How does USCIS trace travels?

[jasper789]

I'm just so afraid that I may make mistakes on the dates. I can't even remember the actual dates anymore.

Can I put this behind me if I apply for extension of GC instead, then file for citizenship a few years later? Or do I still have to list all travels from the time I was granted residency?

How many years is the extension? How many times can I extend my residency?

 

[Huracan]

I'm just so afraid that I may make mistakes on the dates. I can't even remember the actual dates anymore.

Can I put this behind me if I apply for extension of GC instead, then file for citizenship a few years later? Or do I still have to list all travels from the time I was granted residency?

How many years is the extension? How many times can I extend my residency?

I wouldn't panic. I think you cannot put this behind, as the N-400 form is pretty clear:

"List below all the trips of 24 hours or more that you have taken outside of the United States since becoming a Lawful Permanent Resident. Begin with your most recent trip. If you need more space, use a separate sheet(s) of paper."

List things to the best of your knowledge, you have an opportunity to defend your case at the interview, and as I said, you might consult a lawyer and bring the lawyer to the interview.

You can renew your GC every ten years for now, who knows how the law might change a few years down the road. So, you could be renewing your GC forever. However, as a permanent resident you run more risks if you get in trouble with the law, as you might be deported. Life of immigrants here is not usually that tough, but for a few unfortunate ones it can get royally screwed by USCIS/ICE.

I'll say it again, considering what you have posted I would think you have a good chance of success.

 

[aabbcc11]

You will most likely not even be asked about the old 1 yr trip. I think you should just apply and not panic yet! Others with even shakier cases have becomes USCs and you have been here since 8 yrs .

 

[sh1996]

I'm just so afraid that I may make mistakes on the dates. I can't even remember the actual dates anymore.

Don't worry about it. Do the best you can with old travel dates, but USCIS is basically concerned with the last 5 years from application. If you're afraid of perjuring yourself, footnote the dates you're not sure about. I put a general statement at the top of my list of dates that due to stolen/missing passports, dates prior to 2XXX are estimates made in good faith. I've had my GC since 1988 - I didn't bother trying to remember dates before 1999.