How can I prove physical presence in the USA?

Question

Back in January 1972 I turned 14 years of age. I had just dropped out of middle school the previous year. I began to do chores for my Dad in his apartment complex in exchange he would give me a monthly allowance. I was a dependent who lived with him. Then in 1974 at 16 years old I got a low paying job as a mechanic helper, and after that I worked on and off as a houseman until 1979, After that I travelled and lived abroad. I have a child now that I want to transmit US citizenship but it just so happens that the consular officer says I don't have the 2 years necessary of physical presence after the age of 14. So does anybody have some idea of how to overcome this requirement or had experience in a case like this or heard of one because I don't have any school records after 14? Appreciate the guidance.

Answer 1

do you not have any of your pay stubs where you worked until 1979? you must have made an IRS statements of yearly income? unless you worked without being officially employed?

if that is the case? you will not be able to prove your presence in the US,

and ? what about your passport at that time? did you not keep your old passport?it would have some stamping of your travel records in it;

Answer 2

If you leave the U.S. for: Your CR status is: To keep your status you must:

More than 6 months Possibly broken Prove that you continued to live, work, and/or have

ties to the US (e.g., paid taxes) while you were away.

More than 1 year Broken In most cases, you must begin your continuous

residence over. Apply for a re-entry permit before

you leave, if you plan to return to the US as a

permanent resident.

Answer 3

Any bills in your name while you were here, cars that were registered to you and so forth.  If you were here and bought anything, odds are you can prove you being here.

Answer 4

I would strongly recommend getting a good immigration lawyer (NOTE: "good" does not always mean "expensive". Many immigration lawyers work at very reasonable rates).

That aside, is it possible to get together a list of people that you worked for, roomed with, had relationships with, etc. Perhaps you could get written affidavits from them to demonstrate physical presence.