Travelling without AP card, during AOS

[V24 21]

Hi! My husband and I have a trip to Arizona next week, therefore we will be driving through Texas, New mexico and then into Arizona. Meaning, we will be hitting all this checkpoints where they ask for ID. My EAD AND AP card have been mailed but they probably won't arrive on time.

Last time i drove through the border myself (on work visa) they didn't even ask for ID and just looked at me and let me through but this time I will be nervous since I only have my foreign passport.

Should i just cancel the trip or do you think it will be ok?!

[roynga 3]

What check points are you talking about? Only one in that area is if you go into Mexico. The AP card is for when you travel outside of USA.

[V24 21]

Hmm i think it was when i got to new mexico with my friends, we were stopped and they just inspected the car and let us through.

[NancyNguyen 1,657]

Hmm i think it was when i got to new mexico with my friends, we were stopped and they just inspected the car and let us through.

When they are busy, they just wave you through. But when they ask for your status / identity, just tell them you are AOS applicant, and show I-485 receipt, Driver License and you are good to go.

West bound: Las Cruces, NM

East bound: Sierra Blanca, TX

Edited September 21, 2015 by NancyNguyen

[V24 21]

Ok thanks! If we manage to find a flight should I expect to have to show these these documents then too?

[NancyNguyen 1,657]

Ok thanks! If we manage to find a flight should I expect to have to show these these documents then too?

You shouldn't be asked for status when you fly domestic, only valid ID to get through TSA security. Don't know your destination, but here in Yuma AZ, you might be asked for status randomly by CBP before you board flight back. Tucson, Phoenix is cool though.

[newacct 688]

What check points are you talking about? Only one in that area is if you go into Mexico. The AP card is for when you travel outside of USA.

There are lots of CBP checkpoints inside the US. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Border_Patrol_interior_checkpoints

[TBoneTX 45,292]

A recent thread of relevance:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/562879-cbp-at-tsa-airport-checkpoints-why-theyre-there-how-best-to-handle/#entry7784682

OP, do not (do NOT!) take inland CBP checkpoints lightly. With some exceptions during an experience of many years, I've found that the agents are generally in ill humor and are looking to nail somebody. Keep ALL your current documentation with you, including your marriage certificate and AOS letters.

Even U.S. citizens should avoid (like the plague) the internal CBP checkpoint south of Alpine, Texas.

Edited September 22, 2015 by TBoneTX

[V24 21]

We are booking flights, it will be to Phoenix, plan on brining the i-481 NOA1, biometrics receipt and marriage certificate (my last name is the name as my husbands in my passport too). Sounds ok?

Yep - don't take them lightly, we asked a lawyer who recommends us flying because the border checkpoint workers on I-10 can be funny and it isn't worth the risk.

[Talking Head 4]

Been through a few of these myself, always been waved through. Seen them stop people a few times but never myself and my wife. I normally keep my AOS NOA1 on me just in case.