went to infopass appointment ... they say there is nothing!!

[JunkMart]

That is complete misinformation. Whoever you talked to doesn't know what he's talking about. Furthermore, the checkpoints are run by CBP and not by USCIS. Deportations are done by ICE and not USCIS. So you should not be asking USCIS about any of this; they have no idea.

What matters at the checkpoint is whether you are deportable. If they do not deport you, they will let you go. They do not deport people with I-485 pending just for being out of status (and I-485 can be filed in deportation proceedings anyway, so you will not be deported no matter what, assuming you were eligible for I-485). Your I-485 receipt proves that you had an I-485 filed. They could put you in secondary to verify that your I-485 is still pending, but once they verify it, they will let you go.

I have to disagree with you. The thing is you have to show legal status at checkpoints. Without it you may be detained and transferred to the detention center while you wait for a hearing. We have read posts recently where people with I-797C were stopped by local police, only had I-797C showing a filed I-485, ICE was called and the person arrested for not having legal status, and detained for months before ultimately being released because they actually did have authorized stay.

[Enub4]

I have to disagree with you. The thing is you have to show legal status at checkpoints. Without it you will be detained and transferred to the detention center while you wait for a hearing. We have read posts recently where people with I-797C were stopped by local police, only had I-797C showing a filed I-485, ICE was called and the person arrested for not having legal status, and detained for months before ultimately being released because they actually did have authorized stay.

I guess having EAD/AP helps in those cases, right? Still no status but authorized to work (my guess).

[JunkMart]

I guess having EAD/AP helps in those cases, right? Still no status but authorized to work (my guess).

YES! My attorney said that EAD would get me through the checkpoint, just not the I-797C. Sure wish I'd get EAD, but I think I'll have my GC before EAD, since my interview is Monday.

[NSTJ18]

I've been through a checkpoint once in Texas/New Mexico coming back from El Paso. I did have my passport with an expired visa, but did not have my extension papers (the ones that allowed me to stay here legally with an expired visa). Of course, I freaked out (no idea about this checkpoint) and tried to explain to the officer. He just told me to calm down and took in my passport. He checked it and cleared me to go. I would think that with the I-485 receipts one would be fine, but it's the USA...

[Enub4]

YES! My attorney said that EAD would get me through the checkpoint, just not the I-797C. Sure wish I'd get EAD, but I think I'll have my GC before EAD, since my interview is Monday.

I hope they approve you on the spot! You may get your GC on 05/27 exactly 3 months from PD. Good luck!

[JunkMart]

I hope they approve you on the spot! You may get your GC on 05/27 exactly 3 months from PD. Good luck!

Thank you! I'll let you all know how it goes.