An applicant for adjustment of status (form I-485) or naturalization (form N-400) may face denial on two broad legal grounds: mandatory and discretionary. Understanding when a denial is compelled by statute, as opposed to when it reflects a negative exercise of discretion, is essential for...
Answer In the family-based preference categories, the spouse and/or minor children of the primary beneficiary may also benefit from the single-petition filing. Normally, one does not need to file a separate petition for these family members. (30.Sep.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies...
On September 17, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced the implementation of the new 2025 Civics Test for naturalization, replacing the 2008 version of the test. Here are the key points you need to know about the new test:Approximately 75 percent...
Answer Under current rules, there is no financial test for naturalization. So, using a debt consolidating service normally would not be relevant to a naturalization case. (23.Sep.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click...
On August 25, 2025, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it is resuming “neighborhood” investigations of certain individuals applying for naturalization. This policy change ends the agency's over three-decade long practice of waiving these investigations. Overview of Neighborhood Investigations The Immigration and Nationality Act...
Answer Yes, time spent as a conditional permanent resident counts toward fulfillment of the requirements to apply for U.S. citizenship. (20.Aug.2025)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 ©...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a policy memorandum on 15.Aug.2025, announcing changes to how "good moral character" is evaluated for naturalization applicants. The new policy restores a prior totality of the circumstances approach for good moral character determinations. Overview of Good Moral Character...
Answer Yes, this normally would be allowed. Filing a family-based case generally would have no impact on a pending employment-based case. Both cases could continue, but each would have a separate priority date. (i.e., The priority date from an employment-based case cannot be used for a...
Answer U.S. law does not prohibit a person from being a dual citizen. But, depending upon the circumstances, there are certain complications that can arise; and one must take into consideration the laws of the other country regarding dual citizenship. (29.Jul.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys...
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) recently issued a memorandum outlining enforcement priorities developed based on the executive orders issued by Donald Trump since taking office. While the memo deals with multiple areas, Murthy Law Firm attorneys are especially concerned about the DOJ prioritization of...
