01 Sep 2026

Possible Changes to H-4 Spouse Employment Authorization

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is considering a proposal that could significantly affect certain H-4 dependent spouses of H1B nonimmigrant workers. Listed under Regulatory Information Number 1615-AD14, the proposal would eliminate the regulatory basis for eligible H-4 spouses to request employment authorization under the...

28 Jul 2026

I received deferred disposition for an assault / family violence citation. Since the case was later dismissed, do I still have a conviction for immigration purposes?

Answer You may still have a conviction for immigration purposes. A conviction for immigration purposes can exist even if the court withholds adjudication and later dismisses the case, so long as the person entered a guilty plea, no contest plea, or admitted sufficient facts, and the...

01 Jul 2026

A Simple Explanation of Lawful Status, Authorized Stay, and Unlawful Presence

A person living in the United States on a visa may hear terms such as “out of status,” “authorized stay,” and “unlawful presence.” Although these phrases can sound similar, they have distinct legal meanings. Understanding the difference can be important, because it may affect whether...

09 Jun 2026

NewsFlash! DOS Launches Pilot Program for $750 Expedited B-1/B-2 Visa Interview Appointments

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has published a temporary final rule (TFR) creating a new $750 fee that will allow certain business and tourism visa applicants to secure an expedited visa interview appointment. The TFR is effective from 01.Jul.2026 through 31.Dec.2026. The new service...

08 Jun 2026

USCIS May Now Deny Benefit Requests with Invalid Signatures

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has issued an interim final rule giving officers the discretion to deny, rather than simply reject, a benefit request found to have an invalid signature after the case has been accepted for processing. Why this Matters Previously, requests with invalid signatures...

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...