Misc. I-485 Questions

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1. "Have you ever before applied for permanent resident status in the U.S.?"

Does having made an entry for a DV lottery and not having won count?

2. "List your present and past membership in or affiliation with every political organization, association, fund, foundation, party, club, society or similar group in the U.S. or in other places since your 16th birthday."

Does it ask exclusively political organizations? Sports team or school festival committee at high school and colleges doesn't count, right?

3. "Have you ever, in or outside the U.S., been arrested, cited, charged, indicted, fined or imprisoned for breaking or violating any law or ordinance, excluding traffic violations?"

This is just rambling--once I drank in public and was fined $15 or so. Clearly I have to mark "yes" for this question and explain. I don't think it will be a problem but it may look stupid.

 

[NBC_June04]

1. "Have you ever before applied for permanent resident status in the U.S.?"

Does having made an entry for a DV lottery and not having won count?
2. "List your present and past membership in or affiliation with every political organization, association, fund, foundation, party, club, society or similar group in the U.S. or in other places since your 16th birthday."

Does it ask exclusively political organizations? Sports team or school festival committee at high school and colleges doesn't count, right?

3. "Have you ever, in or outside the U.S., been arrested, cited, charged, indicted, fined or imprisoned for breaking or violating any law or ordinance, excluding traffic violations?"

This is just rambling--once I drank in public and was fined $15 or so. Clearly I have to mark "yes" for this question and explain. I don't think it will be a problem but it may look stupid.

(1) In general you are entitled to participate in the DV Lottary even if you have pending AOS already. SOme people have both won and AOS file before the winning on other grounds, and they choose either or..................................I am not sure but I dont think that entry into the Lotarry means that you applied for residency. Actual application is considered after you win and send the 485. SInce you you were not a winner you dont have any 485 filed based on that. AT first I thought you should answer "yes", but now thinking over again you dont have any actual application docs sent, so it means "no". You might want to check up with others and post a thread in this forum http://boards.immigrationportal.com/forumdisplay.php?f=38.

(2) Answer "No" if you haven't been a member of any sort of political formation. That concerns political matters. For example Many immigrants form Communist countries answer "yes" to this question, because they were forced to be members of communist formations in their countries during that regime. AND the Immigration S know pretty well that situation. It doesnt cause any problems since INS's general assumption is that it was done against the applicant's will in their countries. DO NOT lie to an Im Officer!!

(3) Answer "Yes" if you violated US law and attach a short explanation of the matter. You'll have police clearance after your interview and it might show on you record. SO DO NOT LIE to an Immigration Officer!!

I've read about a lot of people in this "yes" - answering situation and their experience on the interview. None of them regret being honest. Cos being caught in one stupid small lie can jeopardize all your chances.
Further, you'll have the chance to give face-to-face explanation about all that on the actual interview. Telling the truth will definitely be appreciated by the interviewer.
This will be the way I would undoubtedly answer. Somebody might give other advise.
" The longest short way is the Truth. Short-legged Lie can never get to the point where Truth can." Sorry for the lyrics, couldn't help it.

 

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(1)I am not sure but I dont think that entry into the Lotarry means that you applied for residency. Actual application is considered after you win and send the 485. SInce you you were not a winner you dont have any 485 filed based on that.

That's what I thought and now I feel comfortable to mark "no."

Just a side note--I rememebr that there used to be the same (or similar?) question on the F1 application form and my alma mater's Int'l student office (which is I think way more meticulous than many other schools) actually didn't encourage the Int'l students make entries to the DV lottery for this very reason, as showing the intention to immigrate may cause problem for future F1 petitioning. (Since several years ago that question disappeared from the F1 application form.)

Thanks for your answers to other questions!