Individuals residing in the United States on work visas, particularly the H-1B, are being urged to exercise extreme caution with domestic travel, especially near border regions. This advisory comes amidst heightened scrutiny at internal checkpoints, as highlighted by a recent firsthand account shared online by an H-1B visa holder.
A Cautionary Tale from the Road
The individual, posting on Reddit, detailed a trip to White Sands National Park in New Mexico and Big Bend National Park in Texas. While their H-1B extensions were approved with valid I-797 notices, their visa stamps in the passport had expired. This discrepancy led to multiple encounters with authorities.
Their first hurdle was at the White Sands Missile Range Museum, where entry was denied because one of them could not present a physical passport, a requirement for non-US citizens. The more significant challenges, however, occurred at US Border Patrol checkpoints operating inside the country, not at international ports of entry.
Document Dilemmas at Internal Checkpoints
At one checkpoint, officers asked for their immigration papers. While they presented their I-797 approval notices, one traveler had only a soft copy saved on a phone. The officer was initially reluctant but eventually accepted it. At another stop, a patrol officer outright refused to look at the digital copy and instead asked for a driver's license.
The pair was sent to a secondary inspection for verification, a process that took 10-15 minutes, after which they were cleared. When asked if a printed I-797 would suffice, the officer explained that soft copies carry a risk of forgery and can be rejected. He clarified that even with a printout or the original document, officers retain the right to conduct further inspection.
"It is legally required to carry immigration documents at all times," the officer stated, a point the Redditor emphasized in their post. They noted that the officers were professional and respectful throughout the interactions but stressed the absolute necessity of having proper documentation.
Key Takeaways for Visa Holders
This experience underscores critical points for foreign workers in the US. The I-797 approval notice is a crucial document issued by USCIS that shows the petition is approved. It contains the holder's status, validity dates, and employer information. However, as the account shows, how you carry it matters.
The primary recommendation is clear: Always carry original or printed copies of your immigration documents, including your I-797 and valid passport, when traveling. This is not just a suggestion but a legal requirement, particularly sensitive within 100 miles of any US border where Border Patrol operates internal checkpoints.
Relying solely on digital copies on a smartphone is risky and may lead to delays, secondary screening, or even denial of passage. The situation serves as a reminder for the Indian diaspora and other foreign nationals on work visas to be meticulously prepared, ensuring their travel within the US is smooth and compliant with all regulations.
