24 Mar 2026

I am now eligible to file for adjustment of status based on the dates-for-filing chart (Chart B) and my spouse and children will be applying with me. Will filing based on Chart B lock in my child’s age under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA)?

Answer As of 08.Aug.2025, the USCIS rescinded the policy that allows a child’s age calculation under the CSPA to be based on Chart B. Since then, only the final-action chart (Chart A) is used to calculate a child’s age under the CSPA. (25.Mar.2026)Sheela Murthy and other...

18 Mar 2026

I am from a country subject to the travel ban / visa pause, and my U.S. citizen spouse would like to sponsor me for a green card. Is there an exception to the travel ban for immediate relatives of U.S. citizens?

Answer The initial travel ban established by Presidential Proclamation 10949 for certain high-risk countries included a categorical exception for immediate family members of U.S. citizens. However, the subsequently issued Presidential Proclamation 10998 that halted visa processing for an expanded list of countries removed that categorical exception...

16 Mar 2026

AAO Issues Landmark Precedent Decision on Fraud Findings After Petition Withdrawal

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) has issued a significant precedent decision, Matter of Texperts, Inc., 29 I&N Dec. 491 (AAO 2026), that will have lasting consequences for employers and foreign nationals facing fraud or misrepresentation allegations across a wide...

12 Mar 2026

USCIS Hold and Review of Benefit Applications for Nationals of High-Risk Countries

On January 1, 2026, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued Policy Memorandum PM-602-0194, directing all agency personnel to place an adjudicative hold on pending benefit applications filed by or for nationals of countries listed in Presidential Proclamation (PP) 10998, Restricting and Limiting...

09 Mar 2026

Risk of Interfiling on a Child’s CSPA Eligibility

Each month, in anticipation of the release of the U.S. Department of State (DOS) Visa Bulletin, many individuals with pending applications for adjustment of status consider whether to transfer the underlying basis of a pending adjustment of status application, commonly known as “interfiling,” as explained...

03 Mar 2026

My minor child may age out of their eligibility to immigrate as my dependent. Can my child file an EB5 petition as the main applicant?

Answer This is legally possible. However, if the child is under 18, advance planning is required to ensure that any investment agreements or related contracts signed by the child are legally valid and enforceable in the jurisdiction where they are signed. (03.Mar.2026)Sheela Murthy and other senior...

26 Feb 2026

Concerning Immigration Language Rumored to be in Federal Plea Agreements

It has recently come to the Murthy Law Firm’s attention that significant changes may be appearing in the language of federal plea agreements that could have serious immigration consequences for noncitizen defendants. Based on reports, new provisions are being included in plea deals that result...

12 Feb 2026

DOS Confirms China is Not Part of Immigrant Visa Processing Pause

Per the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), the U.S. Department of State (DOS) has confirmed that China is not included in the 75-country immigrant visa processing pause that took effect 21.Jan.2026. The clarification came after an erroneous alert appeared on the Travel Docs website causing...

22 Jan 2026

Whistleblower Reveals ICE Memo Authorizing Home Entries Without Judicial Warrants

A May 2025 internal Immigration and Customs Enforcement memo revealed that the agency has authorized its officers, in certain situations, to forcibly enter private residences using administrative warrants, without obtaining warrants signed by judges. The policy represents a significant departure from longstanding federal law enforcement...

21 Jan 2026

I had a religious marriage in India but did not register it. Instead, my spouse and I plan to register our marriage in the U.S. once we arrive. Is this permitted?

Answer Religious marriages in India are often considered legally valid under U.S. law. Therefore, you should register the marriage in India. Failure to do so may leave you without key evidence of the marriage for future immigration benefits. (21.Jan.2026)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance...