolution regarding difficulties they experienced during their travel screening at transportation hubs—like airports—or crossing U.S. borders." Travelers eligible for redress include those "who have been denied or delayed airline boarding; have been denied or delayed intro or exit from the U.S. at a port of entry or border crossing; or have been repeatedly referred to additional (secondary) screening."

To avoid being referred to additional screening, I could apply for a Redress Control Number (RCN), a seven-digit case number that would enable TSA's Secure Flight program to match me with the results of my case. Should the DHS agree to issue me one, I could use it when booking flights to prevent TSA from mistaking me as a security risk.

When I went back through security, I asked the TSA official why I kept being flagged. No one had ever told me before, and I wanted some kind of official confirmation that what I feared—that I was on DHS' radar—was true. She didn't know, and the system didn't say: She was just doing what she was told.

"Am I on some kind of Homeland Security watchlist?" I asked.

"Yeah, probably."

"What can I do to get off this list?" Better to ask an official than the Internet, I thought.

"I don't know," she said.

"If I apply for redress, will that help?"

"Yeah, maybe."

Applying for Redress

Submitting a redress application was pretty simple, albeit clunky, given the number of broken links on the DHS Trip Portal . I first took a short quiz to determine if I was eligible for redress, after which I was directed to create a Login.gov account and complete a Traveler Inquiry Form. To file my case, I had to provide information about my travel experience, including my flight date, airport, and flight number; give a detailed account of each incident; and share my personal info, such as my birthday, height, and weight.

In addition to the form, I also had to upload either a copy of my passport or another government-issued photo ID. Upon completion, I was able to check the status of my application via the "My Cases" tab on the DHS TRIP Portal. It took exactly one month for DHS TRIP to send me my final determination letter via e-mail; they approved my case, and the letter came with my redress number to provide when booking flights on an airline's website.

Since receiving my redress number, my flights have been relatively stress-free, although DHS TRIP "cannot guarantee" that my future travels will be "delay-free." Still, it's much less likely to happen. The worst thing that happened on my last flight? I sprinted through Charleston International Airport to make an extremely tight connection. And I'll take that over getting patted down any day.

UNESCO World Convention. "Gobekli Tepe." Accessed April 26, 2022.

Federal Register. "Secure Flight Program." Accessed April 26, 2022.

Homeland Security. "Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (DHS Trip)." Accessed April 26, 2022.

Homeland Security. "Redress Control Numbers." Accessed April 26, 2022.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security: Traveler Redress Inquiry Program. "Frequently Asked Questions." Accessed April 26, 2022.

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Your time is valuable. Take this short quiz to find out if the Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (TRIP) is right for you. If not, we'll point you to the right place. 

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DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program

The DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program can provide resolution to travelers with difficulties getting through security and inspection at airport checkpoints, train stations and when crossing U.S. borders.

Learn more and apply for DHS TRIP to resolve travel-related issues if:

• You are unable to print a boarding pass.
• You are denied or delayed boarding a plane.
• You are denied or delayed entry into and exit from the U.S. at a port of entry or border checkpoint.
• You are continuously referred for additional screening at the airport.

No Fly List

The No Fly List is a small subset of the U.S. government Terrorist Screening Database (also known as the terrorist watchlist) that contains the identity information of known or suspected terrorists. This database is maintained by the FBI’s Terrorist Screening Center. For more information about the Terrorist Screening Database, visit the Terrorist Screening Center .

TSA is among the U.S. government agencies that screen individuals using information from the Terrorist Screening Database. TSA implements the No Fly List through its Secure Flight program.  Individuals on the No Fly List are prevented from boarding an aircraft when flying within, to, from and over the United States.

I keep being called into secondary inspection, what can I do?

Why Am I Subject to a Secondary Screen or Being Denied Entry or Exit at the Airport?

Many times, people can travel domestically and internationally without issue. But sometimes, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), or another agency delays travelers on their journeys or prevents them from traveling. These agencies may also require travelers to undergo rigorous secondary screenings.

If you find that you have been repeatedly detained for secondary screening, you should file an inquiry with the Department of Homeland Security through the Traveler Redress Inquiry Program .

In this article, the National Security Law Firm team discusses why you may be subjected to secondary screening and/or denied entry or exit at the airport and how you can stop this from happening in the future.

What Types of Screening Does the TSA Conduct?

To identify and address potential safety and national security issues, the TSA and other federal organizations conduct screenings even before travelers arrive at the airport. Typically, the CBP, Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigations, intelligence agencies, and other federal agencies work together to achieve this goal.

These departments may conduct background checks, gather additional information about travelers, and check travelers’ names against lists. For example, the agencies may check if someone’s name appears on the No-Fly or is related to a name on the No-Fly list. Because of security concerns, the agencies typically do not disclose whether someone’s name is or is not on a watchlist.

The TSA and other agencies also conduct on-site screenings. For example, they perform scans of people’s bags and indirectly search individuals’ bodies and clothing using electronic wands or devices. The TSA and other agencies impose restrictions on the types and quantities of items people can bring on the aircraft to limit the potential for security threats further.

What Is a Secondary Screening?

Sometimes, the TSA, CBP, or another organization may flag a traveler for additional screening. Sometimes, the abbreviation “SSSS” ( Secondary Security Screening Selection ) may appear on the person’s boarding pass. Other times, the organization may make an ad hoc (or seemingly ad hoc) decision to subject someone to a secondary screening process.

This procedure can delay a person’s travel plans, but it is crucial that they understand and continuously assert their rights during the process. Additional screening may be tedious, but resisting the process, being “too compliant,” and signing away one’s rights can cause problems. Further, people should be aware of the reasons for the secondary screening and note if they receive poor treatment. Despite what the TSA or CBP may say, they may not have the authority to detain someone for as long as or how they did.

Can I Be Treated Differently by CBP Agents at a U.S. Airport or land port of entry because of my race, religion, or national origin?

No. Stereotyping and profiling people based on immutable characteristics is against the United States Constitution and laws. Such characteristics include someone’s gender, national origin, ethnicity, race, religion, or other protected group membership. Thus, officers cannot pull you aside for secondary screening based on race, religion, or ethnicity. In practice, however, this is difficult to enforce.

What Are My Constitutional Rights in Secondary Screening?

Individuals subjected to secondary inspection by airport or border officials are subject to more intrusive questioning. CBP takes the position that travelers do not have a right to an attorney during questioning. If this happens to you, here is what you need to know.

United States Citizens – Besides answering customs-related questions, U.S. citizens only have to answer questions about their identity and citizenship. Your refusal to answer other questions will likely result in a delay. Still, officials cannot legally deny your entry into the U.S. so long as you have established your identity and citizenship.

Lawful Permanent Residents – Besides answering customs-related questions, LPRs or green card holders must only answer questions establishing their identity and permanent residency. Your refusal to answer other questions will likely result in delay, but officials cannot legally deny your entry into the U.S.

Others – Refusal to answer questions could lead to officers denying your entry into the U.S.

What Are My Rights When Agents Search My Person or My Belongings?

CBP claims it can search and confiscate laptops, phones, cameras, and other electronic devices upon entry into the U.S. without any suspicion of wrongdoing. They also claim that they can make a copy of the information found on those devices. If officials confiscate any of your electronic devices, write down their identifying information, including their badge number, and ask for a receipt.

Regarding personal searches, officers can only do a strip search if they have reasonable suspicion that you are involved in criminal activity.

What Are Typical Reasons for Secondary Screenings?

An individual can be subjected to secondary screening for anything ranging from a case of mistaken identity to the fact that the individual is currently under federal investigation. In many cases, these problems arise because an innocent traveler has the same name as someone on the national anti-terrorism watch list. Thus, if there is a “John Smith” on a federal watch list, other people with that name may encounter difficulties when they travel until the authorities are satisfied that they are not the John Smith on the watch list.

Sometimes, persons can be subjected to secondary screening due to past criminal convictions, active retraining orders, or outstanding warrants. Other times, it can be due to a travel record that did not accurately record your timely exit from the country and incorrectly shows that you overstayed your authorized time on a previous entry. Secondary screening may also result from what some believe is bias towards certain groups of people. Secondary inspection can also be caused by fingerprints that were incorrect or of poor quality, along with a myriad of other issues.

Oftentimes, the government relies on inaccurate or incomplete records. If you do not understand why you are being singled out for additional screening, you should find out why.  The experienced lawyers at The National Security Law Firm can help you answer this question. Depending on the facts of your case, we may recommend and assist you in the filing of a claim for more information under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). FOIA allows you to request copies of all information that the CBP, or any other relevant government agencies has on you.

After receiving this information, we can then pinpoint why you are being targeted at entry points and then determine how best to proceed to correct any errors or inaccuracies in your records to prevent future travel issues.

What Are My Legal Options If I Am Subjected to an Unlawful Secondary Screening or Denied Entry or Exit at the Airport?

If someone is subjected to an unlawful secondary screening or denied entry or exit at an airport, they can file a Department of Homeland Security’s Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (TRIP) claim. Through TRIP, we can correct any errors or inaccuracies in your records causing you to undergo secondary screening.

What Is the Traveler Redress Inquiry Program?

The Department of Homeland Security created the Traveler Redress Inquiry Program to provide individuals with an avenue to address issues with secondary searches. Further, TRIP allows individuals to file complaints regarding wrongful travel delays and denials. If people believe they are wrongfully on a watchlist (i.e., because they are repeatedly subjected to secondary screenings), they can file a claim with TRIP to help address the issue.

Who Can Use DHS TRIP?

Anyone who experiences the following issues may be able to file a TRIP claim:

You have been denied or delayed airline boarding;

You have been denied or delayed entry into or exit from the U.S. at a port of entry or border crossing;

You have been repeatedly referred to additional (secondary) screening;

Not being able to print a boarding pass from an airline ticketing kiosk;

You were told that you are on the “No Fly List;”

You believe that the government’s records of your personal information is inaccurate .

DHS lists additional reasons why people may use the TRIP application process.

What Is the Traveler Redress Inquiry Program Application Process?

To submit a claim with TRIP, you or your representative typically file an online application. When you apply, a host of agencies receive and review your application and submit their response to the appropriate agency. Once this process is complete, DHS files a final determination and sends this to you.

What Documents Do I Need to Submit a TRIP Claim?

To submit a TRIP claim, you must provide a legible copy of the biographical page of your unexpired passport or other approved forms of identification issued by the US government. Examples of documents DHS accepts include the following:

Driver’s license,

Birth certificate (if the person is under the age of 18),

Military or government identification card,

Certificate of citizenship or naturalization,

Immigrant or non-immigrant visa,

Alien registration,

Petition or claim receipt,

I-94 admission form,

FAST, SENTRI, NEXUS, or SEVIS card, or

Border crossing card.

If your representative (such as an attorney) will submit the form on your behalf, you must complete and submit DHS TRIP Form 590 .

Privacy Concerns

As explained in the associated Privacy Impact Assessment , DHS can use the data submitted in a TRIP application for purposes other than addressing the applicant’s concerns. For example, they may use it to further a criminal investigation or to verify additional information. But DHS must protect the confidentiality of the information they receive. Individuals concerned about how the DHS will use their information should talk to an experienced TRIP attorney.

Tracking the Status of the Claim

When people apply, DHS assigns them a Redress Control Number , which applicants can then use to track the status of their TRIP claim. DHS may ask for additional information about what occurred along the way, so it is essential to continue to check the status to ensure you do not miss any updates.

Once all agencies have completed their reviews and made any necessary updates to their records, TRIP sends you a final determination letter.

Contact a TRIP Lawyer at the National Security Law Firm for Help

When embarking on any endeavor against the government, having an experienced and knowledgeable attorney is critical. Our team consists of field leaders who have worked for the government before transitioning to private practice.

Our TRIP attorneys can help you navigate the TRIP claim process. We have decades of knowledge and hands-on experience in the national security arena. If you were mistreated in a secondary screening or denied entry or exit at an airport, contact our dedicated team today by calling 202-600-4996 .

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Targeted for Additional Airport or Border Screening? Here’s What You Can Do

Are you facing additional screening at an airport or border crossing? It is possible that you’re on a watch list? Here are three steps to help:

Step 1: Check Your Boarding Pass

Look at your boarding pass for a SSSS designation, which stands for Secondary Security Screening Selection. This could mean that you are on a watch list, especially if you were not able to print or access your boarding pass online.

Step 2: File a Redress Complaint

If you experience issues while traveling, file a complaint with the Department of Homeland Security Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP). This can help reduce future encounters and delays. Submit as much detail as possible at:  https://www.dhs.gov/dhs-trip

(Click HERE to find our step-by-step instructions document to help you navigate this form)

Step 3:  Final Determination

After reviewing your complaint, the government will likely issue a final determination letter informing you that corrections have been made. The government will NOT tell you if your name appears on a watchlist, but if you are a U.S. citizen or green card holder, the government MUST tell you if you are on the No Fly List. If these problems remain unresolved, reach out to the Muslim Legal Fund of America (MLFA). We provide free legal advice and assistance to travelers who have been targeted due to their race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation or religion.Take Action Now! Submit your complaint with DHS TRIP and ask for help if needed. Stand up for your right to travel without fear of discrimination.

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Beydoun v. HOLDER JR et al, No. 5:2014cv13812 - Document 10 (E.D. Mich. 2015)

Court Description: OPINION and ORDER Granting Defendants' 6 MOTION to Stay - Signed by District Judge Judith E. Levy. (FMos)

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Letter of Final Determination

A Letter of Final Determination (LFD) is a letter FEMA mails to the Chief Executive Officer of a community stating that a new or updated Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) or Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM) will become effective in six months. The letter also notifies each affected flood-prone community participating in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) that it must adopt a compliant floodplain management ordinance by the map effective date to remain participants in good standing in the NFIP.

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