The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Friday announced the official launch of a pilot program to speed pre-screened American citizens through customs and border patrol when returning from traveling overseas. The Global Entry program is currently only available to U.S. citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR) and is being tested at George Bush Intercontinental, John F. Kennedy International and Washington Dulles International airports."Perhaps the single criticism we hear most from international travelers is frustration with the entry process," said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff in a statement. "We're committed to a more welcoming environment for the roughly one million foreign travelers arriving at our ports each day. These initiatives will reduce much of the frustration and anxiety we encounter, and make it easier on our frontline personnel to focus even more on actual security and criminal risks."Global Entry applicants voluntarily provide their biographic and biometric information, undergo a background check and complete an interview with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer. Once accepted, Global Entry travelers can use a kiosk at any of the three pilot airports to verify their identity electronically and make any needed customs declarations. CBP has been accepting applications at www.cbp.gov/travel since May 12.