How does the government even detect any overstays? Whether it be USCIS or the Consular Section abroad. Do they have a system? Or is it something they just try and get people to admit during the interview? Any thoughts?

USCIS is part of Homeland Security which also oversees Customs and Border Protection (the POE) every time you enter and exit the USA they scan your passport, and record your time that way. DHS shares this info with the consulate.

http://www.visajourney.com/timeline/profile.php?id=41985

thanks for the response, but honestly, how affective is this system? maybe I'm wrong, but I have heard they usually don't have a clue considering all the glitches and screw ups.

The final say is on you but if I would you I wouldn't try to MESS up with USCIS and risk more trouble with Home Land Security. Gud luck on your decision friend!

where are you arriving in the U.S. from? I go back and forth all the time from Canada and do not need a passport to enter the U.S. - there is also no record of my returns into Canada so I would have to say crossing the Canadian/U.S. border it would be impossible to detect overstays - the use of passports was supposed to take effect Jan 1/08 but that has now been postponed till at least next summer.

It gets put into the system when you leave the US when you turn in your I-94.

Canadians...I think they record the license plate number and passport scans of you come thru an airport.

thanks again guys