> a period where you simply can’t leave the US without abandoning your application This is crazy. I would inderdtand if the Gov asked for a million dollars upf

> a period where you simply can’t leave the US without abandoning your application This is crazy. I would inderdtand if the Gov asked for a million dollars upfront, but this is just pointless abuse and cruelty. UK has the same shit, if you apply for Permanent Residency you can't leave, and my parents suffered a serious ilness and I couldn't go.