Refugee Travel Document Renewal in Glendale: I-131 Guide for Arab Refugees and Asylees
Complete guide to renewing your Refugee Travel Document through Form I-131 in Glendale
Quick Answer
Glendale is home to one of Southern California's largest communities of Arab and Armenian refugees and asylees. If you hold refugee or asylee status and need to travel internationally, a Refugee Travel Document (RTD) is essential. SoCal Immigration Services guides Glendale residents through the I-131 renewal process from start to finish.
Reviewed for accuracy by
Maria Santos
DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience
Glendale is home to one of Southern California's largest communities of Arab and Armenian refugees and asylees. If you hold refugee or asylee status and need to travel internationally, a Refugee Travel Document (RTD) is essential. SoCal Immigration Services guides Glendale residents through the I-131 renewal process from start to finish.
Understanding Refugee Travel Documents
Key facts about the RTD:
• Issued by USCIS through Form I-131, Application for Travel Document
• Valid for one year from the date of issuance
• Looks similar to a U.S. passport but is blue and labeled "Travel Document"
• Recognized by most countries for entry with a valid visa
• Does not guarantee entry into foreign countries—you still need visas where required
In fiscal year 2025, USCIS processed over 180,000 I-131 applications for travel documents nationally. Glendale residents account for a significant share of RTD filings in the Los Angeles metropolitan area.
Who Needs a Refugee Travel Document
- •Refugees admitted to the U.S. under the refugee resettlement program who have not yet adjusted to lawful permanent resident (LPR) status
- •Asylees who have been granted asylum and have not yet adjusted to LPR status
- •Lawful permanent residents who obtained their green card through refugee or asylee status and want additional travel protection
- •Derivative refugees and asylees (spouses and children included in the principal's case)
- •Individuals with withholding of removal who need to travel under limited circumstances
I-131 Application Process
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Required Documents for RTD Renewal
| Document | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Form I-131 (completed and signed) | Primary application form | Use the latest edition only |
| Two passport-style photos | Identity verification | 2x2 inches, white background |
| Copy of current or expired RTD | Proof of prior issuance | Include all pages with stamps |
| Copy of I-94 Arrival/Departure Record | Proof of admission status | Print from CBP website if needed |
| Copy of asylum approval letter or I-730 | Proof of refugee/asylee status | Original approval notice |
| Copy of Employment Authorization Document (EAD) | Supporting identity document | If applicable |
| Copy of green card (if LPR) | Proof of permanent residence | For refugees/asylees who adjusted status |
| Filing fee or fee waiver (Form I-912) | Payment | $590 or approved waiver |
Travel Restrictions for Refugees and Asylees
Critical travel restrictions include:
• You must have a valid RTD before departing the United States—traveling without one means you cannot re-enter
• Extended trips abroad (over 180 days) can raise abandonment concerns with USCIS
• If you are outside the U.S. for more than one year, your RTD expires and re-entry becomes extremely difficult
• Traveling to your home country is the single biggest risk to your refugee or asylee status
• USCIS can interpret a return to your home country as evidence that you no longer fear persecution
• Carrying your home country's passport while holding an RTD creates a presumption of fraud
Approximately 12% of asylee status revocations in 2025 involved unauthorized travel to the applicant's home country. This statistic underscores how seriously USCIS treats travel violations.
Countries You Must Avoid Visiting
Specific guidance for Arab refugees in Glendale:
• Syrian refugees must not travel to Syria under any circumstances
• Iraqi refugees must avoid Iraq, even for family emergencies
• Yemeni asylees cannot visit Yemen regardless of the reason
• Egyptian asylees who claimed political persecution must avoid Egypt
• Palestinian refugees should avoid returning to their territory of origin
• Lebanese refugees who fled sectarian conflict must not return to Lebanon
Even transit through your home country's airport counts as a visit. If your flight has a layover in your country of persecution, choose a different route. USCIS has revoked asylee status based on passport stamps showing transit through the home country.
If you face a genuine emergency (such as a critically ill parent), contact our office before making any travel decisions. There are limited options, but traveling without guidance guarantees the worst outcome.
Processing Times and Biometrics
• Nebraska Service Center: 4-7 months average processing time
• Texas Service Center: 5-8 months average processing time
• Biometrics appointments are typically scheduled 3-6 weeks after filing
• The Los Angeles Application Support Center handles biometrics for Glendale residents
Biometrics Appointment Details:
• You will receive a biometrics appointment notice (Form I-797C) by mail
• The appointment involves fingerprinting, photograph, and digital signature capture
• Bring your appointment notice, a valid photo ID, and your current or expired RTD
• The appointment takes approximately 30 minutes
• Missing your biometrics appointment without rescheduling delays your case by months
As of early 2026, the national average processing time for I-131 RTD applications is 5.5 months. We recommend filing at least 6 months before your planned travel date to account for potential delays.
Expedited Processing Options
- •A severe financial loss to a company or individual if the RTD is not processed quickly
- •An emergency situation requiring immediate travel (medical emergency abroad, death of a close family member)
- •A humanitarian reason recognized by USCIS policy
- •A nonprofit organization's request based on furtherance of U.S. government cultural or other interests
- •A USCIS error that caused the processing delay
Re-Entry Issues and CBP Encounters
Common CBP questions upon re-entry:
• Where did you travel and for how long?
• What was the purpose of your trip?
• Did you visit your home country or transit through it?
• Do you still fear returning to your country of persecution?
• Did you apply for or obtain a passport from your home country?
Potential re-entry problems include:
• CBP placing you in secondary inspection for extended questioning
• CBP issuing a Notice to Appear (NTA) if they suspect status abandonment
• CBP confiscating your RTD if they find evidence of home country travel
• Delays of several hours at the port of entry during busy travel periods
To minimize issues at re-entry, carry all supporting documents including your asylum approval letter, your I-94, and receipts or evidence showing the purpose and destination of your trip. In 2025, CBP referred approximately 8% of RTD holders arriving at LAX to secondary inspection, making preparation essential.
Why Glendale Refugees Choose Us
- •Arabic-speaking staff who understand the cultural and legal challenges faced by Arab refugees
- •Complete I-131 form preparation and document review to prevent rejections
- •Travel advisories tailored to your specific country of origin and immigration status
- •Biometrics appointment preparation and guidance
- •Expedited processing requests for qualifying emergency situations
- •CBP re-entry preparation and coaching for port of entry encounters
- •Ongoing case monitoring from filing to RTD delivery
- •Fee waiver assistance for qualifying low-income applicants
FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Q:How long is a Refugee Travel Document valid?
A: A Refugee Travel Document is valid for one year from the date of issuance. You must apply for renewal before it expires if you plan to continue traveling internationally. We recommend filing your renewal application at least 6 months before expiration.
Q:Can I travel to my home country with a Refugee Travel Document?
A: No. Traveling to the country where you claimed persecution is one of the most common reasons USCIS revokes refugee or asylee status. Even a brief visit or airport transit through your home country can result in losing your protected status permanently.
Q:What happens if my RTD expires while I am abroad?
A: If your RTD expires while you are outside the United States, you face serious re-entry difficulties. You should contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate immediately to request a boarding letter or transportation letter. This process can take weeks and is not guaranteed. Always return before your RTD expires.
Q:Do I need a Refugee Travel Document if I already have a green card?
A: If you adjusted status to lawful permanent resident, you can generally use your green card and a Re-entry Permit for extended travel. However, some LPRs who obtained status through asylum prefer an RTD for additional protection. Consult with our team to determine the best option for your situation.
Q:How much does the Refugee Travel Document renewal cost?
A: The filing fee for Form I-131 is $590 as of 2026. If you cannot afford the fee, you may qualify for a fee waiver by filing Form I-912 with evidence of financial hardship. Our office helps Glendale residents determine fee waiver eligibility and prepare the waiver application.
Q:Can my children travel on my Refugee Travel Document?
A: No. Each person needs their own Refugee Travel Document, including children. You must file a separate Form I-131 for each child who needs to travel. Minor children's applications are filed by their parent or legal guardian.
Need to Renew Your Refugee Travel Document in Glendale?
Our Arabic-speaking team helps Glendale refugees and asylees navigate the I-131 process with confidence. From application to re-entry preparation, we handle every step.
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