To find out more about the issues of an adjusted asylee, I had an appointment in the USCIS office today. Here is the conversation that I had with the IO:
IO: What is the reason for your visit today?
I: I would like to learn more about travel documents. I got my GC based on asylum. My work requires a lot of international travel and there is a lot of confusing information about what travel documents are appropriate for my situation. Also, I would like to know if renewing my NP would be appropriate.
IOo you have your NP?
I: Yes, but it expires this year.
IO: Have you traveled on your NP since the grant of asylum?
I: No, I always traveled on RTD.
IO: Why?
I: Because I am an asylee and that is what I must use for travel abroad.
IO: So, what is different NOW? You still are an asylee. Yes, you have your permanent residence now, but it is based on asylum. You are given an option to adjust as a way to become a US citizen. Until then you are still an asylee.
I: So, what should I use for international travel now?
IO: RTD. What is the issue with RTD?
I: It takes time to get it, it is valid for one year and then airlines require at least three months of the remaining validity to let me on board. I often have to cancel my work travel plans because of this.
IO: Have you used your NP to travel anywhere outside US after getting your GC?
I: No. Always an RTD
IO: I can not tell you directly one way or another - to renew your NP or not. It is your decision. But if I were you I would continue traveling on RTD. The fact that you address the embassy of the country, from which you are an asylee to get a new passport will make your situation strained. The new rules that pertain to your situation have just been released.
I: The fact sheet?
IO: Oh, you know about it?
I: That is part of the reason why I am here.
IO:You waited long enough, just wait until your US citizenship. (She repeated this again) If I were you I would continue traveling on RTD.
I forgot to ask about a RP - the circumstances
under which this "appointment" was happening were not very relaxing - I had a whole line of impatient people waiting right behind me. I will go again and ask about the RP. But I got an answer to my questions.
IO: What is the reason for your visit today?
I: I would like to learn more about travel documents. I got my GC based on asylum. My work requires a lot of international travel and there is a lot of confusing information about what travel documents are appropriate for my situation. Also, I would like to know if renewing my NP would be appropriate.
IOo you have your NP?
I: Yes, but it expires this year.
IO: Have you traveled on your NP since the grant of asylum?
I: No, I always traveled on RTD.
IO: Why?
I: Because I am an asylee and that is what I must use for travel abroad.
IO: So, what is different NOW? You still are an asylee. Yes, you have your permanent residence now, but it is based on asylum. You are given an option to adjust as a way to become a US citizen. Until then you are still an asylee.
I: So, what should I use for international travel now?
IO: RTD. What is the issue with RTD?
I: It takes time to get it, it is valid for one year and then airlines require at least three months of the remaining validity to let me on board. I often have to cancel my work travel plans because of this.
IO: Have you used your NP to travel anywhere outside US after getting your GC?
I: No. Always an RTD
IO: I can not tell you directly one way or another - to renew your NP or not. It is your decision. But if I were you I would continue traveling on RTD. The fact that you address the embassy of the country, from which you are an asylee to get a new passport will make your situation strained. The new rules that pertain to your situation have just been released.
I: The fact sheet?
IO: Oh, you know about it?
I: That is part of the reason why I am here.
IO:You waited long enough, just wait until your US citizenship. (She repeated this again) If I were you I would continue traveling on RTD.
I forgot to ask about a RP - the circumstances
under which this "appointment" was happening were not very relaxing - I had a whole line of impatient people waiting right behind me. I will go again and ask about the RP. But I got an answer to my questions.