Travel safety for immigrants: Air travel risks and travel documents

Should I travel?

Travel can carry immigration risks for people who are not U.S. citizens. This includes international travel and air travel within the United States. 

International travel can affect your immigration case and ability to return to the U.S. For flights within the U.S., TSA shares passenger information with ICE, and ICE is conducting checks and making arrests at U.S. airports.

If you are traveling internationally, you may need a travel document.

International travel risks

• Check if you are affected by the travel ban. It could prevent you from entering or returning to the U.S.
• Every time you re-enter the U.S., you are subject to review and could be denied re-entry. Current policies are very strict.
• If you are undocumented, do not travel internationally. You may be denied re-entry and/or placed in removal proceedings.
• If you have a pending immigration application, international travel could affect your case. Leaving the U.S. while your application is being processed may result in denial.
• If you have a Green Card and a criminal history, you face new risks when coming back to the U.S. You could be treated as seeking admission, detained, and placed in removal proceedings that could ultimately result in the loss of your permanent resident status.
• You may need a travel document before leaving the U.S. depending on your status. Leaving without the required document could affect your status, pending case, or ability to return.

General air travel risks

• Undocumented travelers may face detention. If you are undocumented and traveling by air within the U.S., you may be detained and placed in removal proceedings for deportation.
• You may be at higher risk at the airport if you have a past or current deportation order, an administrative warrant, or temporary protections such as DACA, TPS, a U visa, or a T visa. Some people are stopped even if the order is old or they did not know about it.
• Pending cases do not protect you. Having a pending application (such as asylum, TPS, or a Green Card) does not prevent ICE from detaining you if you lack active, unexpired legal status.

Talooyin loogu talagalay safarka badbaadada leh

• If you are not a U.S. citizen, talk with an immigration lawyer before planning travel. They can help you understand the risks.
• Check for a deportation order if you are unsure. Call the immigration court hotline at 1-800-898-7180 and enter your A-number.
• La soco isbeddellada siyaasadda safarka ka hor iyo inta lagu jiro safarka. Qaanuunka arrimaha socdaalka ayaa laga yaabaa inuu si degdeg ah isu beddelo. La soco wararka cusub ee ku saabsan xayiraadaha safarka.
• Hubi in dhammaan dukumeentiyadaada ay ansax yihiin. Fiisahaaga iyo baasaboorkaagu waa inay ahaadaan kuwo cusboonaysiisan oo aan dhicin. Magaca ku qoran tigidhka diyaaradda waa inuu la mid noqdaa kan ku yaal ID-gaaga.
• Waa inaad soo bandhigtaa ID-gaaga Saxda ah ama nooc kale oo aqoonsi la aqbali karo, sida baasaboor aan dhicin, haddii aad ku safrayso gudaha Maraykanka.
• Keep all important documents with you, not in checked baggage. This includes physical copies of your travel documents, passport, ID, pending application receipts, lawyer’s contact information, and emergency contacts.
• Samee qorshe ammaanka ah. La wadaag faahfaahinta safarkaaga la xiriirada aad ku kalsoon tahay oo la soco inta aad safarka ku jirto. Ka wada hadalla waxa la sameeyo haddii laguu diido inaad dib u soo gasho ama lagu xidho.
• Know your rights. Learn what to expect at the airport and how to respond to immigration officials. If you are detained, ask to speak to a lawyer immediately. Do not sign any forms without a lawyer.
• Be prepared for extra screenings. You may be asked additional questions about your immigration status or travel.
• Xaddid xogta shaqsiga ah ee ku jirta aaladahaaga. Your phone or laptop may be inspected. Remove unnecessary apps or files, turn off Face ID, and print paper boarding passes. Refusing to unlock a device or erasing a device carries risks (including the denial of entry) for visa holders, or delays and device confiscation for Green Card holders and refugees. 
• Always request an official receipt if officers take your device.

What is a travel document?

A travel document lets the U.S. government know about your travel plans. This is for certain non-citizens living in the USA who meet specific rules. You can use a travel document instead of a visa as proof of travel authorization.

You must get your travel document before you leave the country. You must show your travel document at the airport or border.

Having a travel document does not guarantee you can re-enter the USA. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will check your documents and decide if you can legally re-enter the USA.

Who needs a travel document?

You must have a travel document to re-enter the United States if you have the status of:

• Refugee or asylee
• Humanitarian parole
• TPS or DED
• Pending application for TPS or Green Card
• Lawful permanent resident and will be outside the U.S. for 1 year or more
• DACA or other temporary status and have a qualifying reason for travel

Why do I need a travel document?

If you leave the USA without a travel document, you will risk:

• Losing your immigration status
• Being denied any pending application
• Not being allowed back into the USA

If a CBP officer says you are not allowed to re-enter the USA, you might have to go to immigration court. If you do not qualify for other immigration relief, you may be deported from the USA.

It is important to check with an immigration legal representative before you travel, especially if you have a pending application. Even with a travel document, any travel outside the U.S. can put your application at risk.

What are the types of travel documents?

There are 4 common types of travel documents:

• Advance parole document
• Refugee travel document
• Re-entry permit
• TPS travel authorization

The type of travel document you need depends on your current immigration status. The application process is the same for all types of travel documents.

Different travel documents have different expiration dates. Make sure your travel document is valid and unexpired when returning to the USA. It is important you know when your travel document expires.

Advance parole document

Advanced parole lets you return to the USA without applying for a visa. You can apply for an advance parole document if you have a:

• Pending Green Card application
• Pending asylum application
• Pending TPS application

Refugee travel document

A refugee travel document allows you to return to the United States if you are a:

• Refugee or asylee
• Derivative asylee or refugee
• Green Card holder based on refugee or asylee status

Refugee travel documents are valid for 1 year.

Re-entry permit

A re-entry permit is for people traveling outside the USA for more than 1 year. It allows you to return to the USA without applying for a return visa from a U.S. embassy or consulate.

You can apply for a re-entry permit if you are a:

• Permanent resident
• Conditional resident

If you are away from the USA for less than 1 year, you will only need to show your Green Card when you return.

TPS travel authorization

If you have TPS, you must apply for travel authorization to travel outside the United States. If your request is approved, USCIS will issue you Form I-512T to show you have permission to travel. You can use your TPS travel document as proof of travel at an airport instead of a visa.

If your application for TPS is pending and you plan to travel abroad, you must apply for advance parole. If approved, you will get Form I-512L as proof of travel.

Carrier documentation

Carrier documentation allows airlines or transportation carriers to let you board a plane or other transportation carrier to travel back to the USA. This is a separate application with Form I-131A.

You can apply for carrier documentation if:

• Your Green Card, advance parole, or re-entry permit was lost, stolen, or destroyed
• You are a permanent resident or a conditional resident

How can I apply?

The process to apply for a travel document is generally the same for all 5 types of travel documents. You can apply for a travel document with USCIS by filing Form I-131, Application for Travel Document.

Read the instructions for Form I-131 for more information on filling it out. You must submit evidence such as your photo identification and proof of immigration status.

You can file your application online or mail it to a direct filing address depending on your immigration status. Find tips for filing a form online.

What happens after I file my application?

You will get a notice in the mail once your application has been accepted. USCIS may request more information or evidence. You may have to go to a biometrics service appointment and interview.

How can I track the status of my case?

You must fill out Form G-1145 to receive a confirmation receipt over email or text message. You check your case status online by entering your receipt number.

How long does it take to get my travel document?

Case processing times depend on your location and application type. You can check case processing times online.

After you have applied, you can see the estimated wait time for your case by logging into your myUSCIS account.

Can I expedite my travel document?

If you have an urgent reason that you need to travel, you may request expedited (faster) processing of your application. You can request expedited processing by calling the USCIS Contact Center.

Expedited processing may be available for the following reasons:

• Emergencies such as medical needs, serious illness, or death in close family
• Humanitarian situation
• Severe financial loss
• Urgent non-profit activities
• U.S. government interests
• Clear USCIS error

All requests for expedited processing are taken on a case-by-case basis. You may be required to submit additional evidence. If you leave the country before you have approval, you may not be allowed to return.

Should I talk to a lawyer?

It is important to get legal help when you apply for a travel document, especially if you have a pending immigration application. A lawyer or accredited representative can explain your options and help you submit your application. Many organizations and lawyers offer free or low-cost legal services.

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