18 Jul 2018

USCIS Notice to Appear (NTA) Memo Could Result in Harsh Consequences

On July 5, 2018, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released a policy memorandum that dramatically expands the circumstances under which the USCIS intends to issue a notice to appear (NTA), or refer cases to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for NTA...

17 Jul 2018

Call Me American

As Abdi Iftin watched American action movies that starred Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone in his war-torn hometown of Mogadishu, Somalia, he dreamed of escaping to the United States and beginning a new life away from the violence and bloodshed that surrounded him. Inspired by...

16 Jul 2018

I was issued a green card through my employer almost 5 years ago, and my wife received her green card as my dependent. If she applies for citizenship but I don’t, will that create any complications?

Answer Naturalization applications are individual applications. There is no requirement that all members of a family apply. (16.Jul.2018)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law in real time. For details on chat participation, click here.Access more...

16 Jul 2018

My wife is invested in a partnership with a U.S. citizen friend to acquire a fast food restaurant. She helps to run the store using her H-4 EAD. If the H-4 EAD program is terminated, what options does she have to keep running her restaurant?

Answer Unfortunately, one in this situation would likely have to become a passive investor in the business. One could continue to receive profits, but could not be actively involved in the business. (16.Jul.2018)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance...

13 Jul 2018

NewsFlash! New Memo Makes it Easier for USCIS to Deny Cases Without First Issuing RFE or NOID

This afternoon, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a policy memorandum that provides officers with more discretion to deny an application or petition without first having to issue either a request for evidence (RFE) or notice of intent to deny (NOID). This memo...

13 Jul 2018

I graduated with a master’s degree in F-1 status and worked on optional practical training (OPT) for a year. When my OPT was about to end, I transferred to another master’s program …

... and received authorization from my designated school official (DSO) for curriculum practical training (CPT) to continue working. Is this allowed? Should I be concerned about maintaining my F-1 status? Answer Generally, there is no restriction on CPT authorization (provided it meets all applicable requirements) when the...