Updated August 12, 2026
If you are planning a domestic flight, bus trip, or road trip within the United States, your immigration status now matters more at checkpoints than it used to. Recent reporting has confirmed just how closely federal agencies are sharing passenger information, and what that means for you depends heavily on whether you hold a green card, a visa, or no lawful status at all. Here is what every traveler should know before heading out, organized by situation.
What Changed at the Airport
For years, airlines were required to send passenger information to the TSA for security screening. What has changed is how that information is now being used.
A formal agreement between TSA and ICE, made public in 2026 after a public records request, confirms that TSA shares passenger data with ICE. That data has been cross referenced against removal orders and other immigration records, and it has led to hundreds of arrests connected to domestic flights across the country, including cases in states from California to Virginia.
This does not mean every traveler is at risk in the same way. It means the documents you carry, and what you do if you are approached, should match your actual immigration situation.
Two Things Every Traveler Should Know, Regardless of Status
Facial recognition is optional. TSA has expanded facial recognition screening to more airports in 2026. For domestic flights, opting out remains your right. You can say, “I am opting out of facial recognition. I would like manual ID verification,” and ask for a supervisor if the request is refused. Keep in mind that facial scans taken earlier, such as at the time of lawful entry to the country, may already exist in federal systems even if you opt out going forward.
A standard driver license marked “Federal Limits Apply” is not valid TSA identification. Since May 2025, TSA has required a REAL ID compliant license, a valid passport, a green card, an Employment Authorization Document, or another federally accepted form of ID to board a domestic flight. Travelers without an accepted ID may be offered the option to pay a fee for additional identity verification, but the safest approach is to travel with an accepted document in hand.
What to Carry, by Immigration Status
Green Card Holders
- Your green card, Form I 551. Federal law requires every green card holder 18 and older to carry it at all times and present it if an immigration officer asks. Your green card is also accepted TSA identification, so a REAL ID is not required to fly domestically.
- A secondary form of ID, such as a REAL ID compliant license or a valid foreign passport.
- Your attorney’s phone number written on paper, not only stored on your phone.
Visa Holders
- Your passport, your I-94 printout, and your I-797 approval notice.-The passport and green card style documents can serve as TSA ID. The I-94 and I 797 cannot, but they are essential to carry.
- F-1 and J-1 students should also carry Form I-20 or DS 2019.
- A digital or physical backup copy of these documents in case the originals are taken.
- Your I-94 expiration date, checked at i94.cbp.dhs.gov before you finalize any travel plans. The I-94, not the visa stamp in your passport, controls how long you may stay. Falling out of status can happen quietly, for example after changing employers without an approved transfer, dropping below full time enrollment, or remaining past the I 94 date even if the visa stamp still looks valid.
Individuals Without Lawful Status
- Your passport, if you have one, which may serve as ID and does not require you to disclose your visa category.
- Physical copies of any documents that show a pending application or another form of authorized presence, if applicable.
- A trusted contact who has your travel plans and your attorney’s phone number, memorized in case you lose access to your phone.
- A plan for who will care for any children if you are detained.
Where the Risk Increases for Everyone
- High risk states. States such as Alabama, Texas, and Florida have laws that create added exposure during a routine traffic stop, regardless of immigration status. If you have any status question at all, speak with an attorney before traveling through these areas.
- Bus and train travel near the border. Federal agents can board buses and trains without a warrant within 100 miles of any U.S. border. This zone covers a large share of the country, including all of Florida and Michigan, several New England states, and large portions of Arizona, California, and Texas.
- Criminal history, even old or minor cases. A past DUI, misdemeanor, or plea deal can affect your case in ways that are not obvious at the time. Never accept a plea agreement without first speaking to an immigration attorney.
If You Are Stopped, Questioned, or Detained
- Stay calm. Do not run, argue, or physically resist.
- Present the ID that applies to you. Green card holders are required to show their green card. Visa holders and individuals without status may show a passport if they have one, and are not required to disclose their visa category.
- Opt out of a facial scan if you choose to. Say, “I am opting out of facial recognition. I want manual ID verification.”
- Exercise your right to remain silent. Say, “I am exercising my right to remain silent.”
- Ask for a lawyer. Say, “I want to speak to an attorney,” then say nothing further.
- Do not sign anything, especially a Voluntary Departure form, without speaking to your attorney first. Signing can waive your right to a hearing before an immigration judge and may carry consequences that are difficult to undo.
FAQ
Q: Does carrying a green card or visa documents guarantee smooth travel?
A: No single document guarantees anything. Carrying the correct documents reduces friction and confusion, but your individual case history, including any prior immigration or criminal record, is what ultimately determines your exposure.
Q: Am I required to answer questions about my immigration status if I am stopped?
A: You have the right to remain silent beyond presenting valid identification when legally required to do so. Speaking with an attorney beforehand can help you understand exactly what applies to your situation.
Q: Is opting out of facial recognition going to delay my flight or get me flagged?
A: Opting out is a standard, available option at TSA checkpoints for domestic travel. Manual ID verification generally takes a similar amount of time.
What to Do Before You Travel
- Confirm which documents apply to your status and gather them in advance, including backup copies.
- If you hold a visa, check your I-94 expiration date before finalizing any trip.
- Share your itinerary and your attorney’s contact information with someone you trust.
- If any part of your situation feels uncertain, whether it involves a past arrest, a pending application, or a pending court case, talk to an immigration attorney before you travel rather than after.
How Ponce Law Office Can Help
Every travel situation depends on the details of your specific immigration history. Our team can help you understand your risk before you book a flight or start a trip, and put a clear plan in place so you can travel with more confidence.
If you have questions about your own situation before you travel, contact Ponce Law Office today. We will help you understand your options and move forward with clarity and care.
Every journey matters.
This blog post is intended for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law and enforcement practices change frequently, and outcomes depend on individual circumstances. You should not act or rely on any information in this post without seeking the advice of a competent, licensed immigration attorney.
Sources: U.S. Transportation Security Administration, REAL ID and acceptable identification guidance (tsa.gov). U.S. Customs and Border Protection, I 94 lookup (i94.cbp.dhs.gov). Reporting on the TSA and ICE information sharing agreement, ABC News and American Oversight (2026).