Can I Travel Domestically As An Undocumented Immigrant In The United States?

The Transportation Security Administration (“TSA”) recently announced that it was ending the use of the CBP One app for the purposes of identification for immigrants boarding domestic flights in the United States.

In the past, the CBP One app has been used for a variety of purposes including allowing immigrants access to the United States when applying for humanitarian forms of relief. The app also allows users mobile access to other services provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protections, and as stated above, allowed undocumented immigrants in the United States to access domestic air travel.

However as of February 24, 2025, the TSA released an alert stating that undocumented immigrants would no longer be able to use the CBP One app as identification to board domestic flights. Further, the alert stated if TSA cannot verify the identity of an undocumented immigrant at an airport checkpoint without ID, the individual will not be permitted to board an aircraft. Instead, undocumented immigrants who previously used CBP One for identification will only be permitted in airport checkpoints if TSA can determine the purpose of travel is for deportation or movement between detention centers.

The reason for the change comes as a result of a change in policy by the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) under President Donald Trump. The agency has expressed concern about the vetting process for immigrants using the CBP One app to travel. Specifically, DHS detailed worry that “high-risk individuals” were entering the United States without valid identification and then freely traveling on domestic flights.

While the situation is still developing, legal figures in the community have expressed fear that this change will create a burden for immigrants traveling domestically, forcing reliance on ground transport going forward.

Additionally, this update has not changed the ability of noncitizens with sufficient identification to travel using domestic flights. REAL ID, for example, is considered sufficient identification for air travel. Please note that a pending asylum application qualifies a noncitizen to receive a REAL ID.

If you have any concerns about domestic travel or whether you are eligible for sufficient identification for air travel, please contact Murray Osorio PPL today with your questions.