Daca Recipients: Traveling To Us Virgin Islands?

The U.S. Virgin Islands are a U.S. territory, so U.S. citizens do not need a passport to visit. However, for DACA recipients, travelling to the U.S. Virgin Islands is similar to travelling to any of the 50 states. While it is technically possible to visit without Advance Parole, there are risks involved. Flights could be rerouted through other countries, which could jeopardize re-entry into the U.S. Even with Advance Parole, re-entry is at the discretion of the Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) officer. It is recommended that DACA recipients carry their USCIS documents showing deferred status to facilitate their return.

Travel to USVI is similar to travel to any US state

Travel to the US Virgin Islands (USVI) is similar to travel to any US state. The USVI is a US territory, so US citizens do not need a passport to visit, and this applies to every island in the territory (St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix).

When travelling to the USVI, you will need to show a form of identification, such as a driver's license or birth certificate, the same as you would when travelling domestically. However, it is recommended that you carry your passport if you have one, as you will be asked questions about your citizenship and any goods you will be bringing back to the US mainland.

It is important to note that if you are not a US citizen or green card holder, you should bring your paperwork, including your USCIS documents showing deferred status. While travelling to the USVI is similar to travelling to any other US state, there may be certain processes, including customs inspections, that you will be subject to depending on your location.

Additionally, if you are travelling from outside of the US, you will need to apply for a US visa or ESTA before your trip, and you may need to show an onward ticket to prove that you will not be staying longer than permitted.

DACA recipients should carry USCIS documents

DACA recipients should carry their USCIS documents with them when travelling to the US Virgin Islands. Although travel to the US Virgin Islands by people who have been granted deferred status by USCIS is similar to travel to any one of the 50 states, carrying USCIS documents is strongly recommended to facilitate re-entry to the United States.

USCIS documents are also important in the case of flights being rerouted through other countries, which could jeopardise re-entry to the United States. Even with an approved Advance Parole, re-entry is always at the discretion of the Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) officer inspecting the traveller upon return.

DACA recipients should also be aware that certain travel outside the United States may affect the continuous residence guideline. Travelling outside the United States before 15 August 2012 will not interrupt continuous residence if the travel was brief, casual, and innocent. However, travel outside the United States on or after 15 August 2012 and before a request for DACA has been processed will mean that the traveller cannot be considered for DACA.

DACA recipients should also be aware that travel outside the United States without advance parole may result in termination of DACA. DACA recipients who depart the United States without first obtaining an advance parole document run a significant risk of being unable to re-enter the United States.

Customs inspections may occur

Firstly, it's important to note that while US citizens do not need a passport to enter the US Virgin Islands, it is recommended to travel with one. This is because, if your flight is rerouted through another country, you will need a passport to re-enter the US. If you do not have a passport, you can use a driving license and/or birth certificate as ID. However, be aware that an older state-issued license may not be sufficient, and you may need to obtain an enhanced license.

Upon arrival, you will need to present your ID and boarding pass to an officer. They may ask to see your passport, and will likely ask about any goods you are bringing into the country. It is recommended that you do not bring back any fruit, tobacco, or alcohol, to avoid extra questioning.

In addition, if you are a DACA recipient, you should be prepared to show your DACA paperwork. This includes your social security card, application letter, approval letter, and Employment Authorization Card (EAC). While you may not be asked for all of these documents, it is better to be over-prepared, as the officers may not be able to verify your status by looking you up in the system.

Finally, be sure to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare, as the customs process can take some time.

Advance Parole is needed for travel outside the US

DACA recipients can travel to the US Virgin Islands, but it is important to note that this is not without risk. While the US Virgin Islands are a US territory, and travel there is similar to travel to any of the 50 states, flights can be rerouted through other countries, which could jeopardise your re-entry to the US.

Even with an approved Advance Parole, re-entry to the US is not guaranteed and is at the discretion of the Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) officer inspecting you upon return. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you carry your USCIS documents showing deferred status with you to facilitate your ability to return to your residence.

To apply for Advance Parole, you must file Form I-131, Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records. This form can be filed online or by mail. The form must be filed with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and can be found on their website.

In addition to having the appropriate documentation, there may be other immigration-related consequences to consider before travelling outside the US. For example, if you have a pending Green Card application and leave the country without the appropriate travel documentation, you may not be allowed to re-enter the US when you return, and your application may be denied.

Therefore, it is crucial to carefully review all the requirements and potential risks before travelling outside the US as a DACA recipient.

Flights may be rerouted through other countries

While it is technically possible to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands without Advance Parole, travellers should be aware that flights may be rerouted through other countries, which could jeopardise their re-entry to the United States.

Even with an approved Advance Parole, re-entry to the U.S. is at the discretion of the Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) officer inspecting you upon your return. Therefore, it is recommended that you carry your USCIS documents showing deferred status with you in order to facilitate your ability to return to your residence.

When travelling to the U.S. Virgin Islands, you can fly into Cyril E. King International Airport (STT) or Henry E. Rohlsen International Airport (STX). STT is located on St. Thomas, the easternmost island of the group, and serves as the main gateway to the U.S. Virgin Islands. STX, also known as Christiansted Airport, is located on St. Croix, the largest of the islands.

There are nonstop flights to the U.S. Virgin Islands from the U.S., with direct flight options available from Charlotte, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, New York, and Atlanta to STT. Flights from the west coast, such as Los Angeles, will include at least one layover, usually in Miami or Dallas, and are therefore longer, typically spanning between 12 to 17 hours.

When booking your flights, keep in mind that Tuesday and Monday are usually the cheapest days to fly, while Saturday tends to be the most expensive. In general, it is recommended to book at least one week in advance to get a below-average price. The cheapest month to fly to the U.S. Virgin Islands is February, while the most expensive is December.

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