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The busiest Holiday season of the year is fast approaching, and airports will soon be flooded with passengers traveling domestically to see their loved ones. For people who lack legal immigration status in the U.S., the idea of domestic travel can be particularly challenging at this time of year. Many of them worry that they may not be allowed to travel because of their lack of legal status – or they do not know what documents they would need to travel domestically in the first place. While it is true that traveling by plane within the U.S. can carry certain risks if you do not hold legal status, it is in fact allowed.
The Transportation Security Administration requires that all passengers traveling on airplanes present valid, unexpired identification. This means that passengers who do not have legal status in the U.S. can travel by airplane if they provide TSA-approved documents. Even so, there are certain things that you should take into consideration before purchasing a ticket to travel domestically in the U.S.
When Does Your Document Expire?
Before you purchase a ticket to travel domestically in the U.S., you should ensure that the identification document you plan to use is valid and up-to-date. If your passport, State ID, or other chosen document is close to its expiration date, it would be best to renew it before you travel domestically. Attempting to travel with a document that is nearly expired or that is not mentioned in the TSA guidelines can lead an officer to conduct a more extensive check of your immigration background.
What Is Your Destination?
Be aware that when you travel near an international border, such as the border that stretches between the U.S. and Mexico, you may be subject to more scrutiny than if you were traveling in other areas of the U.S. Customs officers in airports located in these border areas are often on the lookout for undocumented immigrants. If you present an ID document that cannot be used to confirm your legal status at these airports, then it may trigger further investigation of your immigration status.
What Types of ID Can You Present for Domestic Travel by Airplane?
The TSA requires certain government-issued identification documents for traveling domestically on a plane in the US. The list of TSA-approved documents include:
• Unexpired foreign passport
• Valid driver’s license
• Official State identification
• Employment Authorization Card
Bear in mind that it can often be challenging for undocumented immigrants to obtain some of the government identification documents that would be needed for domestic travel. Many state agencies will require you to provide proof of your legal immigration status in the U.S. before providing an ID document. Some states, such as Minnesota, California, and Maryland among others, will issue driver’s licenses to qualifying undocumented immigrants. Despite that, most other states, including Florida and Texas, ban undocumented immigrants from obtaining driver’s licenses and other government-issued IDs. If you do live in a state where you can obtain a license, it is a good idea to do so since you will be able to use this document for domestic plane travel in the U.S.
If you have questions regarding your ability to travel domestically in the U.S. or about another immigration legal matter, contact U.S. Immigration Law Counsel for a strategy session to discuss your case.
