Mandl Immigration Lawyers is advising people with unresolved immigration issues to speak with an attorney before flying, even on domestic flights within the United States.
Some travelers with foreign passports have recently reported being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at U.S. airports. The reports include people who overstayed their visas or have other unresolved immigration issues, and even those who requested a visa extension but have not yet been approved. According to the firm, flying within the United States does not mean a person is free from the risk of immigration enforcement.
Those who may be affected include people who have overstayed a visa or do not currently have lawful immigration status; people with prior deportation or removal orders; and people with pending immigration applications or temporary protections, such as asylum applicants or people with Temporary Protected Status (TPS), depending on their individual circumstances. Having a valid state-issued ID or no criminal record does not guarantee that a person will avoid immigration enforcement.
The firm recommends speaking with an experienced immigration attorney before booking or taking a flight, and considering delaying nonessential air travel until you understand your immigration risks.
“Every immigration case is different. What happens during an airport encounter depends on a person’s immigration history, current status, and any past immigration proceedings,” said Aron Mandl, Esq., Senior Attorney at Mandl Immigration Lawyers. “A short consultation before traveling can help someone understand their risks and avoid serious problems.”
The firm’s release notes the information is general and not legal advice.
