07 Aug 2024

I applied for naturalization based on three years of marriage to my U.S. citizen spouse. Do I still need to list my travel history for the last 5 years on the N-400 application?

Answer No, in this situation, you only need to list your travel history for the last 3 years. (07.Aug.2024)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here. Access more FAQs here.  Copyright © 2024, MURTHY...

24 Jul 2024

I have been a green card holder for nearly ten years, and my green card will expire in a few months. I am finally going to apply to become a U.S. citizen. Do I need to also submit an application to renew my green card while I wait for my naturalization case to be approved?

Answer There probably is no need to file a separate application to renew your green card. After filing an application for naturalization (form N-400), the USCIS will issue a receipt notice that automatically extends the validity of one's existing green card for 24 months. (24.Jul.2024)Sheela Murthy...

08 Jul 2024

Overview of Parole in Place for Undocumented Spouses of U.S. Citizens

As previously discussed on MurthyDotCom, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on June 17, 2024, a proposed program to promote family unity by removing certain roadblocks towards lawful permanent residency (i.e., a "green card”) for qualifying undocumented noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens. The...

26 Jun 2024

I am a U.S. citizen. My mother entered on her tourist visa a few months ago. She was planning on returning home, but I’m trying to convince her to stay in the U.S. If she agrees, can I sponsor her for a green card now? Or would she have to go back to India for me to sponsor her?

Answer A person cannot enter the U.S. on a B-1/B-2 visa with the intention of applying for adjustment of status (i.e., applying for a green card from within the United States). If, however, the person does not form the intention of applying for a green card...

05 Jun 2024

When I was a green card holder, I sponsored my adult, unmarried daughter for a green card. I have since become a U.S. citizen. If my daughter marries, can her pending case be converted to the married daughter category?

Answer Unfortunately, no. If your daughter marries now, the family-based, second preference "B" (FB2B) case you filed for her would no longer be approvable. Instead, generally, you would have to start from scratch with a family-based, third preference (FB3) case. (05.Jun.2024)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys...

30 May 2024

Murthy Snapshot: USCIS Updates Guidance for Family-Based Immigrant Petitions

On May 22, 2024, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released updated guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual on the processing and adjudication of form I-130, petition for alien relative, which is filed in family-based immigration cases. Here are the key points you need...