u/Spirited_Tree573

***WITH EXPIRED DOCUMENTS***. Sharing THIS for anyone who HAS valid unexpired REAL ID and is thinking of traveling with THAT document but doesn't currently have a valid, unexpired GC and has NOT YET received an extension letter or hasn’t filed for renewal or removal of conditions due to delays for ANY reason. I just flew in from Puerto Rico. Getting through TSA and Agriculture was a breeze. However, my 1 a.m. flight felt extremely alarming very quickly. As they began boarding, the airline attendants made an announcement telling passengers to have their documents ready because CBP would be “joining us AT THE GATE today” to verify documents.
They then proceeded to check every passenger’s documents right at the entrance of the gate and asked everyone, “What country are you a citizen of?” Everyone in my party is a U.S. citizen, and everyone had their passports in hand.
I was able to get through TSA using only my REAL ID, which I obtained through my conditional green card. I am currently working with my lawyer to have my conditions removed. I do not feel comfortable sharing more details regarding my case here. However, my green card expired a month ago, so I was extremely hesitant and scared to fly, but I went anyway, irresponsibly, because I did not want to lose the money I had already spent booking the trip.
I did have my work permit with parole, which was issued before my green card and was valid until 2029. However, it was recently revoked after they cleared their backlog for people whose green cards were approved. Because of that, I did not feel comfortable relying on it or showing it.
As I approached the CBP officers, I briefly held up my REAL ID while talking to my friend at the same time. Another young African American woman in front of us was asked for her ID. She was frustrated and expressed it loudly, saying that the rest of her group was white and that they were allowed through without a close look, while her ID was scrutinized carefully.
I was shocked that they did not closely examine mine. They looked for the star on my REAL ID and let me go. I feel like luck and God were on my side.
If I could go back in time, I would not TRAVEL. If you are in this EXACT SAME predicament I would consult with a lawyer. It feels like they are going after easy targets.