TSA's Alien Invasion: Updating Words, Not Worlds
Published Date: 2/17/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting February 17, 2026, TSA is updating its rules to swap out the phrase “non-U.S. citizen” with the official term “alien” to match immigration laws. This change is just about words—no new rules or costs for travelers or businesses. It’s a quick, behind-the-scenes fix to keep TSA’s language sharp and on point.
No Economic Impacts Identified for this Document
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-14855, Intent To Request Extension From OMB of One Current Public Collection of Information: Transportation Security Officer Medical Questionnaire
The TSA is asking to keep using its medical questionnaire for Transportation Security Officer (TSO) candidates to make sure they’re fit for the job. They want to extend this paperwork approval and are inviting the public to share thoughts by September 21, 2026. This won’t cost extra money but helps keep airport security strong and safe!
2026-14074, New Agency Information Collection Activity Under OMB Review: Insider Threat Incident Reporting Tool
The TSA is rolling out a new tool for the public to report insider threats—people who might cause security problems from the inside. They’re asking for your feedback by August 12, 2026, to make sure this tool works well and isn’t too much hassle. This new process aims to keep everyone safer without costing extra money or time.
2026-13098, Crewmember Access Point
Starting January 1, 2027, aircraft operators who want their crewmembers to skip long security lines at certain U.S. airports will pay a $19 yearly fee per employee to join the Crewmember Access Point program. This change affects airlines like Delta, American, and FedEx, making it easier and faster for their crews to get through security while helping TSA keep things safe. Operators will get clear instructions on how to sign up and pay the fee.
2026-11784, New Agency Information Collection Activity Under OMB Review: Real-Time Wait-Time Dashboarding
The TSA is asking for approval to collect real-time wait-time data from airports to help passengers know how long security lines are. This info won’t include any personal details and will be gathered electronically. If you want to share your thoughts, you have until July 13, 2026, to comment before the plan moves forward.
2026-11552, Temporary Exemption for Certain Over-the-Road Bus Owner/Operators That Provide Fixed-Route Service to the Public
The TSA is giving certain bus owner/operators a temporary break from some security training rules so they can run fixed-route services during the FIFA World Cup 2026. This exemption covers buses traveling through or starting/ending in key U.S. cities hosting the event, from June 10 to July 31, 2026. It helps buses get fans where they need to go without extra paperwork, making the big soccer event smoother and more fun!
2026-11136, Revision of Agency Information Collection Activity Under OMB Review: TSA PreCheck® Application Program
TSA is updating how they collect info for the TSA PreCheck® application to make the process smoother for travelers. If you apply for TSA PreCheck® or are part of Trusted Traveler programs, you’ll share some personal and biometric details through TSA’s online systems. Comments on these changes are open until July 6, 2026, and there’s no new fee—just a smarter way to apply!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-03015, Television Broadcasting Services Hutchinson, Kansas
The FCC is switching Hutchinson, Kansas’s PBS station KPTS from channel 8 to channel 33 to boost TV signal quality and help viewers get a clearer picture. This change, effective March 19, 2026, won’t cost viewers extra or cause anyone to lose access. It’s a smart move to make watching local educational TV easier and better for everyone in the area.
Next: 2026-03054, Great Lakes Pilotage Rates-2026 Annual Review and Revisions to Methodology
Starting March 19, 2026, Great Lakes shipping companies will enjoy about a 6% cut in pilotage costs thanks to new rates set by the Coast Guard. They also tweaked how they calculate these rates by dropping one step to keep things simpler and fairer. This means smoother sailing for ships and better support for the supply chain in the Great Lakes region!