Documents Every Immigrant Should Carry
For the first time, we’re recommending that immigrants, regardless of status, carry certain documents with them everywhere. Unfortunately, this recommendation also extends to individuals who may appear to be an immigrant but aren’t, perhaps someone who doesn’t speak English, or doesn’t speak much English, but is a US Citizen or a Lawful Permanent Resident. Though these tips are not fool-proof, you will have some level of protection if you happen to encounter ICE while out in the community.
We’ve all seen the stories. Lawful Permanent Residents being picked up in immigration raids. US Citizens being placed in detention. Visitors in the US with appropriate visas, including student visas, being detained and deported without warning. Upstanding members of our communities who hold green cards being held in detention without bond. Undocumented individuals who are simply in the wrong place at the wrong time and end up in removal proceedings.
For the first time, we’re recommending that immigrants, regardless of status, carry certain documents with them everywhere. Unfortunately, this recommendation also extends to individuals who may appear to be an immigrant but aren’t, perhaps someone who doesn’t speak English, or doesn’t speak much English, but is a US Citizen or a Lawful Permanent Resident.
Though these tips are not fool-proof, you will have some level of protection if you happen to encounter ICE while out in the community.
Passport, ID, or Birth Certificate
Regardless of your nationality, always carry some form of ID. Whatever type of ID you have is fine - your passport from your home country; your ID card or matricula; or your driver’s license from the US or your home country. For kids, carry their birth certificate or obtain a kid ID.
Proof of Status
Make sure to carry evidence of your current immigration status. If you are a naturalized citizen, carry your passport or citizenship certificate. If you’re a citizen, carry your student visa. As I write this in 2025, if you have any type of visa to be in the United States, I recommend you carry your passport with your visa inside. In the past, I would recommend carrying a copy, but now I recommend the opposite. Keep a copy of every page of your passport at a safe place at home or with a trusted individual and carry your actual passport and visa on your body.
Receipt Notice for Immigration Applications
If you have filed any immigration applications, carry a copy of your receipt notice. Remember, ICE won’t take time to look up your application to see if you’re telling the truth about your pending U Visa. Give them proof by showing them your receipt notice.
I-94
Keep a copy of your I-94 to prove you were inspected at a port of entry. You can get a copy of your most recent I-94 here. Your I-94 record proves to ICE that you entered the country lawfully and your entry documents were inspected.
This isn’t legal advice and having these documents with you does not guarantee safety and does not guarantee you won’t be detained if you encounter ICE, but this will provide some level of protection.
As always, if you have more questions, please schedule a time to speak with our attorney.
5 Tips for Your Marriage-Based Interview
At your I-130 marriage-based immigration interview, the immigration officers are attempting to determine whether your marriage is legitimate or not. They want to see that you are in a bona fide marriage and ask questions to see whether you and your partner have created a life together. Whether it’s unfair or not (it is unfair), you need to know much more about your partner, your finances, your living situation, and your families than the average person.
At your I-130 marriage-based immigration interview, the immigration officers are attempting to determine whether your marriage is legitimate or not. They want to see that you are in a bona fide marriage and ask questions to see whether you and your partner have created a life together. Whether it’s unfair or not (it is unfair), you need to know much more about your partner, your finances, your living situation, and your families than the average person.
While previously, you may or may not have been interviewed by USCIS, the Trump administration has decided to interview each and every couple who applies for a marriage-based green card. You will get your interview notice after your biometrics appointment. Once you get your interview notice, study a little bit every night.
1. Know the Color of Your Couch
You should know all the details of where you live together and how you interact with the space. You should know both what color your bedspread is and, also, what side of the bed your partner normally sleeps on. Think about what your space looks like when you walk in the door and take note of your daily activities in your space.
2. Memorize Your Family Trees
Do you know your wife’s brother’s kid’s names? How about how old they are? Did you spend Christmas with them? Why or why not?
You should know where your husband was born and what his mom’s full name is. You should think about how often you see each other’s families and what you did last time you spent time with each other.
If you don’t see your wife’s family, you should be able to explain why you don’t have a relationship with them.
3. Know Your Immigration Application Forwards and Backwards
Unfortunately, in the immigration context, if you say something different than what’s on your immigration application, many immigration officers are assuming you’re lying rather than making a simple mistake. Know where you entered the United States and with what immigration status. You should know what your most recent address was and where your mom currently lives.
4. Know Where All Your Money Is Kept
USCIS often looks for evidence of combining finances as evidence of a bona fide marriage. They assume that you would not open a bank account or sign a joint lease with someone you’re not in a legitimate marriage with. Know who pays the bills, what the bills are, who owns your bank accounts and where they’re located, how much your housing costs, and what your partner’s salary is.
Though not entirely necessary, consider combining your finances if you haven’t already. If you don’t combine your finances, talk about why that is and prepare to answer questions about why you haven’t.
5. Hire an Attorney to Protect Your Rights at Your Interview
Attorneys are not permitted to speak during your USCIS interview. However, an attorney can ensure your rights are protected and that the USCIS officer is following proper guidelines during your interview. Having an attorney at your interview ensures the interview is conducted lawfully and fairly.
Most of all, you should be honest at your interview. If you’re not sure of an answer, it’s better to say – I don’t know – than to get the answer incorrect. Be honest and genuine and the USCIS officer will see your relationship for what it is. Good luck!