If you are traveling domestically within the United States, you will encounter Transportation and Security Administration or “TSA” Officers at one of the more than 450 airports located across the country.  There are approximately 43,000 TSA Officers who are responsible for facilitating travel while simultaneously providing frontline security and protecting the traveling public.

TSA Officers screen over two million passengers each day which includes checking identification; preventing any deadly or dangerous objects from being transported onto an aircraft; safeguarding passengers, baggage and cargo; monitoring the flow of passengers through the checkpoint to facilitate orderly and efficient processing; maintaining close communication with supervisors regarding any issues that might result in a weakness or vulnerable area of security screening; and participating in informational briefings concerning security sensitive or classified information. In addition, TSA Officers lead and support security operations across the spectrum of the U.S.’s transportation systems from mass transit and maritime vessels to highways. They work with other federal agencies to play an active role in securing the nation’s airspace.
TSA Officers have assumed responsibility for checking travel documents to ensure that the passengers boarding passes and identification are valid and in proper order. If a TSA Officer suspects that an individual is holding a fraudulent or suspect document, they will consult with law enforcement for closer scrutiny and investigation. In particular, TSA has the authority to ask individuals with foreign passports to show a valid, unexpired visa or other immigration documentation to prove that they are in the U.S. legally. If there is any doubt on the part of the TSA Officer, they may refer the passenger to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) or Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”).
If you are not a U.S. citizen and must travel in the U.S. domestically, it is imperative that your documentation is in order. If you are in doubt about what kind of documentation you may be required to produce, Berardi Immigration Law can provide assistance. Call us at 877-721-6100 or send an e-mail by clicking here.