Soskyd

On 4/2/2017 at 3:40 AM, nightingalejules said:

Where were you travelling to/from?

 Hi, sorry for the delay. JFK -> Caribbean

Hello everyone, I have been following this thread for a while and wanted to share my recent experience traveling with the 1-551 stamp and my expired GC (they gave me back the card at the infopass appointment).

I traveled abroad a week ago and coming back to the US, there were a couple hiccups:

(1) checking in was nerve racking as the agent (for a popular airline) didn't recognize the stamp, he called the manager but they were all skeptical . He had to call the US to verify, a nervous 30-45 mins wait but he was able to confirm. ADVICE: if you do travel get to the airport early (thankfully we did).

(2) On arrival in the US, the immigration officer took my finger prints and brought me to the secondary processing area. Unfortunately, there were so many persons there, that process took almost an hour (my hubby and son whom I traveled with and US citizens were already cleared and nervously waiting outside). Finally I was called, passport stamped and went on my way. 

I have to travel again in May and I asked the officer if this secondary check is a one time event or every time I travel without my official GC. He confirmed i'll have to go through the entire secondary checks each and every time (uurgh) SO I am hoping the card comes before then... fingers crossed.

Stay strong fellow March Filers