US Travel Advisory for Immigrants: Keep These Essential Documents With You at All Times

Washington: A new alert has been issued regarding non-citizens travelling domestically in America. In recent times, there have been cases of the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) detaining many migrants while travelling. Following these incidents, immigration experts and lawyers have advised all foreign nationals, including H-1B visa holders, to always carry all their valid immigration documents while travelling within the country.

From which states have such cases been reported?

According to the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), such cases have been reported in states such as California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, New Jersey, Texas and Virginia, where non-citizens were detained while travelling.

Who is being targeted?

According to reports, many of the detained had no criminal record. These also included people whose green card applications or asylum cases were pending. Some people also had a valid work permit (EAD), but experts say that having an EAD alone is not considered proof of legal residence in the US.

Which documents are necessary to carry with you during travel?

Immigration lawyers recommend always carrying these documents when traveling within the US:

• Valid passport
• Latest Form I-94
• Green Card (if applicable)
• Receipt of pending immigration application
• Valid Work Permit (EAD)
• Documents related to current job

Why is this important for Indian H-1B visa holders?

A large number of H-1B visa holders in America are Indian professionals. Experts say that despite the pending green card application, it is a safer option to keep renewing the H-1B status on time. If the green card application is rejected in the future, valid H-1B status entitles the individual to live and work legally in the US.

What are the risks if H-1B status expires?

According to immigration expert Cyrus D. Mehta, if a person's H-1B status has expired and he is staying only on the basis of a pending green card application or EAD, he can be detained and face deportation proceedings.

What advice have the lawyers given?

Immigration lawyers say people whose I-94 has expired or who are waiting for a visa extension should take extra precautions. Especially such people have been advised to avoid going to airports or sensitive travel routes. Although no such incident has happened so far with any member of the Indian community, in view of the current environment, all migrants have been advised to always keep their documents with them.