Travel in USA with AOS

[NuclearPenguin]

My wife is currently on expired F1 visa/I-94 and we applied for AOS and it's currently being processed.
We just got our fist receipts yesterday by mail. We are planning to fly to another state, but im wondering if it's safe and what are my options IF stopped by immigration. Any input will be greatly appreciated.

[rayb]

Domestic travel (within U.S.) does not usually involved contact with immigration officers, unless on a random basis or at airports of outlying territories (Puerto Rico, etc.).

But proof of marriage to a U.S. citizen and receipts for Adjustment paperwork should still be carried in case one is challenged by immigration-related officers.

--Ray B

My wife is currently on expired F1 visa/I-94 and we applied for AOS and it's currently being processed.
We just got our fist receipts yesterday by mail. We are planning to fly to another state, but im wondering if it's safe and what are my options IF stopped by immigration. Any input will be greatly appreciated.

[PearyPear]

Question to @rayb-
I'm currently waiting for my AOS interview and I have a state ID and EAD, I didn't get AP because I was out of status when applying for marriage based GC, the question is, can I travel to Hawaii/Puerto Rico? I know I can't travel outside of the USA.
Thanks!

Domestic travel (within U.S.) does not usually involved contact with immigration officers, unless on a random basis or at airports of outlying territories (Puerto Rico, etc.).

But proof of marriage to a U.S. citizen and receipts for Adjustment paperwork should still be carried in case one is challenged by immigration-related officers.

--Ray B

My wife is currently on expired F1 visa/I-94 and we applied for AOS and it's currently being processed.
We just got our fist receipts yesterday by mail. We are planning to fly to another state, but im wondering if it's safe and what are my options IF stopped by immigration. Any input will be greatly appreciated.

[rayb]

Hawaii and Puerto Rico are considered "domestic" US destinations. You may expect, however, possible immigration staff giving you a cursory look when returning from Puerto Rico, as that route is a destination for lots of undocumented travelers to mainland U.S. On my last return from PR the Immigration guy wanted to hear my pre-teen daughter talk so he could gauge her English accent, but there was no paperwork checking.

--Ray B

Question to @rayb-
I'm currently waiting for my AOS interview and I have a state ID and EAD, I didn't get AP because I was out of status when applying for marriage based GC, the question is, can I travel to Hawaii/Puerto Rico? I know I can't travel outside of the USA.
Thanks!

[PearyPear]

Thank you @rayb! So in case I'm being questioned by immigration do you think they're going to give me a hard time coming in, even if I show them my EAD and a letter confirming my AOS status? Because I know that if I leave the USA they may not let me back in even though I'm waiting for AOS interview, because I don't have AP and my EAD says "not valid for re-entry".
Thanks again for your quick response!

Hawaii and Puerto Rico are considered "domestic" US destinations. You may expect, however, possible immigration staff giving you a cursory look when returning from Puerto Rico, as that route is a destination for lots of undocumented travelers to mainland U.S. On my last return from PR the Immigration guy wanted to hear my pre-teen daughter talk so he could gauge her English accent, but there was no paperwork checking.

--Ray B

Question to @rayb-
I'm currently waiting for my AOS interview and I have a state ID and EAD, I didn't get AP because I was out of status when applying for marriage based GC, the question is, can I travel to Hawaii/Puerto Rico? I know I can't travel outside of the USA.
Thanks!

[rayb]

Just don't leave the U.S. and you shouldn't have a problem.

--Ray B

Thank you @rayb! So in case I'm being questioned by immigration do you think they're going to give me a hard time coming in, even if I show them my EAD and a letter confirming my AOS status? Because I know that if I leave the USA they may not let me back in even though I'm waiting for AOS interview, because I don't have AP and my EAD says "not valid for re-entry".
Thanks again for your quick response!

[PearyPear]

Thanks @rayb!