Recent reports of immigration enforcement activity at U.S. airports have raised questions among noncitizens about whether it is safe to travel domestically and what documents they should carry.
Reports indicate that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are engaging in increased information sharing involving noncitizen travellers. As a result, individuals who have unresolved immigration issues, including those who have status extensions or adjustment of status pending, should carefully consider their circumstances before traveling.
For individuals who are maintaining valid immigration status, domestic travel remains unchanged. However, carrying appropriate identification and documentation of current immigration status is an important best practice.
What Is Happening?
Recent media reports have described immigration arrests at or near U.S. airports in connection with increased collaboration and information sharing between TSA and ICE. According to reporting, information shared may include details concerning noncitizen travellers who are suspected of immigration violations.
This does not mean that every noncitizen traveling domestically will be questioned or detained. However, individuals with unresolved immigration issues, including expired non-immigrant status may face risk of being detained or arrested if their information comes to the attention of immigration authorities.
Are H-1B, O-1, TN, F-1, and Other Valid Visa Holders Affected?
Individuals who are maintaining valid non-immigrant status, such as H-1B, O-1, TN, F-1, L-1, or other lawful statuses, should carry documentation to demonstrate their lawful presence and current immigration status. A Form I-94 is commonly used as evidence of admission and authorized status in the United States.
Individuals should review their immigration documents carefully, particularly when they have recently changed employers, extended their status, filed a change of status application, or have another pending immigration matter.
TSA Identification Requirements Are Different From Immigration Status Documents
An important distinction is that documents used to prove immigration status are not necessarily the same documents accepted by TSA as identification for airport security screening. For example, an I-94 or I-797 approval notice may be evidence of immigration status, but these documents are not listed by TSA as standalone photo identification for routine airport screening.
TSA currently lists several forms of acceptable identification for domestic air travel, including a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state identification card, a foreign government-issued passport, a Permanent Resident Card, and a USCIS Employment Authorization Document, among others.
As of May 7, 2025, state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards that are not REAL ID-compliant are no longer accepted as standard identification at TSA checkpoints. Travelers without an acceptable alternative may face additional screening or other delays.
Noncitizens May Have an Obligation to Carry Evidence of Registration
Federal immigration law also includes registration and document-carrying requirements for certain noncitizens.
USCIS states that, with limited exceptions, noncitizens who are required to register and who are 18 years of age or older must carry evidence of registration and keep it in their personal possession. USCIS also explains that individuals who have been issued documents such as Form I-94 have already satisfied the registration requirement.
Because the appropriate evidence will vary depending on an individual’s immigration history and status, travellers should not assume that the same document will apply to everyone.
Recommended Documents to Carry When Traveling
Depending on your immigration status and circumstances, it may be advisable to carry the following:
For Non-immigrant Visa Holders
- Your passport
- A copy of your most recent Form I-94
- Your current Form I-797 approval notice, if applicable
- Additional status-specific documents, such as an I-20 or DS-2019 where applicable
For Lawful Permanent Residents –
- Your valid Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)
USCIS notes that lawful permanent residents age 18 and older are generally required to carry proof of their registration.
For Individuals with Employment Authorization Documents (EAD)
- Your valid Employment Authorization Document, AND
- Other documentation related to your underlying immigration status or pending application(s)
Keep Digital Copies as a Backup
Travelers may also wish to maintain secure digital copies of important immigration documents. Digital copies can be useful if an original document is lost, damaged, or temporarily unavailable.
However, a digital copy may not always substitute for an original document or official evidence that must be carried under applicable law. Individuals should understand the requirements for their particular status.
What If You Are Unsure About Your Immigration Status?
Individuals who are unsure whether they are maintaining valid immigration status should exercise additional caution before traveling.
This may include individuals who:
- Believe they may have overstayed their authorized period of admission
- Have an expired I-94
- Recently changed employers or immigration classifications
- Have a pending extension or change of status application
- Have a prior immigration violation or removal order
- Are currently involved in immigration court proceedings
- Have another unresolved immigration issues
A pending immigration application does not necessarily resolve every issue relating to lawful status or travel. The effect of a pending application can depend on the type of application, the individual’s prior status, and other facts specific to the case. Individuals with these issues should seek individualized legal advice before making travel plans.
Practical Steps Before Your Flight
Before traveling within the United States, consider taking the following steps:
- Review the expiration date and details of your most recent I-94.
- Confirm that you understand your current immigration status.
- Carry TSA-acceptable identification for airport screening.
- Carry relevant evidence of your immigration registration and status, as appropriate.
- Keep secure digital copies of important immigration documents.
- If you have a pending immigration matter or are uncertain about your status, speak with qualified immigration counsel before traveling.
The Bottom Line
Recent reports of increased coordination between TSA and ICE have created understandable concerns among noncitizens traveling within the United States. At the same time, domestic travel is not prohibited simply because an individual is a foreign national or holds a non-immigrant visa.
Individuals who are maintaining valid immigration status should ensure that they have appropriate identification for TSA screening and documentation that can help establish their immigration status if necessary. Those with expired status, possible immigration violations, or uncertainty regarding their status should seek individualized legal advice before traveling.
Because immigration and travel policies can change and every individual’s circumstances are different, travellers should avoid relying on general information as a substitute for legal advice.
Need guidance regarding your immigration status or upcoming travel? Contact Visawolf to discuss your specific situation with an immigration professional.
Bradley Jones, PhD. Director of Outreach, Immigration Law (Visawolf, PC)