TSA’s New Rules Block Immigrant Travel—Even for Those in Legal Proceedings
If you’re an immigrant in the U.S., even with pending legal status, travel just got much riskier.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has officially stopped allowing undocumented immigrants to board domestic flights using the CBP One app as identification. The only exception? If they’re leaving the country.
At the same time, reports are emerging that TSA and ICE agents are now questioning travelers about their immigration status at airports, detaining some individuals—even those in legal proceedings.
These changes mark a significant escalation in the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigrant mobility, and the consequences will be devastating for asylum seekers, mixed-status families, and immigrant communities nationwide.
What’s Changing? The New TSA Policy Explained
🔴 CBP One No Longer Accepted for Domestic Travel
The CBP One app, originally designed to help streamline immigration processing, was previously used by asylum seekers to board flights while awaiting their court cases. Now, TSA has officially banned its use for domestic flights, making it harder for migrants to travel legally within the U.S.
🔴 The Exception: Self-Deportation and Transfers
TSA’s announcement makes it clear: the only people who can still use CBP One for flights are those leaving the country—either through voluntary departure or while being transferred between ICE detention facilities.
🔴 CBP One Rebranded as CBP Go
Since this policy shift, the CBP One app has been renamed CBP Go and its features for undocumented immigrants have been stripped away. The government has not announced any alternative options for asylum seekers needing to travel for legal or family reasons.
Why Homeland Security Says This is Necessary
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claims that the change is about national security.
A recent government report raised concerns that some migrants entering the U.S. through CBP One were not properly vetted, allowing individuals without official identification to board flights.
But immigration advocates say this is a manufactured crisis—one designed to block immigrants from safely reaching their families and legal proceedings.
The Impact: Who Gets Hurt the Most?
🚨 Asylum Seekers Stuck in Border Cities
For thousands of immigrants, air travel was the safest way to reunite with family or reach their court hearings. Now, many will be stranded in border towns, where shelters are already overwhelmed and resources are scarce.
🚨 Increased Risks for Immigrants on the Road
Without access to flights, many will have no choice but to take long, expensive, and dangerous bus or car trips—leaving them vulnerable to exploitation, human trafficking, and law enforcement targeting.
🚨 TSA and ICE Increasing Immigration Checks at Airports
Immigration attorneys are already warning their clients to avoid domestic flights altogether. Reports are growing that TSA officers and ICE agents are now stopping passengers and asking for proof of citizenship—even at boarding gates.
What You Can Do If You Need to Travel
If you are an immigrant—whether undocumented, an asylum seeker, a visa holder, or even a green card holder—you should be aware of your rights before flying.
✅ Carry Government-Issued ID
If you have a valid green card, visa, work permit, or state-issued Real ID, bring it with you.
✅ Know Your Rights
🔹 You are not required to answer questions about your immigration status.
🔹 If ICE stops you, ask if you are free to go. If not, remain silent and request a lawyer.
✅ Consider Alternative Travel Methods
Immigration lawyers strongly recommend avoiding air travel if you lack valid government-issued ID. Bus and train travel may be safer options—though ICE has been known to conduct immigration checks at bus and train stations as well.
This Isn’t About Security—It’s About Control
Let’s be clear: this policy isn’t about making air travel safer.
🔹 Asylum seekers have already been screened and processed by immigration authorities.
🔹 Many of those now blocked from flying were legally allowed to be in the U.S. while awaiting their court hearings.
🔹 The only reason to restrict their travel is to make life harder for immigrants and force them into more vulnerable situations.
This isn’t about protecting national security. It’s about limiting immigrant mobility and creating fear.