12 Nov 2024

My husband, my 12-year-old child, and I have been green card holders for five years. When I apply for U.S. citizenship, do I have to file a separate naturalization application for my 12-year-old?

Answer Generally speaking, if the child is under the age of 18, has a green card, and is residing in the United States in your custody, that child automatically will become a U.S. citizen when either parent's naturalization application is approved. This is called derivative citizenship....

06 Nov 2024

A couple of years after I naturalized to become a U.S. citizen, I went back to India to take care of my elderly father. It has now been more than ten years, and I am traveling back to the U.S. for the first time. Will this be an issue?

Answer Generally speaking, a U.S. citizen with a valid U.S. passport should be admitted to the United States, even after a prolonged absence from the country. (05.Nov.2024)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE online services, click...

16 Oct 2024

I’m a U.S. citizen and am sponsoring my parents for green cards. They lived in a number of different areas within India over the years. Will they need to get police certificates from all the district police offices, or is it okay to just get it from the regional passport office?

Answer Generally speaking, for an immigrant visa petition being filed for consular processing for someone residing in India, only the police certificate from the regional passport office is required. (16.Oct.2024)Sheela Murthy and other senior attorneys provide guidance that clarifies the law. For information on our FREE...

07 Aug 2024

I applied for naturalization based on three years of marriage to my U.S. citizen spouse. Do I still need to list my travel history for the last 5 years on the N-400 application?

Answer No, in this situation, you only need to list your travel history for the last 3 years. (07.Aug.2024)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 © 2024, MURTHY...

24 Jul 2024

I have been a green card holder for nearly ten years, and my green card will expire in a few months. I am finally going to apply to become a U.S. citizen. Do I need to also submit an application to renew my green card while I wait for my naturalization case to be approved?

Answer There probably is no need to file a separate application to renew your green card. After filing an application for naturalization (form N-400), the USCIS will issue a receipt notice that automatically extends the validity of one's existing green card for 24 months. (24.Jul.2024)Sheela Murthy...

08 Jul 2024

Overview of Parole in Place for Undocumented Spouses of U.S. Citizens

As previously discussed on MurthyDotCom, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on June 17, 2024, a proposed program to promote family unity by removing certain roadblocks towards lawful permanent residency (i.e., a "green card”) for qualifying undocumented noncitizen spouses of U.S. citizens. The...

26 Jun 2024

I am a U.S. citizen. My mother entered on her tourist visa a few months ago. She was planning on returning home, but I’m trying to convince her to stay in the U.S. If she agrees, can I sponsor her for a green card now? Or would she have to go back to India for me to sponsor her?

Answer A person cannot enter the U.S. on a B-1/B-2 visa with the intention of applying for adjustment of status (i.e., applying for a green card from within the United States). If, however, the person does not form the intention of applying for a green card...