Citizenship Eligibility confusion

[sjr_2010]

I have a question reagrding the eligibility criteria for naturalization... Basic requirement is that you should be a permanent resident for the last 5 years (for people married to non-us citizens) and meet continuous residence and physical presence requirements in the last 5 years.

But the document checklist section say that "if you have taken any trip outside the United States that lasted 6 months or more since becoming a lawful permanent resident, send evidence that you (and your family) continued to live, work and/or keep ties to the US"

Why does it say "since becoming a lawful permanent resident"? It should be last 5 years.

Can anyone please provide an answer?

[immihelp]

You will have to answer the questions that they are asked. That is the only way.

[sjr_2010]

Thanks immihelp.

I guess my confusion is that on one hand, they are saying that you need to meet the residency criteria in the last five years. And on the doucment checklist they are talking about the six or more months trip since becoming the permanent resident. And one of the proofs they ask in this case is - tax returns for the last 5 years.

So let's say that I became permanent resident 12 years back and took a trip to India 7 years back which was for more than 6 months. In that case, how would it help if I produce tax returns for last 5 years?