Domestic travel can be a problem even for those who are in status. Individuals, traveling both domestically and internationally, are being prevented from boarding flights, and in some instances, are being detained and placed in proceedings, when they are not in possession of a facially valid visa, I-94, or I-551 card. This appears to be occurring even though one might be in a valid status, i.e. if they have a pending or approved application to change, extend, or adjust status, a pending I-90 application for a replacement I-551, or have filed an I-751 Petition to Remove the Conditions of Residence. The problem is TSA and/or carriers dont know what valid status is. They only know about expiration dates. TSA recently announced that they are only looking to check identity, however, that is not true. When they see a facially expired document they call CBP, ICE or BP. The client could present a drivers license; however, they are also required to have passport and immigration documents in their possession so the carrier or TSA could requested them. If the clients documents, on their face, show them to be out of status they could be detained or delayed at the airport. Even if they do not end up in detention because they are ultimately authorized to be here, they could end up missing a flight. In addition and really as another issue, clients should be told not to travel where there is a possibility that they could be diverted outside of the U.S. (i.e. Caribbean or Hawaii). For example, if there is a storm and the plane is diverted to Vancouver rather than SF. If they dont have an I-131 they may not be able to return to the United States. It is safer for them to stay continental.
Thanks to Leslie Holman.