Since last time I did not ask about the RP for travel I went to the infopass appointment again today. I had a different IO, a very pleasant lady, who patiently took her time answering all my questions. So here is the dialog:
I: I am here to find out about my options for travel document. I got permanent residence status last year, based on asylum. In the past I traveled on RTD, but it is expiring soon and I would like to know what I can use for travel now, when I am a LPR.
IO: Here, let me give you the updated 131 application, for your new RTD. Make sure that this time your RTD indicates that your status is of a permanent resident.
I: So, I should continue traveling with RTD?
IO: Yes, your green card is still linked to your asylum and RTD signifies that you are under the protection of the US government.
I: Can I use a re-entry permit?
IO: No, typically RP is for individuals who intend to travel outside of US for more than 1 year. Also, the RP implies that you have a valid national passport on hand. I guess, you probably do not have it anymore.
I: In fact, my NP is still valid.
IO: Have you renewed it since the asylum grant?
I: No, it is the original passport, with which I first arrived to the US.
IO: How long is your trip?
I: 2 weeks
IO: Then you can still travel with your NP, as long as you are not going back to the COP. You should not have any problems at all, as long as your original passport is still valid. For short trips you can use it until its expiration date.
I: Would renewing my NP be ok as well?
IO: No, renewing your NP is indicative that you again searched the protection from the country from which you claimed persecution.
I: Ok, but traveling on the original NP is not a problem?
IO: You will not have any problem with it. Travel with your original NP until its expiration date.
I: Could I get something in writing that verifies this?
IO: Read the application for 131 carefully, it has answers to your questions.
I: But it does not talk about the NP... Also, I heard cases when an LPR was traveling with the RTD and it was confiscated at the POE, or in some cases, the resident was heavily questioned about why they are using the RTD now that they are permanent residents.
IO: We must apologize for such incidences. Sometimes, new people come to work and they are not familiar with the law...It was certainly not right what those officers did.
I thanked her and went home.
I: I am here to find out about my options for travel document. I got permanent residence status last year, based on asylum. In the past I traveled on RTD, but it is expiring soon and I would like to know what I can use for travel now, when I am a LPR.
IO: Here, let me give you the updated 131 application, for your new RTD. Make sure that this time your RTD indicates that your status is of a permanent resident.
I: So, I should continue traveling with RTD?
IO: Yes, your green card is still linked to your asylum and RTD signifies that you are under the protection of the US government.
I: Can I use a re-entry permit?
IO: No, typically RP is for individuals who intend to travel outside of US for more than 1 year. Also, the RP implies that you have a valid national passport on hand. I guess, you probably do not have it anymore.
I: In fact, my NP is still valid.
IO: Have you renewed it since the asylum grant?
I: No, it is the original passport, with which I first arrived to the US.
IO: How long is your trip?
I: 2 weeks
IO: Then you can still travel with your NP, as long as you are not going back to the COP. You should not have any problems at all, as long as your original passport is still valid. For short trips you can use it until its expiration date.
I: Would renewing my NP be ok as well?
IO: No, renewing your NP is indicative that you again searched the protection from the country from which you claimed persecution.
I: Ok, but traveling on the original NP is not a problem?
IO: You will not have any problem with it. Travel with your original NP until its expiration date.
I: Could I get something in writing that verifies this?
IO: Read the application for 131 carefully, it has answers to your questions.
I: But it does not talk about the NP... Also, I heard cases when an LPR was traveling with the RTD and it was confiscated at the POE, or in some cases, the resident was heavily questioned about why they are using the RTD now that they are permanent residents.
IO: We must apologize for such incidences. Sometimes, new people come to work and they are not familiar with the law...It was certainly not right what those officers did.
I thanked her and went home.
