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22 May 2026

NewsFlash! USCIS Reinforces that Adjustment of Status is Discretionary – Not a Right

On May 21, 2026, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued Policy Memorandum PM-602-0199, reminding its officers and the public that adjustment of status (AOS) under INA § 245 is an act of administrative grace, not an entitlement. Even applicants who satisfy every statutory...

12:01 / Employment Based / Family Based / For Employers / For Families / For Individuals / Homeland Security / Immigrant Family / Immigration / NewsBrief / Resident / USCIS News
12 May 2026

My family’s and my immigrant visas were all approved, with me as the principal applicant and my spouse and children as derivative beneficiaries. Can my derivative family members enter the United States using their immigrant visas before I do?

Answer No. The primary (or principal) applicant must enter before or at the same time as derivative family members with visas. (12.May.2026)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here. Access more FAQs here.  Copyright...

07:18 / Consulates / Employment Based / Family Based / FAQs / For Families / For Individuals / Resident
12 May 2026

I am a conditional green card holder with an expired green card, but I have an automatic extension based on the receipt notice for my petition to remove conditions. Does this place any restrictions on my international travel?

Answer Generally, a conditional green card holder may travel internationally using the expired green card together with the valid extension notice from the petition to remove conditions.However, some countries, such as Mexico, may not permit entry to individuals traveling with an expired U.S. green card unless...

07:15 / Employment Based / Family Based / FAQs / For Individuals / Resident / Travel
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
22 Apr 2026

I filed my I-485 adjustment-of-status application when my priority date was current. The Visa Bulletin later retrogressed. What does this mean for my I-485 application?

Answer If your priority date was current at the time you properly filed your Form I-485, USCIS generally will continue processing your application even if the Visa Bulletin later retrogresses, and your filing remains valid. However, because the USCIS cannot approve your adjustment-of-status application unless a...

10:32 / Employment Based / Family Based / FAQs / For Families / For Individuals / Immigrant Family / Resident / Visa Bulletin
22 Apr 2026

I filed my I-485 adjustment-of-status application when my priority date was current. The Visa Bulletin later retrogressed. Will the USCIS also pause the processing for my pending EAD or AP application?

Answer No, retrogression does not pause the processing of a concurrently filed EAD or AP application. Additionally, it does not affect the validity of an existing EAD or AP, nor does it prevent a person from applying for extensions. (21.Apr.2026)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide...

10:29 / Employment Based / Family Based / FAQs / For Families / For Individuals / Immigrant Family / Resident / Visa Bulletin
16 Apr 2026

I am an Indian national and my immigrant visa interview was scheduled at the U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai, but I live very far away. Can the interview be moved to another consulate closer to me?

Answer Unfortunately, the U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai is the only consular post in India that processes and issues immigrant visas. (14.Apr.2026)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click here. Access more FAQs here.  Copyright...

07:04 / Consulates / Employment Based / Family Based / FAQs / For Families / For Individuals / Immigrant Family / Resident