Traveling with RTD as a PR

V

vdostoi1

Volunteer Moderator
Everyone,
I need some advice from some long-timers here. I just joined the forum and I am enjoying discussing immigration matters. My question to folks is this: I am a PR as a result of asylee status and I am going to be using a RTD to travel abroad (not to COP). My RTD is annotated Permanent Resident but what is the difference between traveling with an RTD as opposed to a national passport. I was always curious about this. I have both but I was not planning on using only RTD. Please let me know what you guys think. Thanks.
 
Pros for NP:

Nearly all consulate recognize it.
Expires for a long time, usually 10 years or longer.
Extendable for another XX years.
Getting good respect from European countries, as RTD carrier always being considered to carry disease, HIV +, etc..

Pros for RTD:

Sleep well until N-400 approval day.
No trouble at port of entry.
Can be used as ID in U.S.
 
Its basically a personal choice. Lots of people don't want to renew National passport because they think it will get them intro trouble during citizenship time. However, there is no rule printed anywhere that says prior asylees who are PR now cannot renew passports.

NP basically doesn't limit you as a RTD does. RTD is valid for 1 year and you have to pay $170 every year to get it whereas NP can be renewed for 5 years for around $100 in most consulates. NP, no matter of what country is accepted with a valid visa. RTD automatically makes you into a second class citizen and most governments look down upon RTD holders.

Advantages of RTD is:

No Visa required for Germany, Singapore, Ireland. It is issued by USCIS so it carries more weight than a NP since its issued by the United States. If you travel to germany, singapore or ireland a lot, its easy to get a RTd rather than going through the painful process of getting a Visa from these rude european consulates.

For instance, I have to travel to Germany at least 4 times a year. IF I apply for a Visa, its 45+30(insurance)=75x4=$300 whereas just getting a RTD is for $170.

If you do not travel to Germany,singapore, ireland then you should go with NP because the hassle of renewing again and again is a pain.

Again its your personal choice, what is beneficial for you? For me, RTD right now is more beneifical than a NP.
 
Why not use RP for all travel after GC? (except for those who travel excessively to germany, singapore etc).

Its safe both ways; i.e. no shames of being refugee (RTD), no worries carrying NP
 
Thanks, everyone. I guess my concern is more to the extent of how US government looks at it upon entering the US - does the IO care if you present NP vs RTD? I don't think so, but I figured I would check. Thanks to all.
 
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