NewsBrief Archives - Murthy Law Firm

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...

08 Jun 2026

NewsFlash! Massachusetts Federal Court Vacates $100,000 H1B Proclamation Policy

A federal district court in Massachusetts has ruled that the government’s policy implementing President Trump’s 19.Sep.2025 Proclamation imposing a $100,000 supplemental payment requirement for certain H1B petitions is unlawful and vacated the policy in its entirety. In State of California et al. v. Mullin et...

15:49 / For Employers / For Individuals / NewsBrief / Worker

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

20 Apr 2026

Murthy Law Firm Observations on $100,000 H1B Fee: Practice Reality vs Published Guidance

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently issued guidance clarifying who will be subject to the $100,000 fee imposed under the 19.Sep.2025, executive proclamation addressing certain H1B filings. While the published guidance outlines specific circumstances in which the fee should apply, the Murthy Law...

08:54 / Consulates / For Employers / For Individuals / NewsBrief / USCIS News / Worker

09 Apr 2026

Not Selected in the H1B Lottery? What You Can Do Next

If you've just learned your H1B registration wasn't selected, you're likely feeling a mix of frustration and uncertainty. After months of preparation and anticipation, a "not selected" notification can feel like a door closing on your future in the United States.Take a breath. Your journey...

07:03 / For Employers / For Individuals / H1B / NewsBrief / Worker

01 Apr 2026

H1B Frequently Asked Questions

The H1B nonimmigrant program is one of the most versatile and widely used work visa programs in the United States. Therefore, having a good understanding of the program can be helpful for both workers and their respective employers. Below are some of the most common...

05:00 / For Employers / For Individuals / H1B / InfoArticle / NewsBrief / Travel / Worker

26 Mar 2026

NewsFlash! DOL Proposes Significant Hike to Prevailing Wages for H1B, H1B1, E-3, and PERM

Tomorrow, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) will publish a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register that proposes to dramatically increase the prevailing wage levels used in the H1B, H1B1, E-3, and PERM labor certification programs. The NPRM is titled "Improving Wage...

10:49 / Employment Based / For Employers / For Individuals / Homeland Security / Legislation / NewsBrief / Resident / USCIS News / Worker

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