Terrorist Watchlist: Nomination and Redress Processes for U.S. Persons

The GAO report examines how U.S. persons may be nominated to or misidentified on the terrorist watchlist and the processes available to correct errors. While the watchlist helps safeguard national security, misidentifications have led to challenges such as travel delays, denied boarding, or immigration impacts. The Department of Homeland Security’s Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (DHS TRIP) is the primary pathway for individuals to seek redress, though other options like FOIA requests and lawsuits exist. GAO made recommendations to federal agencies to improve accuracy, timeliness, and transparency in watchlist nomination and redress procedures.