"Raj Feridun" wrote...
> My wife got her permanent green card almost as easily 11 years ago
> (one year before we moved to Japan). Now we have to completely reapply
> again when we move back home again though since we were told in no
> uncertain terms that one condition of permanent residency status was
> that you actually permanently reside in the states. You can leave for
> up to one year at a time but beyond that you need special permission
> and as for 10 years....

We just went through the whole green card rigamarole as well.  A word to the
wise green card holders thinking about leaving the States:  get a departure
permit before you go!  Not only will it help you extend your permanent
residency status beyond a year or so, it also has important tax
implications.

My wife (then BYJGF) paid about 7 grand to an immigration attorney to help
get her green card.  This same attorney didn't mention anything about
needing a departure permit when informed about our move to Japan, nor did
any customs official.  I was under the mistaken impression her permanent
residency card would expire according to the date on the card where it says
"CARD EXPIRES 05/15/08". Silly me.  By the time I realized there might be a
problem the missus was 8 months pregnant and wasn't going _anywhere_ even
though her first year out of the States was nearing an end.

I have to say the folks at the embassy in Tokyo (after finally figuring out
where to stand in line) were exceptionally nice about it, but nevertheless
it galled me she had to sign a release saying she was "voluntarily" giving
up her permanent residency status, when in fact we were simply returning to
the States for a brief visit and didn't want her to get arrested by the INS.

Could this little known requirement by the INS for a departure permit simply
be a trick to relieve unsuspecting green card holders of their permanent
residency status?  Nah, couldn't be!

best
hibijibi