From quick summer getaways to once-in-a-lifetime trips to visit family abroad, traveling should be something to look forward to—not something to fear. But for many people navigating the current political climate, especially those who are not U.S. citizens, the airport experience could feel like stepping into an interrogation room.
At a May 2 briefing hosted by American Community Media, immigration experts offered guidance on what travelers can expect this summer—and how to protect themselves in an increasingly aggressive enforcement environment.
“This isn’t alarmism. This is preparation,” said Zahra Billoo, Executive Director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) in the San Francisco Bay Area. “You always have the right to remain silent. You can never talk yourself out of trouble—but you can very often talk yourself into it.”
Rights and Risks: What’s Really Happening at the Border
Billoo shared the heartbreaking story of a student visa holder who reached out in a panic as news of a potential travel ban circulated. “He said, ‘My wedding is in a few weeks—should I still go?’” she recalled. “He chose to delay it, because if the ban took effect before he returned, he might not have been allowed back in.”
The stakes for travelers vary dramatically depending on status. U.S. citizens always have the legal right to reenter the country—but that doesn’t guarantee an easy ride.
“They could hold you. They could question you. They could search your belongings—and yes, that includes your electronic devices,” Billoo said. “They cannot stop you from reentering, but they can make it extremely difficult.”
For green card holders, the situation is more precarious. “Non-citizens do not have a right to reenter the country,” she explained. “They’re evaluated every time they present themselves at the border.” That means questions like “Who did you visit?” or “Who paid for your trip?” could be used to justify denying entry.
Billoo strongly advised travelers to disable fingerprint or face unlock features on their phones. “You can be forced to use biometrics. You can never be forced to give your password,” she said.
Houston’s Global Ties Make This Issue Local
Houston is one of the most internationally connected cities in America, home to immigrant communities from nearly every continent. Many Houstonians travel abroad to visit aging parents, attend funerals, support family businesses, or simply reconnect with their roots.
For this population, recent trends in immigration enforcement hit close to home.
“There are cases of green card holders being asked to sign Form I-407 at the airport,” said Xiao Wang, CEO of Boundless Immigration. “That form gives up their legal right to live in the U.S. Many didn’t understand what they were signing. They were scared, tired, and didn’t want to make trouble.”
According to Wang, permanent residents should never feel pressured to sign away their status. “Only an immigration judge can revoke your green card,” he said. “If you’re unsure, you have the right to ask for a hearing.”
He also recommended that returning residents carry documentation that shows strong ties to life in the U.S., such as:
- Tax returns
- Proof of employment
- Rental agreements or mortgage papers
- Utility bills
- School enrollment for children
Tech, Tactics, and the Rise of Surveillance
Richard Herman, an immigration attorney and founder of the Herman Legal Group, pointed to a sharp increase in electronic device searches at the border. “In 2015, there were fewer than 5,000,” he said. “In 2023, under Biden, it was 41,000—and that number is expected to rise.”
The fear, he noted, is not just for undocumented individuals. “American lawyers have had their phones confiscated. That’s a direct threat to attorney-client privilege,” he said. “This isn’t just about immigration. It’s about civil liberties.”
Herman also emphasized that data collected during device searches can be stored by the government for up to 15 years.
For travelers with any legal complexities—such as past visa overstays, criminal charges, or long absences from the U.S.—he recommends pre-arranging legal representation and carrying a written statement from an attorney explaining their situation. “It’s not a guarantee, but it can help clarify intent and avoid misunderstandings at the border,” Herman said.
Thousands of Students Caught in System Failure
The briefing also addressed an issue that quietly erupted earlier this spring: the mass cancellation of international student visas.
Madhurima Paturi, founder of Paturi Law, said her office received over 300 calls in two weeks from students whose legal status had been abruptly revoked.
“Many were just weeks from graduation,” she said. “They were told their SEVIS record was terminated for criminal activity—but a lot of them had never even had a speeding ticket.”
In total, nearly 5,000 student visas were reportedly canceled over the course of three weeks. Some students left the country voluntarily—only to find their visas permanently revoked, making return nearly impossible.
“This all happened because of a flawed use of automated data and AI,” Paturi said. “Eventually lawsuits were filed and ICE agreed to restore some records. But for those who already self-deported, the damage is done.”
Know Before You Go: Key Takeaways
The message from all speakers was clear: You cannot afford to be uninformed at the border. Whether you’re a U.S. citizen or a visa holder, you have rights—and how you use them matters.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- U.S. citizens have a right to reenter the country but should still prepare for potential searches or delays.
- Permanent residents should avoid long trips abroad (over six months) without documentation of U.S. ties.
- Visa holders and international students must ensure their records are current and seek legal advice before international travel.
- Never sign documents you don’t fully understand—especially Form I-407.
- Disable biometric phone access and never give up your password.
- If detained for questioning, you may not have an immediate right to an attorney—but you can ask to remain silent, and you do not have to sign away your status.
“This is an era of heightened scrutiny,” Billoo said. “But knowing your rights is the most powerful protection you have.”
