Advance Parole, is it worth it?

[Mimicherie 142]

My husband just received his EAD/AP combo card and it came with a memo basically stating, although this gives permission to fly internationally, it doesn’t necessarily guarantee entry back into the US if CBP deems you a public charge or not warranted to enter. This makes us hesitant to even attempt to travel before receiving the actual green card. Who wants to worry about having to prove you’re able to enter the US again the whole time you’re out of the country? A lot of AP posts I’m reading are from years ago, do anyone have any recent experiences to share? I wanted to plan a trip later on in the year, granted things get under control with this pandemic, but I’m hesitant to do so after reading that memo. 

Edited June 27, 2020 by gsdc23

[JFH 12,189]

Even a GC doesn’t guarantee entry - the same exceptions that apply to AP apply to GC holders also. 
 

Why is he concerned? Is he likely to be a public charge or has he done anything that renders him inadmissible? The chances of someone falling onto the categories of being denied entry with AP/a green card are very small. 

[Mimicherie 142]

5 minutes ago, JFH said:

Even a GC doesn’t guarantee entry - the same exceptions that apply to AP apply to GC holders also. 
 

Why is he concerned? Is he likely to be a public charge or has he done anything that renders him inadmissible? The chances of someone falling onto the categories of being denied entry with AP/a green card are very small. 

Thank you for your response. Yea, I figured it would be the same for the green card until he applies for ROC, so thank you for clarifying that for me. 
 

I’m more concerned than he is honestly. No, he has not done anything that renders him inadmissible, but I guess I’ve been reading too many horror stories on here about people being detained and having to go the extra mile to prove their status. If the chances are small then maybe I may continue to plan our trip. I’m seeing we must travel with our MC, NOA’s for all applications & passport? Is there anything else we should have on us just in case? 

Edited June 27, 2020 by gsdc23

[JFH 12,189]

I haven’t travelled on AP so cannot comment on what documents you need. But I have travelled with a GC.Thousands of non-citizens who live here pass through the airports every day, GC holders, AP card holders, work visa holders, student visa holders, etc . CBP doesn’t have the time or the human resources to investigate every arrival in depth. You only have to worry if there’s something flagged on your case. You don’t have to prove anything other than your identity and your permission to be here. 

[SalishSea 16,748]

In my personal experience, if you are traveling together, that is better.  When my husband had his combo card, we drove from Seattle into British Columbia to pick up his daughter from the airport, and have a little vacation up there before bringing her home for her 3 week stay in the US. 

 

Returning back from that trip was fine.  We did have to go to secondary, as Briar had an ESTA, but there were no problems and soon we were on our way.  For her return NZ flight through Vancouver, he had to drive her up on his own, because I was working.  Coming back across the border (after having been in Canada for maybe 2 hours), they hassled him.  He did have his NOA and our marriage certificate, etc.  I felt he may not have been hassled if I had been there, but who knows.

 

Anyway, after that he decided not to travel on the combo card.  Since receiving the GC, there is no more travel due to Covid, but when it resumes, we know it won't be an issue.

[Just Paul 4,591]

42 minutes ago, gsdc23 said:

 A lot of AP posts I’m reading are from years ago, do anyone have any recent experiences to share?

I've traveled with people holding AP and they haven't had an issue.   Same with just an I-551 stamp (for you spousal visa holders).  

[Mimicherie 142]

20 minutes ago, Jorgedig said:

Anyway, after that he decided not to travel on the combo card.  Since receiving the GC, there is no more travel due to Covid, but when it resumes, we know it won't be an issue.

I was hoping the same, maybe if we’re together it won’t be too much of a hassle, but I guess we won’t know until we actually attempt. Please keep me updated if you do travel with the green card soon.  

[Mimicherie 142]

22 minutes ago, Paul & Mary said:

I've traveled with people holding AP and they haven't had an issue.   Same with just an I-551 stamp (for you spousal visa holders).  

Thank you for sharing. I’m hoping we don’t have any issues either. I’m guessing that memo was included in there as a “F.Y.I” but it just made us feel uneasy about even attempting to travel. 

[Crazy Cat 39,193]

1 hour ago, gsdc23 said:

Yea, I figured it would be the same for the green card until he applies for ROC

It's the same until he becomes a citizen........All Green Cards are equal in their functions.

Edited June 27, 2020 by Lucky Cat

[Just Paul 4,591]

Like @Jorgedig said traveling together is a good idea if the AP card holder is worried.  I know AP holders that wouldn't travel and GC cards holders also not wanting to travel.   But lots of people travel with either.     We came into the US on a spousal on a sunday and were back at the beach in Mexico that friday.  We made a handful of trips together via land crossing and airport.  8 months later Mary went back to the Philippines alone for her birthday and had no issues returning. She has flown back and forth alone to Canada a few times. We still make an international trips every other month or so and have yet to have an issue. Once getting a Green Card he can apply for Global Entry which takes a lot of the time and stress element away.

[HRQX 4,145]

9 hours ago, gsdc23 said:

This makes us hesitant to even attempt to travel

Most AP holders re-enter without issue. Do expect Secondary Inspection; that's normal for AP re-entry.

[Ashley May 60]

I travelled to the U.K. by myself at the beginning of the year and had no trouble reentering. In fact the lady at immigration took me to the front of the line as I was confused which line to get into and asked for help and she let me go ahead of everyone so I got through immigration a lot faster. Obviously doesn’t happen for everyone but just make sure you have all your paperwork and you’ll be fine. 

[retheem 553]

A lot of people here are saying you can travel. I will say rethink your plans. We live in unprecedented times. 6 months ago we didn't know there would be a ban on spouses of green card holders from entering the US. But now they can't get a visa and if Trump comes back i can guarantee you that he will extend it indefinitely. With a green card if things went to the left you can have your day in court. Not so much with EAD/ AP. While you can travel, i would say pause until your green card gets out

[Loren Y 2,731]

I had a long post about this earlier, but I will summarize. My wife received her AP card, and we had a bunch of travel planned a few months after. Within a 3 months time frame we did a Air entry thru Seattle airport( Arrived from Taiwan via Bangkok, Thailand, No issues, No secondary. Next month was a Land crossing from Mexico into the US at the San Ysidro Boarder crossing ( Busiest in the US) and had no issue there other than a few questions ( Standard). Then next month did a Sea entry at the Long Beach Cruise Terminal after a Mexico Cruise. This was the easiest by far. CBP literally just glanced at her card and said welcome back, have a nice day. It was that easy. Longest time was the land crossing at maybe 8 minutes total time, Cruise port was less than a minute I believe. So with 3 uses in just as many months, no issues at any of the different ports of entry. I figured I went thru the trouble to get it, I'm using this thing!

[Crazy Cat 39,193]

The OP is a US citizen.  I have seen nothing which convinces me that a spouse of a USC, holding a valid advance parole document, wold have any issues re-entering the US.....I would travel......just my opinion.

Edited June 28, 2020 by Lucky Cat