Big Problem - advice needed (and hopefully I chose the right forum)

[GirlWithAProblem 0]

I received my green card two years ago, after having been in the process for 6 years.

I've been out of the country for nearly 18 months and I'm now going back (my mother was sick. I went to the homeland to be with her. My head was elsewhere, and so I didn't think about coming back earlier, even for a visit).

Is there a chance they would let me in to the US now, and I can pick up my life (and PR status) from where I left it? Would it help if I told my story to the border control person at the border, and brought in supporting documents for my mother's illness?

I will appreciate any sound advice for how I can be welcomed back into the states.

Thank you.

[KarenCee 3]

From the USCIS website http://www.uscis.gov/files/nativedocuments/M-618.pdf

Keep Your Immigration Status

Permanent residents who leave the United States for

extended periods, or who cannot show their intent to

live permanently in the U.S., may lose their permanent

resident status. Many immigrants believe they can live

abroad as long as they return to the U.S. at least once a

year. This is incorrect. If you think you will be out of

the U.S. for more than 12 months, you should apply for a

re-entry permit before leaving the country.You should

file Form I-131, Application for a Travel Document.You

can get this form at http://www.uscis.gov or by calling

the USCIS Forms Line at 1-800-870-3676.You must pay

a fee to file Form I-131.

If this were me, I would make an appointment with your local office and tell them your situation. Good Luck.

Edited June 23, 2008 by KarenCee

[motu 6]

My brother was in a similar status - he left with his permanent greencard and wanted to see if he could come back after about 2 years - NO! He had to get a tourist visa to come to USA - and so he abandoned any idea of trying to get back. He has been back here twice now on tourist visas for 4 to 5 weeks at a time. Good Luck