Q: Can I travel with a pending asylum case and a CR6 green card without risking abandonment of the asylum or rentry issues?
"I have a pending ASYLUM CASE with USCIS and hold a CR6 GREEN CARD, and I do NOT wish to WITHDRAW my asylum case. Considering that my asylum case may be MOOT due to my CR6 status, can I TRAVEL INTERNATIONALLY (excluding my asylum country) without risking ABANDONMENT of the asylum case or REENTRY ISSUES? I’ve received differing opinions from multiple lawyers, so I would appreciate a DETAILED RESPONSE on how travel might impact my asylum status in this context. Thank you."
A:
While having a CR6 green card generally allows for international travel, traveling with a pending asylum case requires careful consideration. Your CR6 status as a conditional permanent resident provides legal rights to travel, but departing the US could potentially impact your asylum case.
The safest approach is to consult with an immigration attorney before any international travel, as they can review your specific situation and documentation. Although your asylum case may be considered moot due to your CR6 status, there's no guarantee, and maintaining both forms of protection might be beneficial for your long-term security. Importantly, you should avoid traveling to the country from which you're seeking asylum, as this could seriously undermine your asylum claim.
If you decide to travel, carry all relevant documentation including your valid green card, passport, and proof of your pending asylum case. Consider limiting trips to short durations and maintaining strong ties to the US through employment, residence, and family connections to demonstrate your intent to return. Remember that immigration officers at reentry have discretion in questioning your travel purposes, so being prepared with documentation and clear explanations for your travel is essential.
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