Green Card issue:how does the immigration officer know if i have stayed outside the US for more than one year?

Question

after all there is no departure date stamped in my passport? do the airlines inform INS of passenger departure dates? does INS keep a record of departure dates of green card holders in their computers?

i know that the immigration officer at the port of entry asks "How long have u been outside the US?" In my case it will be one year and one week so can i just say "about a year"

Answer 1

Airline manifests are given to the FAA and USCIS. Your passport is tied to your green card, and the airline will have recorded the date and destination of your flight by your passport number. The CBP officer is probably going to be able to see the date you left the US when they swipe your passport. If your answer doesn't match the information they see, then you have a problem.

Answer 2

They have record of when you got here and when you need to renew your Green Card. Don't try to play the system, they will catch you. Via condios.

Answer 3

Well if you have been out of the US for more than a year without getting a re-entry permit your green card could very well be now listed as abandoned! Prepare for the worst and hope for the best. You may be in for rough ride. Wise remarks will not help!