Re-Entering the US During ROC Process

[gap1 21]

I posted this in the April filers thread, but thought it might be better to address the whole group.

I know I'm being extremely paranoid, but my husband had to travel out of the country on business for 3 weeks in Warsaw, Poland. He's re-entering in NYC with his expired green card and extension letter. I know most people do this without issue, and that those that run into problems tend to be in countries that don't often see this letter, but I'm super nervous about it!

I assume officials in NYC have seen this letter a billion times, but I can't help but worry about it.

I'm more worried about when he checks in for his flight home in Warsaw, that the airport employees won't understand the process. Does anyone know where this information is on the USCIS site? I thought it might be better if he also brought along a printout of the website stating the letter is all that was required of him by law to show his green card extension status.

Thanks!

[rov 7]

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/75/kw/travel%20with%20expired%20green%20card/session/L3NpZC9sS0JNZ2h2bA%3D%3D

Please be aware that if yourtravel plans include air travel, many airlines will not board passengers with an expired green card - unless they have a Notice of Action (Form I-797) verifying that they have applied to replace it - in addition to the expired card, and - depending on where you are going, an unexpired passport.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

There is REALLY no reason to worry. REALLY. The worst stories are people that were slightly delayed due to extra checks, but I have not seen anyone who could not fly.

[gap1 21]

Thanks! I am always a nervous wreck when he leaves the country, even when his GC isn't expired!

I just hate that they automatically treat foreign residents as suspicious and that you constantly have to prepare yourself for hassle.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Why do you think that they treat foreign residents suspiciously? My husband has always been treated well with a big "welcome home!" when he arrives at cpb...

[gap1 21]

Why do you think that they treat foreign residents suspiciously? My husband has always been treated well with a big "welcome home!" when he arrives at cpb...

Are you being sarcastic? That's not the normal reception. Usually it's all dirty looks and muttering.

[Harpa Timsah 13,258]

Are you being sarcastic? That's not the normal reception. Usually it's all dirty looks and muttering.

Lol no... I am being serious. Your husband has never gotten a "welcome home" and a grin? Mine is always treated very well and he doesn't have an English accent.

Edited July 15, 2013 by Harpa Timsah

[OnMyWayID 1,489]

Same here.. We have been out of the country several times. The people have always been very friendly with my wife when she was comes back though the airport.

[bigdog 376]

Never had an issue with my wife, the IO did say is she your's? I laughed.

[Messybrownhair 251]

I just flew back in with the i551 stamp because my extension letter never arrived and I had no problems! I was sent to secondary inspection only because I think the cbp officer needed to hurry people along. I was there 5 minutes, no questions asked and a nice "welcome back mrs Kramer" as I was handed back my passport. You should have even less problems than me, having the gc + extension letter

[pinkytoes 0]

i just came back from Europe yesterday with the extension letter and no issues. I usually get a warm welcome from immigration officers, but one time the officer asked me "where is your husband?" in a very nasty tone and had some guy in customs check all my luggage. I guess he found it weird that I only traveled for 3 days to visit my mom for her birthday... who knows!