Permanent Resident need to re-enter USA after 16 months post pandemic without SB-1

[adhiraj5]

My mother is 84 years, a Green Card holder and she is out of USA since 21st January 2020 (21 months). She could not come back to USA, since the outbreak of pandemic, because of her health conditions, which resulted in repeated hospitalizations in India. In the mean time my father, who was also a green card holder, died in May 2021. Now she wants to be back in USA. Her green card is valid till 2025.
It was completely unforeseen (pandemic outbreak, her health conditions and spouse demise), that her return to USA will be delayed when she left for India. For that reason we did not file I-131 in advance.

- I tried to get a consulate appointment for ds-117 and SB-1 or, BUT IT SEEMS NO APPOINTMENT SLOT iS AVAILABLE FOR INDEFINITE PERIOD.
- Will she be denied boarding flight or entry to USA if she does not have SB-1?

My sister will accompany her return to USA, but considering her age just wondering if there any way we can avoid the hassle.

Any help or guidance will be thoroughly appreciated.

[newacct]

She has a good shot of being able to get in if she gets to the US port of entry, but I don't know whether the airline will care about this before boarding her.

[Enub4]

At least in Mexico, the airlines need to check if the traveler has a valid document to enter the USA, I don't think they can/will check other things besides the GC being valid (not expired). Good luck.