(U.S.) Airport immigration and security in the United States remain under heavy strain as of August 15, 2025, with stepped-up checks, staffing gaps, and evolving rules fueling delays and confusion. Travelers report longer lines at checkpoints and at boarding gates, as the Transportation Security Administration increases identity screening and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement expands in‑airport status checks. Immigration lawyers, airport managers, and airline staff all describe a system struggling to process record passenger volumes while absorbing new enforcement tasks.
Escalating Checks and Longer Lines
Since early 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have intensified immigration status checks at security and at the gate.
- TSA no longer accepts the CBP One app for undocumented travelers seeking to board domestic flights.
- ICE agents have increased “spot” stops in concourses, asking some passengers to show proof of citizenship or immigration status.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, attorneys are advising clients to carry valid government-issued IDs at all times and to be ready to answer basic questions about their status to avoid detention or missed flights. Lawyers say the stepped-up checks feel less like aviation security and more like immigration control, changing the tone of checkpoints and adding stress for immigrants, asylum seekers, visa holders, and green card holders.
The added scrutiny compounds already long TSA lines at many airports. Recent averages place wait times at:
- Newark Liberty — 23.1 minutes
- George Bush Intercontinental (Houston) — 19.8 minutes
- Los Angeles International (LAX) — roughly 25 minutes
- Baltimore/Washington International — about 5 minutes
- Honolulu and Chicago O’Hare — typically near or above 20 minutes
These delays stem from a mix of high passenger numbers, staffing shortages, and the extra time required to process identity and status questions layered onto standard screening.
Travelers report inconsistent experiences across airports and even between checkpoint lanes. One family may pass quickly with an ID scan, while another is pulled aside for a visa, green card, or travel history review. Without clear public guidance inside terminals, rumors spread faster than official updates, increasing confusion for mixed‑status families and international students who fear a missed connection could become a lost semester.
Policy Context and Human Impact
The surge in airport checks occurs against a backdrop of heightened border enforcement.
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reports a historic 93% drop in illegal border crossings from April 2024 to April 2025.
- Large joint operations — including “Operational Tidal Wave” in Florida in April 2025 — led to the arrest of more than 1,100 criminal noncitizens, reflecting closer coordination among federal, state, and local agencies.
Officials cite these results as evidence that tougher enforcement deters illegal entry and crime. Yet many travelers experience more officers and more questions inside terminals, often resulting in missed flights, added costs, and rising anxiety.
A new travel ban implemented in June 2025 targets nationals from 19 countries, primarily in the Middle East, North Africa, and sub‑Saharan Africa. While there are exemptions for lawful permanent residents, affected travelers face increased vetting and longer processing at checkpoints and boarding gates. The Department of State is considering whether to extend restrictions to more countries that do not meet U.S. vetting standards — a move that could add further screening time.
These policy choices build on a changing post‑9/11 security model and earlier precedents such as President Trump’s travel bans (2017–2021). In 2025, elements of that approach have been reinstated and expanded under current policies. Airports and airlines, already stretched by post‑pandemic travel demand, say they need more staffing and clearer procedures to keep lines moving while meeting federal requirements. Industry groups warn that unpredictable processing times undermine on‑time performance and customer trust.
Families describe everyday fears over simple mistakes:
- A visa holder flying domestically may be stopped at the gate and sent to secondary screening if documents are unclear.
- A green card holder who left the physical card at home might face delays that jeopardize tight connections.
- Students now often bring passports, I‑20s, and proof of enrollment for short domestic hops because they fear officers will demand extra proof.
These ordinary trips increasingly resemble international departures, with more paperwork and pressure.
What Travelers Can Do Now
While immediate relief is unlikely, practical steps can reduce the risk of delays:
- Arrive earlier than usual. Build in extra time for both TSA and potential status checks. At busy hubs, plan for lines near or above 20 minutes, and more during peak periods.
- Carry valid government-issued ID at all times. For noncitizens, that means a passport, visa, or green card. Bring backup proof if available.
- Expect requests for proof of status even on domestic flights. ICE may ask about citizenship or immigration status at security or at the gate.
- Know your rights. You have the right to remain silent and to request legal counsel if detained or questioned by ICE. Be respectful and calm.
- Consider alternatives if tight on time. Some attorneys suggest bus or train travel when possible, though immigration checks may occur there as well.
- Keep digital copies of key documents. Originals are best, but a clear copy on your phone can help explain your case if asked.
- Watch official guidance for updates. TSA’s traveler information page posts current rules and travel tips: https://www.tsa.gov/travel
Airport leaders say they are trying to add staff where possible and improve lane management. But given current policy priorities and enforcement intensity, most admit there is no quick fix. Many terminals were not designed for today’s mix of high volume and more complex checks. In the meantime, travelers bear the costs in missed flights, rebooking fees, and lost time.
Attorneys and community groups call for clearer rules and better training for officers, especially around mixed‑status families and students. They argue consistent, plain‑language guidance could reduce confusion without weakening enforcement. CBP and TSA officials emphasize that vigilance protects national security and public safety, pointing to the drop in unlawful crossings and arrests as signs the current approach is working.
The strain is especially visible for people from the 19 countries covered by the June travel ban. Though many will still fly, expect deeper vetting and follow‑up questions at the airport. Legal permanent residents remain exempt, but system‑wide slowdowns often affect them too. Travelers from countries not on the list can still face closer screening if officers see a need, meaning the policy’s impact can extend beyond the targeted group.
Important takeaway: For now, airport immigration checks will likely stay robust, and standard security lines will mirror that pressure. Even with new technology or smarter staffing models, the combination of high demand and added screening steps means relief could be gradual.
Until rules settle and resources catch up, the smartest moves are simple:
- Leave earlier
- Carry proper documents
- Keep calm if questioned
As one airport manager put it, the goal is simple — get people to their flights — but the path there has rarely felt more complicated.
This Article in a Nutshell
Airports face mounting immigration checks as TSA and ICE expand status screening. Travelers encounter longer lines, missed flights, and heightened anxiety. Experts urge arriving earlier, carrying passports or green cards, and keeping digital document copies. Airlines call for clearer procedures and more staffing while policymakers weigh broader vetting and travel restrictions.
