Can an undocumented person travel by plane within the USA? | For many people travel on a plane In the United States, it can be a stressful process, but it can be even more so for someone who is undocumented.
That is why the question that many undocumented immigrants ask themselves is whether they can travel by plane within the United States?
According to a list of documents provided by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) To travel by air within the country, a person may carry a valid foreign passport as acceptable identification.
The risk always exists
However, although it seems that the current risk is much lower under the current administration compared to the previous one, because there have been changes in immigration detention priorities, the risks are still latent for the undocumented.
The immigration lawyer, Marina Castillo , Castillo Law Firm , consulted by Enlace Latino NC , said that while priorities have certainly changed, this doesn't mean they aren't stopping people at the airport.
“On the contrary, the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency, which is located at the airports, can at any time go out to the areas of the airport where TSA agents are and ask people for legal status and if If they don't have it, they can call ICE to put them in the deportation process,” Castillo warned.
“I do not recommend that undocumented immigrants travel through internal airports, even if Biden has a more flexible priority policy, it is a risk that everyone has to take, but the risk exists.”
Marina Castillo on undocumented immigrants traveling by plane within the United States
As an example, the lawyer cited how some undocumented immigrants risk traveling by plane to Hawaii or Puerto Rico, and for some reason the plane can be diverted to another island that does not belong to the territory of the United States.
“It's as if you enter another country, and then the person is not allowed to enter,” he explained.
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Domestic flights with foreign passport
The TSA has published a list of acceptable documents for people traveling on domestic flights:
- State identification document
- State driver's license
- Valid foreign passport
>>> You can see a complete list of documents accepted by TSA here
What to expect during TSA agent screening
When traveling by air within the United States, the traveler must go through an area where the TSA officer confirms the traveler's identity, and then they can go through security control.
The traveler will be screened by advanced imaging technology or a walk-through metal detector. You may be subject to additional screening, which will include a pat-down and bag search.
However, if your identity cannot be verified, you will not be allowed to enter the checkpoint. There's a TSA video which shows what the traveler can expect during the check-in.
What will happen when REAL ID comes into force?
But something that also worries many undocumented immigrants is that it is going to happen When the law comes into force REAL ID el May 7th 2025 .
Currently, people traveling on domestic flights do not need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or ID card.
The REAL ID Law was passed in 2005, as a result of the 9/11 attacks, in order to prevent terrorists from falsifying state IDs.
Each state has issued a unique driver's license or state ID design.
According to Department of Homeland Security (DHS), The Federal REAL ID Law , recent new ways that state driver's licenses and ID cards can be used when boarding a flight or entering secure federal buildings (such as federal courthouses, military bases, etc.).
After the deadline of 7 May of 2025, Individuals boarding domestic flights and entering federal facilities will be required to present a REAL ID (if they plan to use a state-issued ID or driver's license) or other acceptable forms of current identification such as a “current foreign passport.”
REAL ID will be optional
In order to obtain a document with the REAL ID (driver's license or identification card) proof of identity, state of residence and having legal presence in the country is required such as:
- Social Security Card
- Work Permit Card (DACA, TPS)
However, the REAL ID is completely optional, as indicated on the company's site. North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (NCDMV) .
In this state, the IDs issued by the NCDMV carry a gold star at the top right. These IDs without the star do not serve as a “federal ID.”
People who do not have a driver's license or REAL ID identification card can still drive, vote, apply for federal benefits, enter government offices such as the Post Office, a hospital.
But REAL ID can be helpful if the person frequently:
-Board domestic flights
-Nuclear plant visits
-Visit military bases
-Visit courts, pressures or other federal sites
“A person without a REAL ID or US passport can still board a domestic flight or visit any of the above locations, but will need to present additional documentation with their license or traditional ID,” it states. the website of the NCDMV.
>>> You can see here what each state requires according to REAL ID.
What are facial recognition cameras used for in airports?
In addition to the concern and confusion in information about the REAL ID requirement for state identification, some people are also concerned about the facial recognition cameras that the TSA is testing at airports.
According to the TSA, this biometric technology verifies that people at the airport match the ID they present and that the ID is real.
For now, however, people can opt out of TSA facial recognition. Currently, this system is available in 49 airports in the country.
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