For many immigrants in the United States, domestic air travel has historically been a routine part of life, whether it’s visiting family, attending work conferences, or handling personal matters. But in late 2025, the landscape for domestic flying has changed in a way that could affect people with pending adjustment of status applications and others with immigration matters.
Recent reporting shows that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has been sharing airline passenger information with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on a regular basis. TSA sends lists of travelers on domestic flights to ICE, and ICE uses this information to compare against its databases of individuals who may be subject to immigration enforcement actions. If ICE identifies someone of interest, agents may be deployed to intercept that person at the airport.
What Does This Mean for People with Pending Adjustment of Status?
- Pending status ≠ guaranteed protection
A pending adjustment of status (Form I‑485) means you’ve filed for lawful permanent resident status and are waiting on a decision from USCIS. This application does not give an automatic right to avoid immigration enforcement or guarantee that data shared with ICE won’t be used to identify you at the airport. - Air travel data sharing increases visibility
Because TSA has been regularly providing passenger names, flight details, and other travel information to ICE, individuals with unresolved immigration matters may be flagged before they ever reach security checkpoints. - Risk varies based on individual situation
• People who are out of status (such as with an expired visa or I‑94) or who have prior deportation/removal orders may be at higher risk of being detained.
• Those with a current pending I‑485 and valid documentation (like an EAD card or other proof of status) may be less likely to be targeted, but the risk is not zero, especially if records are outdated or unclear.
Domestic Flights Are Not Immigration Safe Zones
While domestic flights are generally governed by aviation security rules rather than immigration law, the recent shift in data sharing between TSA and ICE blurs that line. What used to be considered relatively safe travel within U.S. borders can now carry potential immigration risk, especially at busy airports.
This does not mean all non‑citizens will be detained, many people with valid visas, pending applications, or lawful status travel regularly without incident. But the presence of immigration enforcement agents and the use of shared passenger lists increases uncertainty and concern for many immigrants and families.
What Should You Do Before Flying?
- Carry all relevant immigration paperwork: Bring your I‑485 receipt (Form I‑797), EAD (Employment Authorization Document) or travel document, passport, and any other supporting documents.
- Use Real ID‑compliant identification: This is required for domestic flights and can help streamline the screening process.
- Speak with an immigration attorney: Especially if your status is unclear or you’ve had past immigration issues, get personalized legal advice before traveling.
Final Thoughts
Traveling domestically with a pending adjustment of status can still be possible, but it comes with new considerations in late 2025 due to expanded data sharing between TSA and ICE. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, and deciding whether to fly should depend on your unique immigration situation. If you have concerns about domestic travel and your immigration status, it’s important to speak with an experienced immigration attorney who can assess your specific situation and advise you accordingly.
Schedule a Consultation with an Immigration Lawyer
Citations
- DHS Privacy Impact Assessment: TSA Secure Flight Program
- 49 CFR Part 1560 – Secure Flight Program Regulations
- ICE Air Operations – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
- TSA Identification Requirements for Domestic Travel
We Can Help!
If you have questions regarding U.S. immigration, we invite you to contact our team at Richards and Jurusik for detailed guidance and assistance. We aim to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information to make your immigration process smoother and less stressful. The immigration lawyers at Richards and Jurusik have decades of experience helping people to work and live in the United States. Please read some of our hundreds of 5-star client reviews! Contact us today to assess your legal situation.
REBECCA KROLL is an Associate Attorney at Richards and Jurusik who practices exclusively in U.S. immigration law, focusing on both business and family-based immigration. She assists clients with employment-based visas, marriage and family cases, and the U.S. citizenship process. (Full Bio)
