RMC2000

My husband and I just returned from a trip to the Dominican Republic. We applied for the Green Card December 5th and are still waiting - I was just told that based on our location and local field office (Washington DC) we may be waiting until September. At any rate, he recieved his EAD/AP card January 2012.
We departed Puerto Plata, DR on American Airlines. At first the gate agents said that he would not be able to get on the plane. They were basing this decision based on the EAD alone not being sufficient for traveling. I brought copies of his application for i-485 (Adjustment of Status) and I -131 (Travel Document)and our marriage certificate. I tried to explain the concept of Advance Parole but unfortunately the I-131 does not use this term and the paper that came with the card also does not explain it. Finally the gate agent called U.S. Immigration and we got the ok to go through. He was questioned a few more times after security. When we got to Miami, the Immigration Officer wasn't familiar with the combo card but was very nice. We had to fill out another I-94(short white form) and then go to a room for secondary processing. We had to wait about 1 1/2 hours. We had no issue. But there were several people ahead of us who took longer to process. It was a Wednesday night and not crowded compared to the first time my husband came through on a Friday.
So 1) Bring back-up paperwork in case you have trouble convincing the gate agent and tell them to call immigration.
2) Plan on plenty of time for secondary processing - we barely made our connection.

Maybe she could do volunteer work at a local hospital. That will give her something for her resume and maybe it could develop into something else.