Air travel within US

[namour7997 2]

hello all,

i dont know where to post this question, but my question is: what ID to present before TSA security at the airport when travelling within US by plane?

my passport will show that my status is overstayed but we sent our I-130+AOS+AED+AP packet last March 24, USPS confirmed delivery on March 26.

will the NOA1 together with the passport be enough? or wait until all process is done? please enlighten me

thank you in advance

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

The passport is all you need; they are just checking your identity for flights within the US, not your immigration status. I would bring the NOA1 and keep it with you, just in case, however.

Edited March 28, 2014 by Harpa Timsah

[aussie_jason 195]

Or if you have state issued ID you can just use that, however I would still carry your passport plus NOA1 just in case.

[twopeepsaz 3]

The passport is all you need; they are just checking your identity for flights within the US, not your immigration status. I would bring the NOA1 and keep it with you, just in case, however.

However, one important caveat is that Border Patrol frequently checks ID at airports within 100 miles of the southern (and possibly northern) border. In my job I collaborate with law enforcement, including Border Patrol, and I have been advised that, even though we are technically here legally, without an EAD card you may encounter delays from Border Patrol depending on the agent.

(BTW, Harpa, thanks for all of your input in these forums. I find your insight and experience most helpful.)

[namour7997 2]

thank you for your immediate replies, passport + NOA1 hopefully will suffice

aussie_jason: no state ID due to overstay status

[duitta2g15 26]

Lol you are scared to be send back home. TSA don't look at your Visa. They are only going to look at your passport biographical page to confirm your name on your itinerary and identity. Your passport shouldn't be expired that's all. As long as your passport isn't expired, you should be good my dear friend.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

However, one important caveat is that Border Patrol frequently checks ID at airports within 100 miles of the southern (and possibly northern) border. In my job I collaborate with law enforcement, including Border Patrol, and I have been advised that, even though we are technically here legally, without an EAD card you may encounter delays from Border Patrol depending on the agent.

(BTW, Harpa, thanks for all of your input in these forums. I find your insight and experience most helpful.)

Thanks, twopeep.

You are right that someone could check immigration status, although they generally don't in most places. Delays might happen, but the NOA1 should start the ball rolling to get checked out and released as quickly as possible.

FWIW, I have not seen any reports of anyone with AOS pending get detained for immigration. I have seen reports of K-1 overstayers being detained, though.

Edited March 28, 2014 by Harpa Timsah

[blest.but.strest 50]

However, one important caveat is that Border Patrol frequently checks ID at airports within 100 miles of the southern (and possibly northern) border. In my job I collaborate with law enforcement, including Border Patrol, and I have been advised that, even though we are technically here legally, without an EAD card you may encounter delays from Border Patrol depending on the agent.

(BTW, Harpa, thanks for all of your input in these forums. I find your insight and experience most helpful.)

The northern border is shared with Canada, there are no Border patrol agents conducting random immigration checks at airports for domestic flights close to northern border. But you are absolutely correct about airports close to Mexico, I have heard of people, mostly illegal Mexican, getting detained by immigration officials at airports in Texas (el Paso, Brownsville...etc) while the aliens were planning to fly domestically. EAD has nothing to do with it, as long as the alien is in the US legally with valid immigration status, there should be no problems at these airports close to Mexico.

[Uhoh 10]

I've only flown domestically on my US drivers license (which I got on my previous visa 6 years ago and managed to renew online last year, as our state seems to allow one online renewal per 10yrs without having to show status luckily!)