27% of Immigrants in the US Are Steering Clear of Travel Due to Immigration Concerns

Post by : Mina Rahman

A nationwide survey conducted in 2025 indicates that approximately 27 percent of immigrants residing in the United States have intentionally refrained from traveling—both domestically and internationally—due to concerns over immigration scrutiny. This trend is not confined to undocumented individuals; it also spans lawful immigrants and even naturalized citizens.

The survey, which included over 1,800 immigrant adults from various states, highlights the growing apprehension in immigrant communities amid heightened immigration enforcement policies enacted by the previous administration.

The fear of enforcement processes is particularly acute among undocumented immigrants, with nearly two-thirds (63 percent) avoiding all forms of travel. Legal residents, including H-1B visa holders, also felt the impact, with about 32 percent modifying their travel plans to avoid potential run-ins with immigration officials. Alarmingly, 15 percent of naturalized US citizens reported similar travel hesitations.

This change in travel habits coincides with the onset of the holiday season in the United States—a time typically characterized by high travel volume. As Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s approach, many immigrants opted to remain close to home, driven by worries over increasing immigration checks and enforcement actions.

A crucial factor behind this growing reluctance is the recent trend of enhanced data-sharing between federal agencies. Reports indicate that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has started sharing domestic travel data, including passenger manifests, with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Historically, immigration authorities had not utilized domestic flight data for enforcement, but this alteration forms part of a larger initiative aimed at targeting and detaining individuals suspected of unlawful residence.

H-1B visa holders, in particular, have been notably affected by emerging policies. In July 2025, the US State Department terminated remote and third-country visa renewals for H-1B and H-4 applicants, mandating their return to homeland for interviews. This has caused severe delays and a backlog in US consulates, especially in India, rendering many applicants unable to return as they faced interview postponements extending to years.

Moreover, a September 2025 executive order imposed a new $100,000 application fee for new H-1B visas, compounding the financial pressure on immigrants wishing to work in the US. Changes have also expanded social media screenings during the vetting process, with immigration officials closely monitoring applicants’ online presence.

Despite these challenges and heightened fears about immigration enforcement, many immigrants still view the United States as a country of opportunity. When surveyed about relocating to the US again, a substantial majority expressed a positive outlook, highlighting the ongoing allure of the nation despite prevailing difficulties.

This survey underscores the profound effects of immigration policies on the daily lives of immigrants, even influencing their travel decisions during pivotal periods. It emphasizes the necessity for immigration enforcement that balances enforcement with human considerations and sustains pathways for immigrants to enrich the nation.