US Immigration News

Food Insecurity in the United States & Why to Donate

Food insecurity affects millions of Americans, including working families, children, seniors, and veterans who struggle to access consistent, nutritious meals. Rising living costs, medical expenses, and unexpected hardships force many to choose between food and other essentials. Donations to food banks and hunger-relief organizations help close this gap by providing immediate nourishment, stabilizing families, improving health outcomes, and strengthening communities. Giving ensures vulnerable neighbors do not face hunger alone.

 

MurthyNAYAK Foundation’s Involvement

Sheela Murthy and the MurthyNAYAK Foundation are providing 3,000 meals through Feeding Northeast Florida (https://feedingnefl.org/ ) during January 2026. This initiative reflects the Foundation’s commitment to partnering with trusted organizations to address critical needs across the United States. By focusing on eliminating homelessness, reducing food insecurity, and expanding access to basic health care, the Foundation works to create lasting, compassionate impact for families and individuals facing hardship.

 

About Feeding Northeast Florida

Feeding Northeast Florida is the region’s largest and most efficient food bank, serving 13 counties across Northeast Florida. At the center of a network of more than 400 partner agencies—including schools, churches, and community programs—it distributes food and essential products to neighbors in need. Through collaboration with community and government partners, Feeding Northeast Florida delivers over 97,000 meals daily and advances innovative, health-centered solutions to fight hunger.

 

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A USCIS interim final rule on R-1 religious workers has been filed for public inspection in the Federal Register.
DHS/USCIS issue this rule to remove the 1-yr abroad requirement for R-1 religious workers at their max stay. This would allow their return to the U.S. sooner to support their communities. Preview the rule: https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2026-00830.pdf

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In a significant development for international travel, a U.S. Department of State (DOS) memorandum has revealed a plan to indefinitely freeze visa processing for citizens of 75 countries, effective 21.Jan.2026. This move represents a major expansion of the current administration’s immigration and border policies.

According to media reports, the directive instructs consular officers to halt the issuance of new visas while the government conducts a comprehensive reassessment of screening and vetting procedures. A posting by the White House on X (formerly Twitter) states this applies to immigrant visa processing; so, it remains unclear whether nonimmigrants will also be affected.

List of Countries

The following countries have been identified as part of the freeze:

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Colombia, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Macedonia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, and Yemen.

Notably, India is not on the list of affected countries. Visa processing for Indian nationals is expected to continue under existing regulations, though travelers should remain aware of ongoing delays in the U.S. consular system based on previously reported changes (e.g., social media checks).

Rationale from White House

The White House has cited the “public charge” provision of U.S. immigration law as a primary justification, suggesting the pause is necessary to prevent individuals from entering who might rely on government benefits. Administration officials also have pointed to alleged deficiencies in the vetting and information-sharing capabilities of the listed nations. However, critics and policy analysts have noted that the timing – just five months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup – and the inclusion of countries with traditionally strong vetting cooperation suggest that the reasoning may be tied to broader political and immigration enforcement goals rather than purely technical security gaps. As noted above, however, it remains to be seen whether this will apply to all visa applicants, or solely those applying for immigrant visas.

Timeline

The pause is slated to remain in effect until, ostensibly, the DOS completes its review of adjudication standards. There has been no indication that travelers from the listed nations with existing, valid visas will have their current documents revoked.

 

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The post DOS Pausing Visa Processing for Citizens of 75 Countries appeared first on Murthy Law Firm | U.S Immigration Law.

DOS has reportedly ordered visa processing to freeze in 75 countries as of 21.Jan.2026 while the consulates revise vetting processes. India does not appear to be on the list. Detailed article to come.

The post Reported Visa Processing Freeze appeared first on Murthy Law Firm | U.S Immigration Law.

It’s time to plan for the H1B lottery for all foreign national employees, no matter their country of birth. With long processing times and a backlogged Visa Bulletin, many F-1 students risk running out of time to pursue a green card while staying in status.

The post The H1B Lottery is no Longer Optional Planning appeared first on Murthy Law Firm | U.S Immigration Law.

Answer

Yes, a student may initiate a SEVIS transfer during the 60-day grace period following program completion. However, initiating the transfer during the grace period does not extend the five-month deadline. The new program still must begin within five months of the student’s last date of study. (13.Jan.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.

 

 

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The post Can a student transfer their SEVIS record during the 60-day grace period after completing a program? appeared first on Murthy Law Firm | U.S Immigration Law.

Answer

Unfortunately, the rule allowing for the automatic extension of EADs based on a pending renewal was eliminated in October 2025. EAD renewal applications filed on or after 30.Oct.2025 normally are not granted automatic extensions. (13.Jan.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.

 

 

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The post Do we still get automatic extension of H-4 EADs based on applying for a renewal? appeared first on Murthy Law Firm | U.S Immigration Law.

Answer

Per regulation, “Any document containing foreign language submitted to USCIS shall be accompanied by a full English language translation which the translator has certified as complete and accurate, and by the translator’s certification that he or she is competent to translate from the foreign language into English.” There is no requirement that an official translation service be used. (13.Jan.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.

 

 

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The post I need to get an English translation of a document that I am submitting to the USCIS. Do I need to pay for an official translation for this to be usable with the USCIS? appeared first on Murthy Law Firm | U.S Immigration Law.

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has released the February 2026 Visa Bulletin. There is little-to-no movement in the upcoming visa bulletin. All cutoff dates listed refer to the final action chart (i.e., Chart A), unless otherwise specified.

Visa Bulletin SummaryEmployment-Based, First Preference (EB1) Category

In the EB1 category, the cutoff dates for both China and India remain set at 01.Feb.2023. The EB1 category remains current for all other countries of chargeability.

Employment-Based, Second Preference (EB2) Category

There is no movement in the EB2 category, either. The cutoff date for EB2 India is still set at 15.Jul.2013. EB2 China has a cutoff date of 01.Sep.2021. The EB2 cutoff date for all other countries remains unchanged at 01.Apr.2024.

Employment-Based, Third Preference (EB3) Category

Neither India nor China sees any relief in the EB3 category. India’s cutoff date is still set at 15.Nov.2013, and China’s EB3 cutoff date remains unchanged at 01.May.2021. The EB3 cutoff date for all other countries of chargeability advances to 01.Jun.2023.

EB3 Other Workers

There is no movement in the EB3 Other Workers category. India’s cutoff date aligns with the standard EB3 cutoff of 15.Nov.2013. For China, the cutoff date is 08.Dec.2018. The EB3 other workers category carries a cutoff date of 01.Sep.2021 for all other countries of chargeability.

Employment-Based, Fourth Preference (EB4) Category

In the EB4 category, the cutoff date remains set at 01.Jan.2021.

The EB4 program for certain religious workers is currently scheduled to expire after midnight of January 29, 2026. If Congress does not extend the program by that date, the EB4 category for certain religious workers will become unavailable.

Employment-Based, Fifth Preference (EB5) Category

There is no movement in the EB5 category. The EB5 unreserved category for India remains unchanged at 01.May.2022. Meanwhile, China’s unreserved cutoff date is set at 15.Aug.2016. The EB5 category remains current for all other chargeability areas and for the three EB5 set-aside categories (rural, high unemployment, and infrastructure) across all countries.

Conclusion

At the Murthy Law Firm, we continue to monitor and report on movement and predictions related to the monthly visa bulletin. Subscribe to the free MurthyBulletin to receive weekly updates on this and other news.

 

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The post February 2026 Visa Bulletin appeared first on Murthy Law Firm | U.S Immigration Law.

Impersonating legitimate businesses and professionals on social media has become alarmingly easy in recent years. With the widespread use of artificial intelligence, automated bots, and copied digital assets, bad actors can now create fake profiles, pages, and advertisements that closely mimic real organizations. These imposter accounts often use stolen logos, similar usernames, copied text, and AI-generated messages to appear authentic and trustworthy. As AI-generated images and videos reach unprecedented levels of realism, the ability to discern real from fabricated content demands increased awareness and care.

Unfortunately, Murthy Law Firm and its founder, Sheela Murthy, have recently been targeted by such fraudulent activity. Multiple fake and imposter social media accounts have been created using our firm’s name, branding, and content to mislead unsuspecting individuals into believing they are communicating with Murthy Law Firm. These accounts are designed to exploit our reputation and lure potential clients under false pretenses.

We have identified and are in the process of reporting & taking down multiple such fraudulent accounts across social media platforms. However, new imposter pages can appear quickly, and public awareness is essential.

To ensure you are engaging with our official and legitimate online presence, we strongly recommend verifying all Murthy Law Firm social media accounts by first visiting www.murthy.com. Our website contains direct links to our authentic social media pages. If an account, post, or message cannot be verified through our website, it should be treated with caution.

If you come across any suspicious or imposter accounts claiming to represent Murthy Law Firm or Sheela Murthy, we would greatly appreciate you bringing it to our attention. Please notify us by email so we can take prompt action.

Your vigilance helps protect both the public and our firm from online fraud.

 

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On Monday, 12.Jan.2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is scheduled to publish a final rule in the Federal Register that will increase the premium processing fees. This fee increase will go into effect on 01.Mar.2026.

Per the final rule, premium processing fees that are currently set to $1,685, will increase to $1,780; premium processing fees that are now $1,965, will increase to $2,075; and the premium processing fees that are currently $2,805, will increase to $2,965.

 

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The post USCIS Premium Processing Fees to Increase, Effective 01.Mar.2026 appeared first on Murthy Law Firm | U.S Immigration Law.

A person who is a conditional permanent resident (CPR) as the result of a marriage to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident is required to file a petition to remove conditions on residence (form I-751) within ninety days of the expiration of the conditional I-551 card (green card). Assuming the couple is still happily married, they will file a joint petition. If the couple has gone through a divorce or legal separation, the CPR must file on the basis of a waiver of the joint filing requirement; also, in that scenario, they may file earlier than the 90-day mark.

Waiver or Individual Filing Request

When the petitioner is unable to file a joint petition due to divorce or a legal separation, form I-751 currently provides three potentially applicable options as grounds for the removal of conditions. These are:

• Marriage was entered in good faith, but the marriage was terminated through divorce or annulment.
• Marriage was entered in good faith and, during the marriage, the CPR was battered or was subjected to extreme cruelty by the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse.
• The termination of the CPR’s status and removal from the United States would result in an extreme hardship.

While it is possible that the CPR may believe more than one of the above three options apply to their situation, choosing more than one waiver basis will require additional documentation to supporting waivers indicated. This means that, even when it is clear one of the waiver requests has been sufficiently met, the USCIS still will issue a denial of the petition if the petitioner failed to meet the documentary burden of the additional waiver indicated.

For instance, say a petitioner files form I-751 and indicates both the first and third options. If the petitioner provides ample evidence that the marriage was entered in good faith, but the couple later divorced, this would meet the requirements for the first option. But, if the CPR then fails to also sufficiently document battery or extreme cruelty to the satisfaction of the adjudicating officer, the entire petition will be denied. Accordingly, unless a petitioner has overwhelming evidence for all waivers requested, a single basis with the strongest availability of evidence is often recommended.

Conclusion

It is common for the demise of a relationship to include hurt feelings, anger, and glimpses of the darker side of the human condition. However, considering your immigrant options on the basis of emotion alone can be detrimental to a petitioner’s legal status. Therefore, it is in the petitioner’s best interest to remain logical and consider the documentary burden necessary to prove the basis of a waiver request. As always, to help evaluate the documentary burden necessary for each waiver basis, and to weigh the benefits and pitfalls, it is recommended to speak directly with a U.S. immigration attorney knowledgeable in this area. The Murthy Law Firm is experienced and available to assist in these matters.

 

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The post Less may be More in Filing I-751 Petition to Remove Conditions appeared first on Murthy Law Firm | U.S Immigration Law.

Answer

Under SEVIS regulations, a student’s new academic program must begin within five months of the earlier of (1) the student’s program end date or (2) the SEVIS transfer release date. In practice, this means the five-month clock usually starts on the student’s last date of study, not the date the SEVIS record is released for transfer. If the new program start date falls outside this five-month window, the SEVIS transfer cannot be completed. (06.Jan.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.

 

 

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The post How does the five-month rule work for transferring an F-1 SEVIS record to a new school? appeared first on Murthy Law Firm | U.S Immigration Law.

Answer

The USCIS is now requiring in-person interviews for the vast majority of I-485 applicants. So, the fact that you have been scheduled for an interview, is not unusual and does not necessarily mean there’s cause for concern. As for your co-workers, this interview requirement is fairly new, so this is likely the reason they were not subjected to an interview. (06.Jan.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.

 

 

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The post I was recently scheduled for an interview regarding my pending I-485. My co-workers who already have employment-based green cards were never asked to go for an interview. Is this a cause for concern? appeared first on Murthy Law Firm | U.S Immigration Law.

Answer

Typically, having multiple master’s degree would not have any significant impact on the odds of approval of a case. (06.Jan.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.

 

 

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The post If I get a second master’s degree, will that improve my chances of approval for an EB1(a) petition? appeared first on Murthy Law Firm | U.S Immigration Law.

The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) is a pre-screening tool that most visa waiver program (VWP) travelers must obtain before boarding a flight or ship bound for the United States. While ESTA has been a fixture of VWP travel for years, recent policy changes and clarifications mean that foreign nationals should understand both what ESTA is and how the requirements are evolving.

Overview of ESTA

ESTA is the online clearance system that allows eligible VWP travelers to seek admission to the United States for up to 90 days for business or tourism purposes. The system collects basic biographic details and answers to security questions, enabling the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to pre-screen travelers before they depart for the United States. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recommends that travelers apply for ESTA as soon as they begin planning their trip and no later than 72 hours before departure.

It is important to understand that ESTA approval permits a traveler to arrive at a U.S. port of entry and request admission, but it does not guarantee entry. The final decision on whether to admit a traveler into the United States rests with CBP officers at the airport, seaport, or land border crossing.

Recent Fee Increase

One change that travelers should be aware of involves the cost of ESTA applications. The CBP has confirmed that the ESTA fee increased from $21 to $40 for any application filed on or after 30.Sep.2025. This higher fee applies to each new application as well as renewal applications submitted through the ESTA system.

Updates to Information Collection

The CBP has initiated a formal process to update the information it collects through ESTA and the related Form I-94 arrival and departure record. In a 10.Dec.2025 Federal Register notice, the CBP explained that it is revising the information collection requirements for I-94 and ESTA. The agency has invited public comment on whether the additional data elements are necessary and useful for border security and immigration purposes.

ESTA for Land Border Travel

Historically, ESTA was clearly required for VWP travel by air or cruise ship. However, as of 01.Oct.2022, CBP guidance indicates that any VWP national entering the United States by land, sea, and air should have an approved ESTA before seeking admission. Some CBP materials still appear to focus primarily on air and cruise travel, which can create confusion for travelers.

Given these mixed signals, the conservative approach is straightforward. If a traveler is from a VWP country and is planning a short visit of 90 days or less, an ESTA should be obtained in advance regardless of whether arrival will be by air, sea, or land, unless specific, current CBP or embassy guidance clearly states otherwise in the individual’s particular situation.

I-94 Records and Exit Tracking

Most foreign nationals entering the United States are issued an electronic I-94 record that documents when they were admitted and how long they may remain. The CBP integrates this I-94 data into its Arrival and Departure Information System (ADIS), which combines information from passports, visas, ESTA approvals, and airline manifests to create a comprehensive travel history for each individual.

The 10.Dec.2025 Federal Register notice also describes a voluntary pilot program that allows some foreign nationals to use a CBP mobile application to “check out” of the United States when they depart. Through this app, travelers can submit passport biographic details, a live facial image, and location data. If the CBP successfully verifies the information, a confirmed departure is recorded in the system, which helps demonstrate that the traveler departed on time and maintained their lawful status. Participation in this pilot program is entirely optional, and failure to use the app is not, by itself, treated as a status violation.

Conclusion

ESTA remains a critical component of the VWP travel process, and recent changes mean that travelers should stay informed about current requirements. The fee increase, expanded information collection, clarifications about land border travel, and new voluntary exit-tracking options all underscore the importance of planning ahead and ensuring compliance with CBP procedures. Attorneys at the Murthy Law Firm regularly advise clients on ESTA requirements and other immigration matters related to travel “and are available to help ensure that VWP travelers have the proper authorizations before their journey to the United States.

 

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The post Recent Changes and Requirements for Visa Waiver Program Travelers appeared first on Murthy Law Firm | U.S Immigration Law.

In 2026, Sheela Murthy & the MurthyNAYAK Foundation are continuing to focus supporting agencies and organizations working to eliminate homelessness, combat food insecurity, and expand basic health care access in the United States—three urgent, interconnected needs that affect millions of lower-income Americans. On any given night, more than 770,000 people in the U.S. experience homelessness, reflecting an 18% increase in recent years and a growing housing affordability crisis that deeply harms families and communities. (Reuters)

Food insecurity remains widespread as well: in 2023, over 33 million Americans lived in food-insecure households, including 13.8 million children who struggled to access sufficient, nutritious food.  (Center on Budget and Policy Priorities)

In addition to lacking reliable access to food or shelter, many individuals also lack basic health care, worsening chronic illness, mental health crises, and preventable disease. Supporting these areas can stabilize lives, reduce emergency health costs, improve childhood development and education outcomes, and strengthen community resilience. By investing in proven solutions and compassionate service, the MurthyNAYAK Foundation aims to improve families access to basic needs and help build a more just and healthy society.

The MurthyNAYAK Foundation has long been engaged with these issues (Ms. Murthy had co-chaired the fundraising gala, The Journey Home, years ago and worked closely with the then Mayor of Baltimore City with the goal to combat homelessness in Baltimore, also has also supported the United Way of Central Maryland and the United Way of Northeast Florida on these issues).

No one person or organization can address every issue alone, but when many contribute even modest efforts, the cumulative effect can be transformative. We are privileged to deepen our commitment in 2026, and beyond, partnering with leaders and local organizations to create lasting impact.

 

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Answer

If a person travels while an application or petition requesting a change of status is pending, the change of status request normally will be deemed abandoned and therefore denied. Such a denial typically would not retroactively result in a violation of status. (30.Dec.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.

 

 

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The post After I was laid off from my H1B position, I filed an application to change status to B-2. While that application was pending, I left the U.S. I later received a notice telling me the application had been denied because of my travel. Does this mean I violated my status while the B-2 was pending? appeared first on Murthy Law Firm | U.S Immigration Law.

Answer

In order to file an application to adjust status (form I-485), you must be in the U.S. at the time of filing. And, depending on the circumstances, it may be necessary to remain in the U.S. until and unless one obtains an advance parole (AP) document. Another option may be to convert to consular processing (i.e., apply for the green card from abroad). I recommend you consult with an attorney to discuss your various options. (30.Dec.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.

 

 

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The post I have an approved I-140 and my priority date will be current in January. I am temporarily working abroad and do not expect to return to the U.S. for a few months. Can I apply for my green card from here? appeared first on Murthy Law Firm | U.S Immigration Law.

Answer

Ordinarily, if a foreign national files an EB1(a) petition on their own behalf, the USCIS will not contact one’s existing employer in relation to the petition. (30.Dec.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.

 

 

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The post If I self-sponsor for a green card through the EB1(a) category, might the USCIS issue an RFE to my current employer, or otherwise check with my current employer and disclose that I filed this petition? appeared first on Murthy Law Firm | U.S Immigration Law.