Travel to the U.S. has its own unique challenges for individuals who had previously been the subject of INTERPOL Red Notices. Despite having their Red Notices removed, these former subjects continue to face difficulties when entering the United States, as we discussed in our recent post. Today, we turn our attention to the question of whether and when to apply for a Redress Control Number (RCN).
INTERPOL Red Notices function as a mechanism for notifying member countries of an individual wanted for prosecution or sentencing for a crime. An RCN, provided by the Department of Homeland Security’s Travel Redress Inquiry Program (TRIP), is designed to help individuals who have been incorrectly associated with these notices, or have faced inspection problems previously.
According to a post by Estlund Law, P.A., it’s advised for former Red Notice subjects to apply for an RCN if they regularly travel to the U.S. or anticipate potential difficulties upon entry. However, the question that stands is when to apply.
The advisable time to apply can vary depending on individual circumstances. Some may find it beneficial to apply before their first attempt to enter the U.S. following the Red Notice removal, while others may wait and see if issues arise upon entry before proceeding with an application. It’s crucial to analyze one’s personal situation and travel plans prior to making such a decision, as well to consult with a legal professional with experience in dealing with such matters.
Although an RCN does not guarantee a smooth process without inspection issues, it can significantly ease the travel experience for former Red Notice subjects, providing them with a form of redress when misidentification or travel issues occur.
Interested readers can find a wealth of additional information on Estlund Law’s post regarding INTERPOL Red Notices and travel to the U.S.