27 May 2026

USCIS recently issued guidance emphasizing that AOS is discretionary and for extraordinary circumstances and that individuals seeking permanent residence generally should apply through consular processing. How could this affect my already pending I-485 application?

Answer It remains unclear how the USCIS will apply this guidance and whether it could affect adjustment of status (AOS) applications that are already pending. However, based on reports from recent adjustment interviews, applicants may be asked to explain why they pursued AOS in the United...

22 May 2026

NewsFlash! USCIS Reinforces that Adjustment of Status is Discretionary – Not a Right

On May 21, 2026, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued Policy Memorandum PM-602-0199, reminding its officers and the public that adjustment of status (AOS) under INA § 245 is an act of administrative grace, not an entitlement. Even applicants who satisfy every statutory...

13 May 2026

June 2026 Visa Bulletin

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has released the June 2026 Visa Bulletin. There is some forward movement in select employment-based categories, while certain employment-based categories for India retrogress. All cutoff dates listed below refer to the final action chart (i.e., Chart A), unless otherwise...

12 May 2026

My family’s and my immigrant visas were all approved, with me as the principal applicant and my spouse and children as derivative beneficiaries. Can my derivative family members enter the United States using their immigrant visas before I do?

Answer No. The primary (or principal) applicant must enter before or at the same time as derivative family members with visas. (12.May.2026)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...

11 May 2026

MurthyAudio: CBP / Port of Entry Issues

Common issues that non-citizens face when reentering the U.S. after travel abroad are discussed by Murthy Law Firm attorneys in this podcast, broadcasted on 06.May.2026.The MP3 is available here and soon can be found in the archive of our podcasts and teleconferences on iTunes. Find...

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...