12 Aug 2025

My son is on H-4 and recently was granted an extension valid through 2027. He turns 21 at the end of this year. Can he remain in H-4 status through the expiration date listed on his I-94?

Answer Unfortunately, once a dependent child turns 21, they are no longer eligible for H-4 status through their parent. He cannot rely on a USCIS error to continue his stay in H-4 past his 21st birthday. (12.Aug.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies...

12 Aug 2025

I have heard stories of people with a pending I-485 application being put into deportation proceedings. Aren’t you allowed to stay in the U.S. based on a pending I-485?

Answer Generally speaking, a person with a pending I-485, who is not maintaining their underlying nonimmigrant status, is considered to be in a period of authorized stay. Unfortunately, we have received reports that the Trump Administration is putting some people in this situation in removal (i.e.,...

06 Aug 2025

Our company has both a PERM and H1B process ongoing for an employee. If the H1B petition is denied, will it impact the ongoing PERM application?

Answer No, a denial of the H1B petition typically does not affect the PERM process. Similarly, if the PERM case is denied, the H1B petition normally would not be impacted. (06.Aug.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our...

06 Aug 2025

My father recently became a U.S. citizen and would like to sponsor me for a green card. Is that allowed, even though I already have a pending EB2 case?

Answer Yes, this normally would be allowed. Filing a family-based case generally would have no impact on a pending employment-based case. Both cases could continue, but each would have a separate priority date. (i.e., The priority date from an employment-based case cannot be used for a...

29 Jul 2025

I am on H1B and I live in Pennsylvania. I recently received a job offer where I would work part of the time from home, and the rest of the time in Maryland, which is about an hour away from my house. Can an H1B and LCA be filed for two different states?

Answer Yes, an LCA and H1B petition may list work locations in two different states. (29.Jul.2025)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 © 2025, MURTHY LAW FIRM. All...

29 Jul 2025

Does the United States allow for dual citizenship?

Answer U.S. law does not prohibit a person from being a dual citizen. But, depending upon the circumstances, there are certain complications that can arise; and one must take into consideration the laws of the other country regarding dual citizenship. (29.Jul.2025)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys...

23 Jul 2025

I am in H-4 status and recently was charged with shoplifting. What immigration impact might this have?

Answer It is important to get immigration guidance and criminal representation. The consequences depend, to a large extent, upon the maximum possible sentence allowed for the charge in the particular state. In some locations, a conviction for shoplifting makes one removable (i.e., deportable) and inadmissible. In...