@appobreno. #1. USCIS always automatically renews your EAD when asylum is granted. So it's a new EAD valid for 2 years. When you are granted asylum, you don't actually need an EAD to work, but it's a good idea to have one as it's a very handy and easy way to prove you have valid status to work and live in the US. There's no such thing as an unrestricted EAD. The EAD will help you get an SSN, but you need either the approval letter or your I-94 to be able to get an unrestricted SSN card.
#2. After you get your approval letter and your I-94, you can file an application for a Refugee Travel Document. It takes an average of 6 months to get one. It's very important you don't leave the country until after you receive it. You cannot come back to the US without a valid Refugee Travel Document. Also, you cannot travel using your passport if you have one. You must travel using only the Refugee Travel Document. And under no circumstances should you go back to your home country. 2 week trips are OK, but try not to spend too much time outside of the US until you get a green card one year from now.
