The Department of Homeland of Security (DHS) announced plans to pause immigration and customs processing at airports in sanctuary cities. The move might effectively halt international travel and commerce at airports in major U.S. airports. Currently, this is just an idea DHS officials have flouted. It’s not implemented. It hasn’t even been officially proposed.
According to Reuters, the Secretary of Homeland Security explained the national security risks of bringing international flights to places that don’t cooperate with immigration authorities. If the customs processing pause goes into effect, it’ll apply to airports in following cities:
- Boston.
- Denver.
- Philadelphia.
- Chicago.
- Los Angeles.
- New York City.
- Newark.
- Seattle.
- San Francisco.
If implemented, the pause would inhibit international travel at some of the country’s busiest airports. For example, more than fifty million international travelers arrived in New York City’s airports alone last year. There are also concerns about implementing the pause so close to the 2026 FIFA world cup.
As always, ILBSG actively monitors ongoing U.S. immigration news. If you have questions about any U.S. immigration related issue, contact us. Working with an experienced attorney ensures you get the right advice based on the most recent laws. In an ever-evolving immigration policy landscape, it’s particularly critical you get the right advice.