To apply for U.S. citizenship, an individual must show good moral character (GMC) for the applicable statutory period. The definition of GMC was taken to mean no adverse behavior, such as multiple criminal convictions and so forth. Recently, the USCIS has published policy memos that...
The current trends with inspection at the Port of Entry, including issues at preclearance, are discussed by Murthy Law Firm attorneys in this 03.Sep.2025 podcast.The MP3 is available here and soon can be found in the archive of our podcasts and teleconferences on iTunes. Find...
DHS announces termination of 2021 TPS designation for Venezuela, effective 07.Nov.2025. Current beneficiaries must explore other lawful options to remain in the U.S. or prepare for departure. Read the Federal Register notice for details....
New USCIS policy memo (PM-602-0190) reaffirms that applicants must demonstrate it is unlikely they will become a “public charge” per INA § 212(a)(4), a reminder that adjudicators must apply a holistic, statutes-based standard. The return to this public charge policy does not involve changes to...
USCIS has expanded its law enforcement authorities by adding special agents who can investigate, arrest, carry firearms, and execute warrants. The officers can also order expedited removal of foreign nationals....
In a significant policy shift, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced its plan to eliminate the ability to pay filing fees using personal checks, money orders, or other forms of paper payments, with few exceptions. For decades, these paper-based payments have been a...
Answer Priority date retention happens at the I-140 stage. Requesting retention of a priority date does not void or otherwise invalidate the original I-140’s PERM application. If Company A chooses not to withdraw the I-140, it continues to remain valid for immigration purposes, even if that...
Answer As a general matter, children age out at 21 years of age and are no longer eligible as derivative beneficiaries. That is, they are no longer eligible to immigrate with the family as a dependent. However, under the Child Status Protection Act, children are sometimes...
Answer The OPT time does not work like H1B time. In most circumstances, once you use any portion of your OP, the rest is ‘use it or lose it.’ (02.Sep.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE...
DOS and USCIS have issued all available immigrant visas for the EB2 category for fiscal year 2025. The annual limits will reset with the start of the 2026 fiscal year on 01.Oct.2025....
