NewsBrief Archives - Murthy Law Firm

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...

17 Jul 2026

DHS Final Rule Ends Duration of Status for F, J, and I Nonimmigrants

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published a final rule in the Federal Register that replaces duration-of-status admissions for F, J, and I nonimmigrants with fixed admission periods. The rule is scheduled to take effect 15.Sep.2026, subject to the congressional review process and...

12:25 / For Families / For Individuals / Homeland Security / NewsBrief / Nonimmigrant Family / Student / Worker

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...

16:04 / Employment Based / Family Based / For Families / For Individuals / Immigrant Family / NewsBrief / Nonimmigrant Family / Resident / Student / Worker

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...

17:05 / B-1 / B-2 / Consulates / For Employers / For Families / For Individuals / NewsBrief / Nonimmigrant Family / Travel / Visitor

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...

11:58 / Citizen / EB5 Investor / Employment Based / Family Based / For Employers / For Families / For Individuals / Immigrant Family / Investor / NewsBrief / Nonimmigrant Family / Resident / Student / USCIS News / Worker

27 May 2026

Overview: E Visas for Traders and Investors

The Treaty Trader / Investor Visa (nonimmigrant E classification) is designed for the benefit of nationals of a country with which the U.S. has a treaty of commerce and navigation, or a similar agreement. The E classification is divided into two categories. E-1 is for...

17:15 / For Families / For Individuals / InfoArticle / NewsBrief / Nonimmigrant Family / Other Work Statuses / Worker

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...

07:21 / Employment Based / Family Based / For Families / For Individuals / Homeland Security / Immigrant Family / MurthyAudio / NewsBrief / Nonimmigrant Family / Resident / Student / Travel / Visitor / Worker

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...

10:49 / Consulates / Employment Based / Family Based / For Families / For Individuals / Homeland Security / Immigrant Family / NewsBrief / Nonimmigrant Family / Resident / Student / Worker

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...

10:02 / Employment Based / Family Based / For Employers / For Families / For Individuals / Immigrant Family / NewsBrief / Nonimmigrant Family / Resident / Student / USCIS News / Worker

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...

07:40 / Employment Based / Family Based / For Families / For Individuals / Immigrant Family / NewsBrief / Nonimmigrant Family / Resident / Worker

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