04
May
2026
USCIS Exempts Doctors from Adjudication Pause
Positive Update! Last week, USCIS quietly updated its policy to exempt foreign doctors from the adjudication hold in effect for travel ban countries....
13:48 /
HQ
04
May
2026
Reclassification of Medical Marijuana Offers Limited Immigration Relief
The Trump administration has announced a significant shift in federal drug policy, reclassifying state‑licensed medical marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA). This action, taken by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) pursuant...
10:49 /
Consulates / Employment Based / Family Based / For Families / For Individuals / Homeland Security / Immigrant Family / NewsBrief / Nonimmigrant Family / Resident / Student / Worker
29
Apr
2026
EB5 Direct Investment vs. Regional Center: What’s the Difference?
The EB5 program offers a path to a green card for a foreign national who invests in a U.S. business that creates American jobs. But “investing in a U.S. business” can mean two very different things under EB5. An investor can put money either directly...
29
Apr
2026
Case Delays Due to Increased USCIS Vetting
USCIS is rolling out enhanced security checks for many immigration applicants, including expanding FBI background screening and pausing some cases during implementation. Expect stricter review and more delays....
29
Apr
2026
I have an employment-based green card and am getting ready to file for citizenship. Since obtaining my green card, I have changed jobs and am no longer working in the same field. Is this a problem?
Answer Generally speaking, you are not required to be working in the same field at the time of applying for naturalization as when you received your green card. However, in some circumstances it may be an issue. Before seeking new post-green card employment or applying for...
29
Apr
2026
I understand that EB5 Regional Center (RC) cases must be filed by 30.Sep.2026 to be grandfathered into the EB5 category, as the RC program is scheduled to sunset on 30.Sep.2027. Does the same deadline apply to direct investment EB5 filings?
Answer No. Unlike the RC program, the direct investment EB5 program is not scheduled to sunset on 20.Sep.2027, and is therefore not subject to the grandfathering deadline. (29.Apr.2026)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services,...
29
Apr
2026
Is there a way to check the status of my pending PERM application while the ETA Form 9089 is processing with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)?
Answer Yes. General PERM processing times can be found on the DOL's FLAG website. If you have your case number, you can check the specific status of your case using the DOL's Case Status Search tool. (29.Apr.2026)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies...
28
Apr
2026
New U.S. Visa Rules Could Block Asylum Path
The Trump administration now requires consular officers to ask nonimmigrant visa applicants if they fear returning home and to deny visas on that basis. The asylum door is moving from the border to the embassy....
27
Apr
2026
Naturalization Delayed? Take Legal Action!
If 120 calendar days have passed since your naturalization interview without a decision from USCIS, you have a right to sue USCIS in federal court! Contact Murthy Law Firm to see if this option is right for you....
27
Apr
2026
Engaged or Married to a U.S. Citizen? Picking the Right Immigration Route
You are a U.S. citizen, your partner lives abroad, and you want to build your life together in the United States. Whether you are already married or planning to be, there are two main immigration routes to consider: the I-130 immigrant visa petition for spouses,...
09:02 /
Citizen / Consulates / Family Based / For Families / Immediate Relative / Immigrant Family / K-1 & K-3 / NewsBrief / Resident