Each year, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is responsible for setting federal poverty guidelines, which are used to determine whether an individual or family qualifies for certain government benefits. These guidelines are important in the immigration context, particularly with respect to...
Answer In general, yes, the H-4 EAD is unrestricted, meaning that it is not tied to a particular employer. It can be used for multiple employers, or even for self-employment. (12.Feb.2018)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies...
Answer In general, yes. The shortened passport generally is an issue at the port of entry, where it will result in a short-duration I-94 (tied to the passport validity). But, the USCIS typically can grant an extension of status beyond the expiration date. The EAD expiration...
Answer One's "after-acquired" spouse typically would file the I-485 application together with the principal applicant, once the priority date becomes current. Normally, until then, no action is required. (12.Feb.2018)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law...
This morning, President Trump is expected to sign a bill that will reopen the federal government through March 23, 2018. This bill will also extend various immigration programs, including the employment-based, fifth preference (EB5) regional center program, for the same time period. Copyright © 2018, MURTHY...
On February 6, 2018, President Trump ordered the creation of a National Vetting Center, saying it is needed "…to better identify individuals seeking to enter the country who present a threat to national security, border security, homeland security, or public safety." The center, which will...
In what has become almost routine, the federal government is teetering on yet another potential government shutdown. The deadline for passing a spending bill to extend government operations is midnight on Thursday, February 8, 2018. Failure to pass such a bill would result in the...
A lawful permanent resident (LPR), commonly referred to as a "green card" holder, is generally expected to renew the green card prior to the expiration date of the card, which is typically ten years from the date of issuance. This is accomplished by filing an...
Answer There is no prohibition on having multiple employment- and family-based immigrant visa petitions filed on one's behalf. The sibling (FB4) category is backlogged by decades, however. (05.Feb.2018)In frequent sessions of our Chat, Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law in...
Answer This is not prohibited. However, one should be prepared to answer questions about this at the port of entry regarding "immigrant intent" (i.e. whether one is truly a visitor, or whether one is actually intending to remain in the United States permanently on this trip.)...
