Southern California Families Face Uncertainty Over Holiday Travel Amid Trump‑Era Restrictions

More than 10 million Southern Californians will travel during the Christmas and New Year’s holiday season, but some immigrant families, even those living legally in the U.S., are wondering whether it will be safe for them to leave the country amid travel restrictions by the Trump administration.

The uncertainty is not limited to undocumented individuals. Families that include U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and holders of temporary protected status (TPS) or work visas are all affected by the current policy environment.

One Long Beach family has begun to reconsider its holiday travel plans because a member of the household is not a U.S. citizen. The family’s experience highlights the complexity of traveling when different immigration statuses are involved.

Guadalupe Ixta told NBC Los Angeles that her recent trip to her father’s home state of Michoacán in Mexico was a lesson in being organized. She said, “(I tried to) make sure he was prepared because we didn’t know what kind of questions they might have and investigate him any deeper.” Ixta, a U.S. citizen, explained that the trip was tense because her father is a permanent resident.

The fear of detentions or deportations has become a source of anxiety for her and thousands of immigrant families. The uncertainty is amplified by the fact that travelers can be held for extended periods while authorities investigate their status.

Teresa Cazueta said she knows of people who faced issues when coming back to the country after traveling overseas. She added, “They detain (travelers) until they investigate their status or anything that’s wrong with them.” Cazueta said her friends and neighbors are afraid to go outside their homes, much less the country.

Immigration attorneys and advocacy groups point to recent policy changes, court rulings, and political rhetoric that have created confusion, particularly for lawful permanent residents and those with temporary status like TPS or work visas.

Alex Galvez, an immigration attorney, said, “If you have TPS or a work permit, you should understand the risk you might be detained and placed in immigration proceedings.” He also recommended that people consult with an attorney before traveling and that travelers carry all documentation while staying informed.

Even for informed people like Ixta, she felt nerves traveling with her father internationally. “The lines are kind of blurred as to who they are trying to question,” Ixta said. “It’s not really clear who is at risk right now, so it’s a little scary.”

Ixta said, even though she’s a U.S. citizen, she carries her passport wherever she goes in case of an unexpected situation. The practice reflects a broader trend among families who are trying to mitigate potential legal complications during holiday travel.

The stories shared by Ixta, Cazueta, and Galvez illustrate a growing concern that the current travel environment may deter families from traveling even when they have legal status. The lack of clear guidance leaves many uncertain about what to expect when crossing international borders.

Key Takeaways

• More than 10 million Southern Californians plan to travel for the holiday season.
• Immigrant families, including those with legal status, fear detention and deportation.
• Legal experts advise carrying documentation and consulting attorneys before traveling.

As the holiday season approaches, families across Southern California are weighing the risks of travel against the desire to visit loved ones abroad. The uncertainty surrounding travel restrictions continues to shape holiday plans for many.