Foreign National Employees: Navigating Mergers and Acquisitions
Mergers and acquisitions frequently result in critical immigration compliance issues that must be addressed, as explained in the MurthyDotCom NewsBrief, Mysteries of Mergers & Acquisitions: Basics...
View ArticleUSCIS Releases Updated I-485 Inventory Chart
The I-485 inventory charts kept by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have recently been updated. The charts detail the number of pending employment-based (EB) adjustment-of-status...
View ArticleUSCIS on Options Available After Natural Disasters
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a news alert on November 15, 2013, reminding those impacted by the devastation in the Philippines created by Typhoon Haiyan that certain...
View ArticleUSCIS Issues Erroneous RFEs on FB2A Petitions
The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) has alerted stakeholders of the issuance of inappropriate requests for evidence (RFEs) by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)...
View ArticleUnpaid Internships on F-1 OPT Considered “Unemployment”
In a recent and concerning adjudication trend, the Nebraska Service Center (NSC) of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has begun denying F-1 optional practical training (OPT) STEM...
View ArticleProposals to Help Families of Foreign Students
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has submitted proposed regulatory changes intended to improve the F-1 and M-1 student programs. The changes potentially would provide more resources in the...
View ArticleBeware: Serious Immigration Consequences of Shoplifting
For people not accustomed to the open displays of merchandise typical in the United States, the opportunity to pick up a few small items could prove tempting. Many newcomers to this country do not...
View ArticleAILA DC Conference: Session with the U.S. Department of Labor
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...
View ArticleUSCIS Working to Improve Processing Time for USC Immediate Relative Cases
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...
View ArticleTime to Plan for the FY15 H1B Cap Season
On Tuesday, April 1, 2014, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will begin accepting H1B cap-subject case filings for fiscal year 2015 (FY15). April 1st may seem a long time from...
View ArticleFAQs on H1B Layoffs
For many, the close of each calendar year brings with it holidays and good cheer. For some, however, there looms the possibility of layoffs as employers assess their needs for the coming year. Laid off...
View ArticleWinter Weather Considerations: Closures and Delivery Delays
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...
View ArticleU.S. Supreme Court on the Child Status Protection Act
The U.S. Supreme Court heard an important case related to immigration on December 10, 2013. The case, Mayorkas v DeOsorio, involves the interpretation of provisions of the Child Status Protection Act...
View ArticleMore FAQs on H1B Layoffs
As explained in FAQs on H1B Layoffs (06.Dec.2013), the end of the year unfortunately brings with it bad tidings for some foreign national workers, as companies reassess their human resources needs....
View ArticleShedding Light on H1B Cap Misunderstandings
As we approach the H1B cap-filing season for fiscal year 2015 (FY15), we wish to clarify some of the common misunderstandings regarding the annual limit or cap. Given the stress and timing...
View ArticleDOS Visa Bulletin for January 2014
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...
View ArticlePhilippine Government Requests Temporary Protected Status
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...
View ArticleAlcohol-Related Arrests Create Immigration Problems
The holiday season provides many with opportunities to have a good time, and a few drinks, with friends. Those who choose to do so should arrange for a designated driver or other safe, sober...
View ArticleNew Year Reminders for Employers: Part 1 of 2
With the arrival of another new year, now is a good time for employers to review a number of immigration-related matters and documents to help ensure they have a good 2014. Engaging in internal audits...
View ArticleJ-1 Intern / Trainee for Cultural Exchange and Career Growth
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...
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