vquinn

Missed my connection - it sucked  

I just want to share my experince traveling with AP (combo card, AOS pending)! I was able to take 2 weeks off work to visit home (Bangkok). Before leaving the States, I was super nervous and worried that I would have a hard time reentering. I prepared all my documents (notices, wedding certificate, etc.) and made sure i photocopied everything. I brought all that along with my combo card, ID and social security card with me.

Leaving the states was no problem. The way back was different. At the Thai airport, I had a hard time explaining to the ANA airlines check in lady what my combo card was and that I could enter America with it. She seemed super confused and called her supervisor over (who was equally as confused). After an hour and lots of explanation (I showed them the letter that came with the combo card) - I was able to check in.

Entering America was pretty much what I expected. My husband and I entered this express immigration line together (we had a connection) and the immigration officer looked at my card, took our customs paper and marked it with an "I" - which stands for secondary inspection I think.

We had to go into this room for a secondary inspection. I gave the immigration man in there our passports and my combo card. We unfortunately had to wait 3 hours (there was like 50 people in there and they go in order) for a 15 minute procedure. The man called my name, asked for a photo ID (gave him my MN one), and took a quick picture of me. That was it.

No questions asked about why I left the country. I didn't have to show anything else.

It helped having my husband with me the whole time

I was super nervous leaving the US and re entering so I just wanted to share this with everyone! I know every case is different but hopefully this helps ease peoples minds