27% of Immigrants in the US Hesitate to Travel Due to Immigration Enforcement

A nationwide survey reveals that approximately 27 percent of immigrants living in the United States have intentionally chosen to forgo travel—whether within the country or internationally—to avoid encounters with immigration authorities. This trend is evident not just among undocumented migrants but also includes legally residing immigrants and even naturalized citizens.

Conducted in 2025 with over 1,800 immigrant participants nationwide, the survey underscores the escalating anxiety within these communities in light of heightened immigration enforcement from the previous administration.

The apprehension was particularly pronounced among undocumented immigrants, with around two-thirds (63 percent) stating they had entirely abstained from both domestic and international travel. Legal residents were also notably affected; about 32 percent of H-1B visa holders reported altering travel plans to evade potential encounters with immigration officials. Interestingly, 15 percent of naturalized citizens have also shied away from travel due to fears of increased scrutiny.

This evolution in travel behavior coincides with the onset of the busy holiday season in the United States—one of the year’s peak travel times. Major holidays, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve, typically lead to significant road and air traffic, yet this year many immigrants opted to remain in place out of apprehension regarding intensified immigration checks and enforcement initiatives.

A significant factor contributing to this widespread caution is the enhanced data-sharing practices between federal agencies. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), tasked with airport security, has reportedly started sharing domestic travel information, including passenger lists, with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Historically, immigration authorities abstained from using domestic flight data for enforcement, but this has shifted under a broader federal strategy aimed at identifying and detaining individuals who may be unlawfully present.

H-1B visa holders particularly feel the impact of these recent policy shifts. In July 2025, the US State Department ceased remote and third-country visa renewals for H-1B and H-4 applicants, mandating that they return to their home countries for interviews. This has resulted in significant delays and backlogs at US consulates, particularly in India, where many have experienced delays of months to even years, with some interviews not rescheduled until 2027, leaving skilled professionals stranded overseas, away from their jobs and families in the US.

Additionally, an executive order introduced in September 2025 imposed a new $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications, compounding the financial obstacles for immigrants seeking employment in the US. The vetting process has also become more stringent, with increased social media monitoring of applicants’ online activities by immigration officials.

Despite these challenges and fears associated with immigration enforcement, the survey highlights that many immigrants still view the United States as a land of opportunity. Most respondents affirmed that they would choose to relocate to the US again, demonstrating the country’s ongoing appeal despite prevailing difficulties.

This survey emphasizes how immigration policies significantly affect the daily lives of immigrants, even influencing their travel decisions during important times. It also underscores the necessity for balanced immigration enforcement that acknowledges the personal aspects of migration and sustains pathways for immigrants to contribute positively to the nation.