NewKerala.com

US Lawmakers Warn Airport Security May Fuel Immigrant Travel Fears

US lawmakers have raised concerns that a lack of transparency around data sharing within the Department of Homeland Security is creating fear among immigrant communities during domestic air travel. They warn that lawful visa holders and international students may avoid flying due to fears of secondary screening or referral to immigration enforcement. The issue is particularly significant for Indian nationals, one of the largest immigrant groups, who rely on air travel for work and education. Lawmakers are calling for written guidance and stronger oversight to ensure airport security is not perceived as an extension of immigration enforcement.

Key Points: Airport Security & Immigration Fears: US Lawmakers Warn of Chilling Effect

  • Lawmakers warn of fear in immigrant communities
  • TSA confirms info sharing within DHS but denies routine lists to ICE
  • Anxiety may deter lawful domestic travel
  • Issue significant for Indian nationals and students
  • Calls for clearer rules and oversight
2 min read

US lawmakers warn airport security may fuel immigrant fears

US lawmakers warn unclear data sharing between TSA and ICE may deter lawful immigrants from domestic air travel, impacting work and education.

"airport security should not be perceived as an extension of immigration enforcement - US Lawmakers"

Washington, Jan 23

US lawmakers have expressed concerns that routine domestic air travel could increasingly intersect with immigration enforcement, creating fear among immigrant communities, including lawful visa holders and international students.

The issue surfaced this week during a House Homeland Security Committee hearing on airport security and cybersecurity oversight.

Transportation Security Administration Acting Administrator Ha Nguyen McNeill confirmed that TSA shares certain information within the Department of Homeland Security. She said the practice supports national security and has existed across administrations.

McNeill rejected claims that TSA routinely transfers passenger lists to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for immigration enforcement purposes. She said TSA officers are not immigration agents and remain focused on aviation security.

Still, several Democratic lawmakers said the lack of transparency around inter-agency data sharing has fueled anxiety.

They warned that immigrants may fear secondary screening, questioning, or referral, even when traveling lawfully within the United States.

Lawmakers said such fears can discourage people from flying, affecting work, education, and family travel.

The issue is especially significant for Indian nationals, one of the largest immigrant groups in the United States. That includes skilled professionals, international students, and families with mixed immigration status.

Many rely on domestic air travel to commute for work, attend universities, or visit family across states.

Lawmakers said heightened enforcement rhetoric and high-profile immigration operations have already increased fear within immigrant communities. They warned that airport security should not be perceived as an extension of immigration enforcement.

Civil liberties advocates said unclear boundaries between agencies risk undermining trust in public institutions.

McNeill said TSA operates under statutory authority and shares information within DHS as part of a coordinated security approach. She emphasized that TSA's mission is limited to transportation security and does not include immigration enforcement.

However, several lawmakers said assurances alone are not enough. They called for clearer rules, written guidance and stronger oversight. Members of Congress said they would seek written clarification from DHS on what information is shared, under what authority and with what safeguards.

They also questioned whether current practices could have a chilling effect on lawful domestic travel.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Security is important, but so is trust. If lawful immigrants and students start fearing domestic travel, it hurts the US economy. So many Indian tech workers need to fly between states for projects. Clear guidelines are a must.
A
Aman W
Respectfully, I think the article and some lawmakers are overstating the fear. TSA's job is security, not immigration. Most of us traveling on valid visas have no issues. We should focus on following rules, not fear.
S
Sarah B
As someone married to an Indian citizen on a green card, I've seen this anxiety firsthand. The thought of him being pulled aside for "secondary screening" while we travel to visit family is always in the back of our minds. Transparency would help everyone.
V
Vikram M
It's a tricky balance. National security is paramount, but when you're a student flying from California to New York for an interview, the last thing you need is the fear of being detained over paperwork. The assurances need to be backed by clear, public policies.
K
Kavya N
Many Indian families have members with different statuses – one on H-1B, one on F-1 visa, kids who are US citizens. The idea of domestic travel becoming stressful for them is sad. Hope the lawmakers' push for written guidance succeeds.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50