I-94 -do they ever cause problems?

[j2clark]

I was wondering if anyone had ever problems with I-94 white form? I know that when you leave the US it is taken away at the border. But from my experience it doesn’t always happen. Does INS actually keep a record of the forms collected? For how long? From talking to people, it doesn’t seem so. I have never heard of the case when INS based their information on your departure from the US on pulling your I-94 collected long time before. Is my sample skewed?
I had a friend who overstayed once, but he never had any problems getting a visitor visa from the third country, though it is supposed to be impossible by law. Did they never checked his I-94 and tied it with his record? Is he just lucky? How does Immigration Authorities trace overstaying? Can anyone share his/her experience?
Thanks,
j2

 

[jigesh]

INS is supposed to introduce a computerized arrival/departure records (I-94). But you are right that there have been many instances like you quoted.

Also on departure, sometimes, unless you hand over, airline staff does not care for I-94. In general, it's advisable to follow the law - hand over I-94 while departing but keep its photocopy for records; and maintain I-94 validity period (visa status) legal.

Best wishes,

Jigesh