Wow, I'm a little worried now. I've been here since early 2006. I did the trip-to-Colonia thing about 6 times probably, and the last time (more than a year ago), the guy gave me a funny look when I was returning and said something like "what are you up to?" before letting me through. Since then I haven't been renewing my tourist visa - I got really sick of the trip to Colonia, plus several people assured me that there would be no consequences apart from the fine, and I also decided it was just as risky as overstaying since I would be getting looked at by immigrations all the time.
So now when I go back home in March for a month, I'm worried I will have problems coming back in. I have a serious girlfriend here, and plan on staying in Argentina indefinitely. I would love to get a residency but have found it impossible (I'm mainly teaching English to make a living so I don't qualify for anything, and I can't really afford to do a degree here). I also won't be getting married for several years at least, so that is not an option.
Has anyone in a similar situation to me been through immigrations recently? I'd love to know if you had any problems, since it would be quite devastating to me if I wasn't allowed back in.