While more than 10 million Southern Californians will travel during the Christmas and New Year’s holiday season, some immigrant families, including those living legally in the U.S. are wondering whether it will be safe for them to leave the country amid travel restrictions by the Trump administration.
One Long Beach family is one of the people reconsidering their holiday travel plans as some of the family members are not U.S. citizens.
Guadalupe Ixta told NBC Los Angeles that her recent trip to her father’s home state of Michoacán in Mexico was a lesson in being organized.
“(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, a U.S. citizen, said, explaining that the travel experience was tense, largely because her father is a permanent resident.
Rather than celebrating the joy of the holiday season, she said the fear of detentions or deportations has become a source of anxiety for her and thousands of immigrant families.
Teresa Cazueta said she knows of people who faced issues when coming back to the country after traveling overseas.
“They detain (travelers) until they investigate their status or anything that’s wrong with them,” she said, adding her friends and neighbors are afraid to go outside their homes, much less the country.
Immigration attorneys and advocacy groups said recent policy changes, court rulings and political rhetoric have created confusion, particularly for lawful permanent residents and those with temporary status like TPS or work visas.
“If you have TPS or a work permit, you should understand the risk you might be detained and placed in immigration proceedings,” said Alex Galvez, immigration attorney.
Galvez also recommended that people consult with an attorney before traveling. Travelers should also carry all documentation while staying informed.
Even for informed people like Ixta, she felt the nerves as she traveled with her father internationally.
“The lines are kind of blurred as to who they are trying to question,” Ixta said. “It’s not really clear who is at risk right now, so it’s a little scary.”
Ixta said, even though she’s a U.S. citizen, she carries her passport wherever she goes in case of an unexpected situation.
Allison Craig is a passionate sports writer and analyst with a deep love for game strategies, player performances, and the latest trends in the sports world. With years of experience covering football, basketball, tennis, and more, she delivers insightful analysis and engaging content for sports enthusiasts.
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