Was wondering if anyone has used their AP documentation to get tourist Visa's to countires that would otherwise difficult to travel to using your home Passport. For example, my wife is from Ukraine. It is virtually impossible for her to get a Visa to travel to Western Europe. With her AP (before Green Card), I was wondering if this becomes easier (we'd like to travel over the holidays a bit). Has anyone ever tried this?

AP is only used to get back into the united states. it has nothing to do with getting a visa.

I think the OP understands that, but is asking if the AP (re-entry permit if you will) opens up doors that traditionally are closed to some citizens of certain countries.

Yes fwaguy ... since my wife is in the USA, I was wondering if she applied for a Visa to Spain, for example (via the Spanish embassy in the USA), if the AP documentation would help improve her chances of obtaining a tourist Visa issuance to visit that country.

No. She has no benefits from the AP - she will need to meet the same requirements as before. When she receives her greencard a few countries are easier - Mexico, UK and Canada for example but others hold her to the same requirement till she gets a US passport - my wife gets an automatic 'transit' visa in Holland with her greencard but can't leave the airport - for that she is required to apply in her home country! UK however gives her a 30 or 60 day entry with her greencard without any charges. Good Luck