A Freedom of Information ACT (FOIA) request has led to the release of an internal, confidential memorandum from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate (FDNS). The memo, dated June 3, 2013, revises USCIS policies related to detecting and...
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced on December 23, 2013 that some H1B extension petitions filed with the Vermont Service Center (VSC) are being transferred to the California Service Center (CSC) for adjudication. This case transfer is due to the need to create...
The problems with the U.S. economy have brought renewed focus on options for attracting foreign investors. Similarly, the opportunities created by economic woes in the United States have attracted the attention, and money, of many foreign investors. However, a recent audit report by the U.S....
The category of J-1 intern or trainee is sometimes overlooked as a useful option for individuals and employers. Many foreign nationals aspire to gain professional experience in the United States to enhance their long-term career opportunities in their home countries. These individuals may believe their...
The Philippine government has requested that the United States grant temporary protected status (TPS) to allow certain Filipinos to remain in the United States due to Typhoon Haiyan. This request, if granted, would be a temporary measure designed to provide protections to those who cannot...
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) January 2014 Visa Bulletin has been released. There is little-to-no movement in most of the categories, but a noticeable exception is the advancement in the employment-based, third preference (EB3) category for all countries of chargeability, except India and the...
The U.S. Supreme Court heard an important case related to immigration on December 10, 2013. The case, Mayorkas v Cuellar de Osorio, involves the interpretation of provisions of the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA). A favorable decision in this case would facilitate family unity by...
Winter snowstorms and other weather-related problems can impact the operations of virtually any organization or business. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is no exception; nor are the courier and mail delivery services exempt from delays due to weather. The government recognizes that severe...
In response to complaints from stakeholders, a recent statement from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) indicates efforts to significantly reduce the processing time for form I-130 relative petitions filed by U.S. citizens on behalf of immediate relatives. The USCIS notes that processing times...
In mid-November 2013, attorneys from the Murthy Law Firm participated in the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) DC Chapter Fall Conference as speakers and moderators for many of the informative panels. One particularly thought-provoking session, moderated by Sheela Murthy, was a U.S. Department of Labor...
