N-470 Question

[gczipper]

I have had a green card for almost 2 years. I work for an American company that intends to send me on an overseas assignment for the next 2 years. I understand approval of a 2-year re-entry permit and N-470 is required to preserve my continuous residency for naturalization.

Here's the gotcha: the N-470 forms says I have to have spent an uninterrupted period of 365 days in the US since obtaining my GC. However, I have traveled overseas twice: 10 months after my GC approval (for 1.5 months), and then 11 months later (for 15 days). Obviously, I do not fulfill the "uninterrupted stay" requirement.

Will my prior travel cause rejection of the N-470? I don't understand the reason for the "uninterrupted stay in the US" rule, but what if somebody has to make emergency overseas trip every so often? Isn't there an exception to this unreasonably restrictive rule? Does anybody have any experience with such a situation or can offer any advice/comments?

Thanks in advance.

 

[gczipper]

Wow, of the many US immigration laws I have grappled with the past 17 years, this one has to be the most bizarre. The N-470 "uninterrupted 1-year stay" rule is like telling someone (a lawful permanent resident) that if you are going to be gone for a while, I will let you return only if I hold you hostage now continuously for 'x' no. of days - no bathroom breaks, no emergency outs, nothing.

People have sued for much less ...