Southern California Immigrant Families Share Concerns About Holiday Travel
Immigration Attorney Offers Travel Advice Amid Holiday Season Concerns
As over 10 million residents of Southern California prepare to travel during the Christmas and New Year’s holiday season, questions arise for immigrant families about the safety of leaving the country amid current travel restrictions enforced by the previous administration.
One Long Beach family is reassessing their holiday plans due to the immigration status of some members. Guadalupe Ixta, a U.S. citizen, recently traveled to her father’s home state of Michoacán, Mexico, and described the experience as a lesson in meticulous preparation.
“I tried to make sure he was prepared because we didn’t know what kind of questions they might have and investigate him any deeper,” Ixta explained, referring to the tension surrounding her father’s status as a permanent resident. The uncertainty surrounding possible detentions and deportations has shifted what should be a time of joy into a source of anxiety for many immigrant families.
Teresa Cazueta shared her concerns, stating that she knows individuals who encountered difficulties upon returning to the United States. “They detain travelers until they investigate their status or anything that’s wrong with them,” she said, noting that this fear has led some of her friends and neighbors to avoid leaving their homes altogether.
Immigration attorneys and advocacy organizations report that recent policy changes, court rulings, and political discourse have generated confusion, particularly for lawful permanent residents and those with temporary legal statuses such as Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or work visas.
Alex Galvez, an immigration attorney, cautioned, “If you have TPS or a work permit, you should understand the risk you might be detained and placed in immigration proceedings.” He recommended that travelers consult with an attorney before embarking on any trips and ensure they carry all necessary documentation.
Even those who are well-informed, like Ixta, felt apprehensive during her international travel with her father. “The lines are kind of blurred as to who they are trying to question,” she remarked. “It’s not really clear who is at risk right now, so it’s a little scary.” Despite being a U.S. citizen, Ixta carries her passport with her at all times to prepare for any unexpected situations.
