Due to the increased presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Texas and increased ICE checkpoints at all land borders, individuals should be prepared to prove their immigration status if they encounter ICE or other law enforcement officers in the United States. Specifically, we recommend that potentially impacted individuals carry the following status documents at all times.

Naturalized US Citizens

While US Citizens are not required to carry a passport or other status document unless they travel internationally, it is recommended that individuals from the seven named countries (Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Libya, Yemen, Syria, and Somalia), or those who feel they may be profiled as such, carry their US Passport, US Passport Card, Naturalization Certificate, or a clear copy of one of these documents with them to evidence US Citizenship.

Lawful Permanent Residents

The Immigration and Nationality Act requires that permanent residents carry their lawful permanent resident cards  AT ALL TIMES.  This requirement is not optional and applies to foreign nationals from any country.

Nonimmigrant Visa Holders

All nonimmigrant visa holders should carry all of the following applicable documents  at all times:

  • Passport (if your current passport does not contain your visa stamp, carry your old and new passport).
  • I-94 Arrival/Departure Record.
  • I-797 Approval or Receipt Notice (or both, as applicable).
  • Employment Authorization Document Card (EAD Card).
  • Valid I-20 or DS-2019 issued from your college/university/institution.

If you are stopped by law enforcement, stay calm. If asked about your immigration status, you should present the valid immigration documentation outlined above. We recommend that you try and pay attention to the officer's badge and patrol car numbers, so that if you feel your rights are violated in some way, you can later document it and file a complaint with the appropriate agency.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.