Originally Posted by
tauphi
How long ago was this? Previously Chinese border security did have a role in checking onward visas and such but that practice stopped around two years ago.
You know what, it was just about 2.5 years ago so that makes sense!
Originally Posted by
alphaod
I have many Chinese friends in the US who have been in the US for 50-60 years who are still Chinese nationals (they chose not to naturalize to US citizenship) who have only recently returned to China after so many years still have their hukou and even got their national ID card renewed. They did "lose" their hukou book, but it was just a matter of getting it replaced.
Such a case as you describe exist just that I have not experience it with anyone I know. I can only offer my experience, perhaps you are right. I am wondering if the the OP's SO can see if she can get a hukou book replaced and get a replacement national ID; the recent real-name authentication for just about everything, having a Chinese ID is so much more convenient. There is a lot of scrutiny when you present a foreign passport or don't have your ID card when you're Chinese in China.
Interesting. In her case, she left the mainland before she was even old enough to hold a 身分證, and it is indeed a hassle since most people aren't familiar with a Chinese passport holder who doesn't have one. Granted, she is eligible to naturalize as a U.S. citizen, in which case she would definitely no longer be able to receive one.