We strongly encourage you to pause any travel plans, unless absolutely necessary. According to recent reports, ICE agents will start to be deployed today at airports to help ease crowded airport security check points. Our goal is to ensure your safety is top priority, not to create fear.
It’s important you know the risk of encountering immigration enforcement at airports, roads, and in our communities is at an all-time high. Minimizing travel and reducing the chances for these interactions is an investment in your future.
If you need to travel, please take the following precautions:
- Know your rights and practice how to assert them if needed.
- Share your travel details with someone you trust. Give them your flight details and/or driving route information and agree on what to do if something unexpected happens.
- Have a trusted immigration attorney or legal service provider saved on your phone, and memorize their number in case you cannot access your device.
- Choose an emergency contact who has copies of key documents (passport or ID and immigration paperwork), has your attorney’s contact information, and can quickly reach them.
- Make sure your emergency contact and/or your Scholar Advisor (for Current Scholars) have each other’s contact information. In an immigration emergency, your Scholar Advisor should contact TheDream.US using this form.
- Keep signed privacy release forms ready for your U.S. Senator and U.S. Representative (available on their official websites under something like “Help with a Federal Agency”) and a DHS Form 60-001 so members of Congress can assist more quickly in an immigration emergency.
We cannot emphasize enough how much we care about you and our special community of Dreamers like you. Please take these precautious seriously – your safety is our top priority.
Please remember: you are not alone. TheDream.US is here to support you, and planning ahead is a way to take care of yourself as you continue your education.
Please see further resources below. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
- TheDream.US Travel Guidance for Dreamers
- National Immigration Law Center Community Alert about Travel and Arrests at Airports
- National Immigration Legal Services Directory
- Immigration Enforcement Emergency Preparedness Plan
With care,
TheDream.US Team