Can I use the British passport to leave the US?

Question

My purse was stolen and I lost my green card and other documents. I have to leave the country because of the urgent family matter and I cannot wait until they issue me new ones. I still have my British passport. Can I use it instead when I am leaving the US?

I know that I will need my green card to come back but I should get it by mail by the time I am coming back.

Answer 1

Your question is not really "Can I leave" it's "Can I get back" using a British passport.

The theoretical answer is "yes." The practical answer includes this: "You'll get delayed when you come back without a green card."  And you may not get on board the airplane.  

Two things- The first is the airline. They get a fine and will have to pay to return you if Immigration refuses to admit you. Your story, "I lost my green card" won't satisfy the airlines, so the next part may become moot.

The second thing is what will happen to you if you arrive without something to indicate you have a right to be here. Once the Immigration officer verifies your identity, he can check and find your status. But there may be a fine for lack of documents. (It's every green card holder's responsibility to present proof of status.)

Be realistic. "Should be in the mail by the time I'm coming back" isn't really adequate. No matter how urgent, don't go until you have something from CIS that will specifically allow you to come back. That means a trip to the legacy Immigration office for an advance parole or similar document. It's a hassle, but it's better than the possible consequences.

Answer 2

Passport is the document required by Immigration Authorities and the greencard is only a secondary travel document.