Bus to Albany-Question

Hello All,

Just a general question to all who have travelled via bus to albany. Any input would be really appreciated. From what I've read, I know that taking a bus to Albany is a controversial issue and a lot of people have been questioned for their immigration status or what not. In a few months, I will need to travel with my entire class (health care program) to albany for a student conference.

Does anyone know if they still do random checks on that route? Or is it safe for me to go there without worrying?

I mean-I have my state ID, just dont know what to tell them when they ask about my citizenship. nearly 95% of the class is caucasian including faculty so maybe they wont bother questioning each and everyone of us. I just wanted to throw out the question out there to see if anyone knows anything about how safe/risky it is to do this.

Thank you in advance for your responses.

Where are you starting from? NYC? I took the bus many times from New York to Ithaca and there were never any problems. From 2006-2010, I probably traveled 15,000 miles by bus. The only time I encountered a problem was on a trip from the midwest to central New York where I had a layover in Buffalo. In Buffalo, I had to switch buses but the bus I was originally on was raided by immigration officers and they arrested a Middle Eastern/Indian man. From then on, I avoided going through Buffalo and one time even had to buy two tickets to get from Chicago to central NY. One to Harrisburg PA, and another one to my final destination as this was the best way to avoid the route that follows the great lakes that is dangerously close to the Canadian border.
I guess the answer to your question depends on where you are starting from. If it really concerns you, you can fly as that is probably safer. I would say taking the bus is statistically safe, but you have to double check if it Albany is considered a border city by USCIS. Another alternative is the AMTRAK but I'm not sure if that's any better immigration wise.

What state ID do you have? You'd have to tell them the truth. Obviously, that you are not a USC, but that you currently have a pending application for Deferred Action. Maybe carry the Biometrics/receipt notice. Although this doesn't prove anything, so it's still a bit risky IMO. Flying is pretty safe if you have a valid state ID

Thanks for your responses. First of all, this isn't a public bus such as a greyhound. Its most likely going to be a bus our school rents to accommodate about 25-35 people including faculty and staff ONLY. We are probably going to leave from long island NY, because thats where our school is located or maybe meet near manhattan and leave from there. The conference isn't for a few months but I just wanted to find out sooner. I wish i knew the exact location of where it is in albany but I'm not exactly sure. You think it should be safe going with my own class in our own bus to Albany.

It really does suck that I still have to worry about all this even with our temporary status here lol. Just don't want to get embarrassed/humiliated in front of my whole class.

I have a NY state drivers license from deferred action. Flying is very expensive especially if the bus will be funded by my school for the trip there and back. Just really don't want to fly out there when my entire class will be on the bus.

Don't worry you will be fine. Just make sure you always have your id on you.

It'll be rare if they ask people individually for statuses. but knowing that it's a school bus, i wouldnt think they would bother to pull you guys over.