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The most common reason is that you used to have to surrender your passport to get a visa. Not too long ago (my first China trip), I had to leave my passport at
by smachiz 7y ago
The most common reason is that you used to have to surrender your passport to get a visa. Not too long ago (my first China trip), I had to leave my passport at the Chinese consulate in NYC for up to 30 days (where it went from there... who knows, but came back with a big ass full page sticker as a visa).
If you are still in possession of the original passport, the US will issue you a second passport so you can travel internationally during those events.
Same goes for applying for green cards (married a UK citizen? moving to the UK? They're going to take your passport for 30+ days).