Will an Error on I-485 Affect Naturalization Application
I was going to apply for naturalization, but my plans seem to have hit a snag. At high school I was a member of the Komsomol, a youth organization in the former USSR, which was de facto mandatory for all kids age 14 and older. A local immigration counselor recommends that I indicate this fact on my N-400 application and answer “yes” to the question about past affiliation with the Communist party (Part 10, Question 9). This by itself shouldn’t be a problem since it happened more than 20 years ago and I never held office. However, I did answer “no” to the similarly worded question (Part 3, Question 6) on my green card application. It was just a misunderstanding, of course; I simply didn’t connect the dots. Nevertheless, I am concerned that this minor discrepancy could potentially lead to a major headache, if the USCIS decides that I was “lying to obtain an immigration benefit”. The counselor says I have no reason to worry. Even if they decide to compare my I-485 and N-400 applications, the negative answer on the former form will be treated as immaterial because answering “yes” wouldn’t have prevented me from obtaining the PR status. He may be correct, but I would like to get a second opinion. I will appreciate any knowledgeable advice.
Re: Will an Error on I-485 Affect Naturalization Application
I wouldn't worry about it.
You're hardly the first person to make this mistake - which is why the immigration counselor told you not to worry - and it's common knowledge that teenagers in the Soviet Union had compulsory activities like Komsomol, and it pretty much fell apart under Gorby anyway.
USCIS will think you're about as dangerous as my cat.
Re: Will an Error on I-485 Affect Naturalization Application
You probably get an RFE notice, but it's no biggy. You can correct it once they sent you out the notice.