Originally Posted by
moeve
I am not American or a GC holder so pardon me if this question seems stupid. What I do know is that this GC is very important in the US so how come the US can afford to let people wait so long for such an important document.
The US government doesn't care if lack of an unexpired green card inconveniences lawful permanent residents.
Indeed, the position of the U.S. government on lawful permanent residents is: "we prefer that you leave".
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http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/pract...l#post11880840 )
Originally Posted by
moeve
I need to ask something else - is this GC handled the same way as a passport? Many countries require a passport to be valid for 6 months after the end of the trip which in effect reduces the vailidity of such a passport to 9 years and 6 months. Now since you might need to wait 8 weeks or more for a new one and the new one is issued to the same date as it is applied for that effectively reduces the validity even more. Now does the GC work on the same principle and is this the reason why people wait until the almost the end to apply for a new one? Or are you simply not allowed to apply for the new one before a certain period?
An unexpired green card is more important for getting a state driver's license, proof of lawful residency when challenged by the CBP within 200 miles of a border, a mortgage, and proof of eligibility to work and/or attend school than it is a travel document.
http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/usc...00082ca60aRCRD states that one can only apply to renew a green card if the card has 6 months or less left on it.