QUOTE(john_and_marlene @ Aug 30 2006, 02:45 PM)

I see 2 conditions in the statement for which the Attorney General shall, in accordance with regulations, permit the alien to return to the United States:
"The Attorney General shall, in accordance with regulations, permit the alien to return to the United States
after such brief and casual trips abroad as reflect an intention on the part of the alien to adjust to lawful permanent resident status under paragraph (1)
and
after brief temporary trips abroad occasioned by a family obligation involving an occurrence such as the illness or death of a close relative or other family need."
______________________
The first condition is simply a brief and casual trip ... the briefness and casualness of which indicate it is just a visit and not an intention to relocate.
The second condition is a brief, but not casual trip regarding family matters.
Why is everyone only dealing with the second condition? As I read it, you can put on the I-131 application that you want to go sightseeing for 2 weeks in another country and the Attorney General shall allow it.
Edited for spelling
This is an excellent point! I initially read the first condition as referring to something else, but I believe that your reading is EXACTLY CORRECT. Thanks for pointing it out, John.
QUOTE(john_and_marlene @ Aug 30 2006, 02:58 PM)

If you want AP to visit family and friends over the Christmas season, put that as your reason. It is absolutely correct and falls under the "brief and casual trip" category. I don't see any reason that could be denied.
The circumstances that warrant the AP are:
1. Your AOS is pending.
2. You have every intent of continuing to seek permanent residence status.
3. You plan to return after a brief visit
4. The trip will be brief and casual.
5. Your domicile will remain in the U.S.
Yep, this is 100% accurate!