Crossing the border with documentation that matches US government requirements can be stressful. However, trans people do routinely cross the US border and many do not have any difficulty crossing the border legally. However, it is important that your documentation be in order and all items you are carrying follow US regulations.
Travelers legally crossing the border into the USA, regardless of citizenship and documentation, are subject to search at the border. This includes examining electronic devices such as laptops and cell phones.
Prosthetics, post-surgical supplies, and LGBT literature are legal to be brought into the USA.
When asked questions by officials, it is generally recommended to answer honestly. Lying to customs or immigration can be used to bar you from entering the US.
The United States regulates many types of medications. In particular, testosterone is a highly controlled substance. Consult the US Customs and Border Protection Traveling with Medication page for detailed information. US officials recommend a written prescription or doctor's note (written in English). Medication should be contained in the original container, should not significantly exceed the amount that you expect to use during your stay up to 90 days (if you are staying for a significant amount of time, there may be additional limits and you will need to obtain refills through a US doctor and pharmacy). The doctor's note should note the condition being treated (being under the treatment of a doctor for being transgender is an acceptable reason to have HRT).
It may be a good idea to ensure the name on all prescriptions and medication bottles matches your name.
If in doubt, declare it. Penalties for illegally importing medication can be severe.
Note that some states restrict access to medications, particularly for youth. Consult the state page for this guide for more information, although most states do not prohibit the possession of legally prescribed drugs.
Follow airline or other regulations regarding medical supplies for equipment such as needles.
Immigration detention facilities in the United States do not always respect human rights. Persons without documentation that is acceptable to US Immigration may find themselves in ICE custody.
Immigration authorities in the United States utilize many types of facilities for detention of immigrants. These range from outdoor holding pens to county jails in cooperating counties to private facilities run by for-profit corporations to government-run centers. Conditions can vary widely between these facilities.
While policies exist on transgender immigrants in ICE detention, these policies are frequently ignored by staff.
Transgender immigrants may or may not be held in units separate from other immigrants.
Rape is common within ICE detention.
These facilities provide substandard care for transgender-related healthcare and other conditions (such as HIV, cancer, etc).