Interactive Domestic Travel Risk Diagnostic
Evaluate your planned trip by selecting your travel mode, route, and DACA status below:
LOW TO MODERATE RISKSafety Assessment
Northern & Central interstate routes (I-70, I-80, I-15 through CO, UT, NV, Northern CA) remain far outside the 100-mile Border Patrol checkpoint zone. There are no fixed inland border checkpoints on these corridors.
TSA Domestic Flight Rules & Acceptable IDs
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers verify identity at security checkpoints, not immigration status. However, presenting unexpired, government-issued photo ID is strictly enforced.
Acceptable TSA Airport Identifications:
| Document Type | Accepted by TSA? | Notes for Non-Citizens & DACA |
|---|---|---|
| Employment Authorization Card (EAD / Form I-766) | Accepted | Your physical, unexpired DACA work permit card is a federal REAL ID-compliant photo ID. |
| Valid Foreign Passport | Accepted | Must be unexpired. Must match the exact name printed on your airline ticket. |
| REAL ID State Driver's License | Accepted | Driver's licenses marked with a star in the top corner meet federal REAL ID standards. |
| Non-REAL ID State License / AB 60 / SB 251 | Limited | State licenses marked "Federal Limits Apply" or "Not for Federal Identification" are NOT accepted at TSA checkpoints. Use your EAD or Foreign Passport instead. |
Non-Stop Flight Rule for Territories: When flying to Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), you MUST book non-stop flights or itineraries that only transit through U.S. domestic airports. If a flight emergency lands or redirects through a foreign airport (e.g. Mexico, Bahamas), returning to the U.S. without Advance Parole constitutes self-deportation.
Road Trips & Inland Border Patrol Checkpoints (100-Mile Zone)
Under federal law (8 U.S.C. § 1357), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operates fixed interior checkpoints up to 100 air miles from any U.S. land border or coastline.
High-Risk Southern Border Checkpoint Corridors to Avoid:
- Interstate 10 (I-10): Fixed CBP checkpoints in Arizona (near Wilcox) and Texas (near Sierra Blanca / Las Cruces).
- Interstate 8 (I-8): Fixed checkpoints in Southern California (Pine Valley / Campo / El Centro).
- Interstate 40 (I-40): Roving Border Patrol patrols near the Arizona/New Mexico border.
- State Routes in NM/TX/AZ/CA: Routes 85, 86, 90, and 286 within 100 miles of Mexico.
State Driver's License Status Matrix for Undocumented Residents:
| State | License Law | Allows Undocumented Driving? |
|---|---|---|
| California | AB 60 License | Yes (AB 60) |
| Colorado | SB 251 License | Yes (SB 251) |
| Utah | Driving Privilege Card (DPC) | Yes (DPC) |
| Nevada | Driver Authorization Card (DAC) | Yes (DAC) |
| New York | Green Light Law | Yes (Green Light) |
Know Your Rights During Traffic Stops & Police Encounters
- Local Police vs. CBP: City police and state highway patrol officers (in CO, UT, NV, CA) pull drivers over for traffic violations, not immigration enforcement. They do not ask for citizenship papers during routine traffic stops.
- 4th Amendment Search Protection: You have the right to decline a consent search of your vehicle unless officers have a warrant or probable cause.
- Right to Remain Silent: If questioned about immigration status or country of origin by local law enforcement, you can politely state: "I am exercising my right to remain silent."
- Carry Physical Documents: Always carry your valid State Driver's License, car registration, auto insurance, and unexpired EAD card (or Form I-797C receipt notice).
Quick Travel Checklist
Unexpired EAD Card (I-766) or valid foreign passport packed.
Valid State Driver's License & auto insurance card in vehicle.
Checked Route Map to avoid southern 100-mile CBP checkpoint zones.
Booked Non-Stop Flight if traveling to Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or USVI.