English edit

Etymology edit

pre- +‎ clearance

Noun edit

preclearance (countable and uncountable, plural preclearances)

  1. A procedure to arrange for clearing customs or immigration in advance.
    The customs service announced new preclearance regulations last week.
  2. (US, law) Advance approval by a federal court or the Department of Justice for changes to voting regulations in certain states under the 1965 Voting Rights Act.
    The great state of Alabama believes that preclearance is a relic of the past.