Is a travel document/ reentry permit an alternative to a passport? ?

Question

I am a permanent resident of the US for 4 years now but I have actually been in the US for 8 years now. Due to lack of knowledge about the application process, my family applied late for the green card so that's why we haven't been citizens yet.

My situation is that my home country passport has expired for sometimes now and I need to go visit there this May. I have heard that it cost over 600+ to get a new passport and I would have to do it through the Cambodian government. The thing is, I don't trust the Cambodian gov't and rather apply through the US gov't. However, the only thing that the US gov't can issue is a travel document/ reentry permit. Can I use my green card and (apply for) the travel document to get in and out of the country?

What other options do I have?

Thank you so much in advance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 1

Your green card with the travel document should do it for the US Canada or Mexico.  You need to check if any other countries will accept them though - most require a passport.

Answer 2

Q4. I am a Cambodian citizen who is a permanent resident of the US.   How do I travel outside the US if I do not have a passport?

A4. You will need to obtain from the US Immigration and Naturalization Services a passport like document that allows you to leave the country for six month without losing your residency status in the US. Please contact the INS.

Answer 3

No, your green card/reentry permit is only for reentering the USA. To enter Cambodia, you will need a cambodian passport.

Answer 4

Your problem is not only getting in and returning to the States, but also getting into Cambodia. If you no longer have a valid Cambodian passport, you will not be admitted. Because you are not an American citizen, the American government cannot help you get into a different country, you are still at the mercy of the Cambodian government. You'll need to pay the money for your new Cambodian passport and hope for the best. While you are overseas, you also do not have the services of the American Embassy or Consulates at your disposal. In a year (5 years of holding a greencard) you are eligible to apply for US citizenship. Make sure you do it to avoid these hassles in the future.