Having a Green Card means permanent residence in the United States, but not immunity. A traffic stop in the wrong state, an old criminal record, or signing the wrong form can trigger removal proceedings. This guide, based on guidance from the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), covers what every green card holder needs to know before traveling within the U.S. in 2026.
Risk situations you need to know
- Criminal history, including old plea deals, can make you removable
- TSA shares your data with ICE automatically on domestic flights
- States with strict immigration enforcement laws (FL, TX, AL) carry added risk
- Within 100 miles of any U.S. border? Border Patrol can act without a warrant
What the law requires: what to carry at all times
Federal law requires all green card holders age 18 and older to carry Form I-551 (the green card) at all times and present it on demand to any immigration officer. Failing to produce it is a federal misdemeanor, with penalties of up to a $100 fine or 30 days in jail.
Also carry:
- Green card (I-551) — the only document required by law
- Secondary ID — a REAL ID, enhanced driver’s license, or valid foreign passport. Your green card is TSA-accepted and does not require a separate REAL ID for domestic flights.
- Your attorney’s phone number — written on paper. Do not rely on your phone.
At the airport: TSA shares your data with ICE
TSA shares domestic passenger information with ICE, which cross-references that data against records of people with final removal orders, outstanding warrants, or criminal history. Based on those matches, ICE sends agents to the airport to make arrests. ICE is already present at many airports across the United States.
If any of the following applies to you, consult your immigration attorney before flying:
- You have a pending or final removal order
- You have an outstanding warrant
- You have any criminal history
Facial recognition: you have the right to opt out
DHS is consolidating the biometric databases of TSA, ICE, CBP, and USCIS (including facial recognition) into a single unified platform. In early 2026, TSA expanded facial recognition to 65 airports.
For domestic flights, you have the right to opt out. If asked to submit to a facial scan, tell the agent:
“I am opting out of facial recognition. I would like manual ID verification.”
If the agent refuses, ask for a supervisor. Note that prior facial scans taken at the time of your lawful entry may remain in the system even after you opt out.
Risk factors you need to know
Criminal history. An old DUI, a misdemeanor, or a plea deal can make you removable, even if the case was closed years ago. Never accept any criminal conviction or plea deal without first consulting your immigration attorney. If you have any criminal history and are planning domestic travel, speak with an attorney beforehand.
High-risk states. States such as Alabama, Texas, and Florida have laws that create added risk for green card holders. This includes routine traffic stops that can end in immigration detention. If you have any unresolved status issues, consult an attorney before traveling through these states.
The 100-mile zone. Border Patrol can board buses and trains within 100 miles of any U.S. border, without a warrant. This zone covers significant portions of the country, including all of Florida, Michigan, several New England states, and large parts of Arizona, California, and Texas.
If you are stopped, questioned, or detained
Never sign anything without speaking to your attorney first
Do not sign any document, especially a “Voluntary Departure” form. Signing it permanently waives your right to a hearing before an immigration judge.
Immigration agents may present forms as if they are routine procedure. They are not. Signing a Voluntary Departure form ends your case permanently, with no opportunity to defend yourself. Always speak with your attorney before signing anything during a detention.
What to do now
If you are a green card holder planning domestic travel, take a moment to prepare. Write your attorney’s number on paper. Review whether you have any criminal history that should be evaluated first. Know which states you will be in and whether any part of your route falls within a high-risk zone.
If you have questions about how this new landscape affects your case, contact our team before you travel. A quick conversation can prevent an irreversible situation.
Need a green card or currently in a permanent residency process? Visit our pages on family petitions, EB-1, and EB-2 NIW.
Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information was adapted from educational material published by the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), last updated July 31, 2026. Each immigration situation is unique and requires individual analysis by a qualified attorney. Contact Kravitz & Guerra Law Offices to evaluate your specific case.