Traveling in and out of the United States can be a confusing proposition for many individuals, and with good reason. There are a variety of laws and regulations in place for the safety and security of everyone involved, but all of those policies and regulations do not make it easier to travel. Travel passports or documents may be something you need if you are considering traveling abroad.

Who exactly needs travel passports or documents?

If you are an immigrant residing within the US legally, you will need "permission" if you leave the country and plan on returning. The Immigration and Nationality Act says "INA § 212 states that any immigrant who does not have the correct travel documents will not be admitted to the United States."

If you cannot get a passport from your origin country of nationality, you will need special permission to gain access to the United States. By filling out and filing USCIS Form I-131, Application for Travel Documentation, you will be asking for the permission necessary to enter the United States.

How does a travel passport and visa differ?

A visa is documentation allowing a foreign visitor, student, diplomat, or others access to US soil for a specific amount of time for a specific reason. Whether a student, businessman, fiancé, visitor or even diplomat, you will need a visa stating your purpose and the length of your stay. Once you leave the country again, your visa usually becomes void meaning you have to reapply if you wish to reenter the United States.

The travel passport allows you to travel, legally, out of the country with a pass allowing you access back into the country without the need to reapply for the original visa. This document will have the information necessary to legalize your exiting of the country and your legal reentry.

There are reliable and honest passport services that will assist you in your search. Most generally, people locate these online. However, you will want to insure the one you find for your needs meets or exceeds your expectations. When it comes to the documents necessary to apply, do not cut corners. If the service you are considering offers to cut corners, chances are you will not get the application processed.

Whether you are an alien with permanent status or just a conditional resident, it is important that you insure you cover all of your needs by having the documentation necessary completed appropriately. Attaching the correct paperwork will assist you in getting your travel passport in the time you need it.

If you are denied a travel passport, you have the legal right to appeal the decision. The appeal must be filed with the same office as the denial was processed from. A fee is required with the appeal. Should you appeal directly to the AAU; the process will be delayed if not outright denied.

Choosing to travel abroad is a big decision, and even if you are just a visitor, knowing how to leave the country will make your reentry seamlessly easy. Just remember to be honest and turn in all of the necessary paperwork! You will be surprised at how far honesty goes.