New admin challenges for green card holders + Enter to the U.S. while re-entry permit in process

[Jay and Dan 0]

Hello everybody!
First of all, big thanks to this fantastic community! It’s been incredibly helpful since I started my visa journey.

 

I’d love to hear from fellow Latino green card holders about their recent experiences with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) when returning to the U.S. in 2025—especially after long trips of 4 to 6 months. 🤔

 

Also, has anyone re-entered recently while their re-entry permit was still in process? Was presenting the I-131 receipt enough?

 

Not gonna lie, I’m a bit concerned about the possible changes in immigration policies and how the new administration’s stance on immigration might affect our experience traveling and returning to the U.S. as green card holders.

 

Here’s my case and most recent experience:

• My IR1 visa was approved in May 2024, and I entered the U.S. for the first time three weeks later, staying for two weeks.
• Due to work, my family and I couldn’t move right away and will only be able to relocate permanently in May 2025.
• During my first U.S. entry, I explained this to the officer, who said it wasn’t an issue since it was under 12 months. He mentioned the re-entry permit for those staying abroad over a year and advised me to keep my work contract handy for future CBP inspections.
• I returned to the U.S. in December 2024, after 175 days abroad (almost 6 months). The CBP officer questioned why I wasn’t permanently living in the U.S. yet. He was pretty intense and seemed surprised by my time outside the country.
• He warned me that my situation could be flagged for abandonment and that I might have to go before a judge to prove I hadn’t given up my residency. After I explained my circumstances, he strongly recommended applying for a re-entry permit. Even though I wasn’t planning to be out for over a year, and I was set to move in less than five months from that day. He mentioned that "upcoming immigration policy changes could make this step even more necessary."
• My lawyer believes that the officer likely flagged me in the system, so I went ahead and applied for the re-entry permit. However, processing takes 14.5 months. USCIS and my lawyer confirmed that I can travel after biometrics and just carry the I-131 receipt as proof that my permit is in process.

Now, my big question is: What are other green card holders experiencing when re-entering the U.S.?

The officer’s warning about “upcoming immigration policy changes” has me wondering what’s coming next. Has anyone faced similar questioning at CBP? I’d love to hear your stories, insights, and any advice!

 

Thanks in advance! Looking forward to your thoughts.

[OldUser 8,514]

Are you planning any more trips outside the US? Even aftee multiple warnings from CBP? I wouldn't.