Even if my permanent green card comes early this year following the end of my marriage, if for whatever reason I am unable to return to the States within the permitted 'one year' out of the country, will I still be able to visit America on holiday (vacation) in future years using the visa waiver programme, or will they give me grief at the border/not let me in?

Yes.


They might give you grief at the airport, but if you have *ever* had a GC (or claimed to be a PR), you have the right to a hearing in front of an immigration judge who will make a determination of whether or not you have abandoned your status.

However, since you stated in an earlier post that you now consider the US your home, why wouldn't you make a concerted effort to return in a timely fashion.

Ian

Trust me, I am wracking my brains on how I can return and start again. However, the permanent card is due to be sent to the ex-wife's address so getting hold of it is up in the air, I have a lot of US credit card debt and nowhere to stay whilst looking for work. However, I would be devastated if I could never set foot in the US again.

Its against federal law to take/open other peoples mail, you might want to remind her of that.

Why don't you change your address to some of ur friend's address?

You can so it online by filling in AR-11. Just to make sure that the adressed is changed, call the USCIS 800 line the next day for confirmation.

Lol @ Poppy Girl...

Dudette... since when logic or for that matter federal laws can be used as a an argument with a wife... He runs a risks of infuriating her.

Heck my wife is perfectly happy with me, I still cannot imagine taking this tone with her.

Remind your Ex that she is still liable for you under the Affiavit of support
and that her cooperation will not make it neccessary for you to sue her
for support

But Ray that would be to logical LOL

file change of address at the post office or put your mail on hold at post office and collect yourself every now and than