For many green card applicants, receiving approval for Advance Parole (I-131) is a significant relief. It allows them to travel internationally without jeopardizing their application. However, with U.S. immigration rules frequently changing, is it really that straightforward?
One applicant, whose green card application is still in process, was told by their lawyer that traveling is safe. Yet, they can’t shake the anxiety–what if something changes while they’re abroad? What if re-entry turns out to be more complicated than anticipated? After all, immigration policies can shift unexpectedly.
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Advance Parole is intended to permit applicants to leave and return while awaiting their green card. However, experiences differ widely. Some travelers report having no issues, while others encounter secondary inspections, prolonged questioning, or unforeseen complications at the border. In rare instances, officers have even denied re-entry, despite having an approved I-131.
The greater risk stems from potential policy changes or the discretion of the immigration officer at the port of entry. If an officer questions an applicant’s intent to reside in the U.S., they can escalate the case for further examination. For those with previous visa overstays or other complexities in their history, the rirsks are evn higher.
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Experts recommend that preparation is the key—carrying all documents, avoiding long trips. And staying updated on immigration policies. But even then, certainty is never guaranteed.
For green card applicants, the choice is clear—travleing on Advance Parole is a calculated risk. Some take it, hoping for the best. Others stay put, unwilling to gamble on something as unpredictable as U.S. immigration.
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Because at the end of the day, the difference between getting back in and getting stuck outside can come down to nothing more than a border officer’s judgement.
