Jose Gonzalez
Traveling Abroad for the Holidays? What Immigrants Should Know Before Flying in 2025

As the 2025 holiday season approaches, many immigrants are eager to reunite with family abroad or take long-overdue trips. But under the current political climate, international travel carries added risk—especially for those with pending immigration applications or temporary visas.

At Calderon & Gonzalez, P.C., we’ve seen a sharp increase in re-entry complications due to stricter screening protocols, administrative delays, and new Customs and Border Protection (CBP) procedures. Whether you're a green card holder, DACA recipient, or visa holder, preparing properly before flying can save you stress—and potentially your immigration status.

Who Should Be Extra Cautious Before Traveling in 2025?

Certain immigrant groups are at higher risk of re-entry problems or travel delays:

  • Green card applicants with pending adjustment of status

  • Asylum seekers with open cases

  • DACA recipients or TPS holders without advance parole

  • Nonimmigrant visa holders (F-1, H-1B, B-2, etc.)

  • Immigrants from countries under heightened scrutiny

If you fall into any of these categories, consult with a qualified immigration lawyer in California before booking tickets.

1. Check Your Travel Documents — Twice

Before traveling, make sure you have:

  • A valid passport from your home country (not expired)

  • A valid U.S. visa or green card

  • Advance parole, if required (for DACA, asylum, or adjustment applicants)

  • Supporting documentation (e.g., I-485 receipt notices, work permits, employer letters)

Tip: Keep both digital and paper copies of all documents in case of lost baggage or emergency.

2. Don’t Travel Without Advance Parole

If you have a pending green card or DACA renewal, you may lose your application if you leave the country without a travel document.

Advance parole is mandatory for:

  • DACA recipients

  • TPS holders

  • Adjustment of status applicants

Without it, CBP may consider your application abandoned.

Apply for Form I-131 at least 90 days in advance—and do not leave until it’s approved.

3. Be Prepared for Extra Screening at the Border

Re-entry into the U.S. may involve:

  • Secondary inspection by CBP

  • Review of your social media activity

  • Questions about your job, school, or immigration history

  • Requests for supporting documents

Answer truthfully, but don’t volunteer extra information. Keep your answers short and consistent with your immigration records.

4. Monitor Visa Bulletin and Processing Delays

USCIS and consular processing times remain delayed due to backlogs and heightened vetting. If you plan to apply for a visa while abroad, expect:

  • Possible appointment delays

  • Increased RFEs (Requests for Evidence)

  • Longer administrative processing

If you’re close to a priority date, it may be safer to stay in the U.S. until your green card is issued.

5. Emergency Re-Entry Help: Know Your Resources

Save these before you leave:

  • Your immigration attorney’s contact info

  • Emergency legal aid numbers

  • Copies of your application receipts and ID

If you’re detained or delayed at a port of entry, request to speak with a lawyer immediately. You do not have to answer all questions without legal representation.

Final Thoughts from Calderon & Gonzalez, P.C.

International travel is never risk-free for immigrants, especially in 2025. But with proper preparation, document review, and legal guidance, you can travel with greater peace of mind.

Before you fly, schedule a travel consultation with Calderon & Gonzalez, P.C. We’ll assess your risks, prepare your re-entry packet, and ensure you’re protected before, during, and after your trip.