Very Confused with the "Other Name Used"

[wannabeusa]

Hey guys! I am very confused with the “Other Name Used”. Say, my name is Manik Das Chandra Basu.

Background: When I first came here, I had zero cultural idea about naming pattern in USA. So when someone in School (International Advising Clerk) wrote my name “Manik Das Chandrabasu” in SSN application form, I thought that’s the norm here! You are only allowed First, Middle, and Last Name. So, my SSN had my First Name, Middle Name, and my second part of Middle Name got merged with my Last Name. It continued for 2 years, I filed Tax with that error. Then finally I corrected it with SSN office and filed taxes with my correct name.

Issues: I got green card and removed conditional green card and now ready for N-400. However, when applied for I-485 and I-751, “Other Name Used” did not have any instructions what do they mean by other name used. To me, I did not have used other name, it’s my same old name that got merged as Chandra+Basu= Chandrabasu.

Now, on N-400, it clearly says any other name used in all your life. That sounds tell every minor details of your name. So I put “Manik Das Chandrabasu” as other name used.

My questions are:

1) Should I be in trouble that I did not put “Manik Das Chandrabasu” as Other Name Used in my I-485 and I-751?
2) Should I get a lawyer?
3) Was it a crime not to put Other Name Used in I-485 and I-751?

Please help me decide what to do.

 

[400]

Hey guys! I am very confused with the “Other Name Used”. Say, my name is Manik Das Chandra Basu.

Background: When I first came here, I had zero cultural idea about naming pattern in USA. So when someone in School (International Advising Clerk) wrote my name “Manik Das Chandrabasu” in SSN application form, I thought that’s the norm here! You are only allowed First, Middle, and Last Name. So, my SSN had my First Name, Middle Name, and my second part of Middle Name got merged with my Last Name. It continued for 2 years, I filed Tax with that error. Then finally I corrected it with SSN office and filed taxes with my correct name.

Issues: I got green card and removed conditional green card and now ready for N-400. However, when applied for I-485 and I-751, “Other Name Used” did not have any instructions what do they mean by other name used. To me, I did not have used other name, it’s my same old name that got merged as Chandra+Basu= Chandrabasu.

Now, on N-400, it clearly says any other name used in all your life. That sounds tell every minor details of your name. So I put “Manik Das Chandrabasu” as other name used.

My questions are:

1) Should I be in trouble that I did not put “Manik Das Chandrabasu” as Other Name Used in my I-485 and I-751?
2) Should I get a lawyer?
3) Was it a crime not to put Other Name Used in I-485 and I-751?

Please help me decide what to do.

I dont believe you are in trouble for disclosing the name. Just be honest to the IO at the interview if asked about the discrepancy. Several folks have not reported certain things on the 485 app but have done so in the 400.

 

[jigesh]

.....My questions are:

1) Should I be in trouble that I did not put “Manik Das Chandrabasu” as Other Name Used in my I-485 and I-751?
2) Should I get a lawyer?
3) Was it a crime not to put Other Name Used in I-485 and I-751?

....

1). No trouble. You should declare the "other name" you mentioned. If you haven't yet filed N-400. These names are used only for FBI name-check matches for background checks to the best of my information. If you already filed N-400 and are waiting for interview, and if the officer asks about it, no need to hide.

2) No need in my personal, non-legal opinion.

3) Not for your case.

 

[wannabeusa]

Thanks guys.. Any other suggestion or advice before I submit my application?

 

[WhichWay2Go]

Thanks guys.. Any other suggestion or advice before I submit my application?

What is the name on your GC? I would use that and then ask for a name change at the Oath Ceremony to correct the 4 name instead of 3.

If that is the combined one then declare the other one in the "Other name used." The IOs are very professional and give you time to explain things. It is better to have too much information rather then too little.

Not a lawyer, just guessing.

 

[wannabeusa]

Thanks WhichWay2Go. My name on Green Card: Manik Das Chandra Basu

My name was mistakenly appeared as Manik Das Chandrabasu is 2000 and 2001 tax return and SSN. Since my SSN and the merged names, I filed my tax return with that incorrect name format. I corrected my SSN in 2001 and that's it- Name issue ended there.

Now I was confused if merging of two names by accident can be considered as 'Other Name Used". And should I put that merged name as "other name used" box.

Since the instruction on I-485 and I-751 was vague and does sound like they are asking for your previous names including your maiden name. But N-400 instruction is very demanding by asking for any names in your life time, so I paused and trying to think it over.

Hope that makes my situation clear.

 

[WhoRunTings]

I would not worry about the previous names used issue. I think this mangling of foreign names is pretty common and IOs are used to it. It is the rule, not the exception!