Blog
Analysis
“Are You Still Working?” and other Seemingly Innocuous CBP/Consular Officer Questions, the Hyundai Plant Raid, and the Fine line between What's OK and not OK on B1/BS/ESTA
It’s a familiar story: a client, colleague, or family member comes back from a consulate interview or U.S. border crossing frustrated, scoffing as they recount their experience.“Why did they ask me that? They already know the answer! Why ask, and in such a confusing way?” Is such an approach a feature or
The Latest Front in Immigration Enforcement: New Rules for Processing of Family-Based Petitions
Family reunification has long been a cornerstone of U.S. immigration policy, but recent changes have reshaped the terrain—making a family-based petition more complex, more uncertain, and, for many, more risky. In this piece we outline the substantive policy changes and identify who is most impacted by them, and what steps individuals navigating these processes can
Win-Win: Immigration legal assistance as a fringe benefit
Public and even private sector employers are well known for offering a wide range of fringe benefits to employees, in part to help recruit and retain talented staff. Offerings such as health, dental and vision coverage, retirement plans and life insurance contributions, gym memberships and mental health care, and student loan repayment assistance have become
Resources
International Students: Staying in Status
Students on F-1 visas have faced a great deal of scrutiny in the early part of 2025. Even those who have not been politically active have faced issues with their immigration status due to minor infractions and simple mistakes. It is critical for students to understand the rules and limitations of their status and ensure
Demystifying the U.S. Nonimmigrant Visa Process
Planning a temporary stay in the United States? Whether it’s for tourism, business, work, or study, understanding the U.S. nonimmigrant visa process is crucial. At Gray Whale Law, we believe in simplifying complex legal procedures, and that’s why we’ve created this guide to break down the essential steps for obtaining a U.S. nonimmigrant visa in
Unpacking the Affidavit of Support: Your Guide to Form I-864
What Exactly is Form I-864? Form I-864, the Affidavit of Support, is a legally enforceable promise that a sponsor makes to the U.S. government. By signing this form, you are guaranteeing that the immigrant you are sponsoring will have adequate financial support and will not become a public charge, meaning they won’t need to rely
Updates
Clarifying the U.S. Immigration Situation for Pakistani Nationals
We’ve recently received a number of inquiries from our clients and professional network regarding U.S. immigration developments impacting specific nationalities—particularly individuals from, or with ties to, Pakistan. This concern stems largely from reports circulated earlier this year about a potential travel ban involving 43 countries, including Pakistan. These reports referenced a draft memo connected to
Visa Bulletin (April 2025): What It Means for Your Green Card Journey
Understanding the Visa Bulletin: The U.S. government sets limits each year on the number of green cards they can issue in certain categories to individuals wishing to become a permanent U.S. resident under either family-sponsored or employment-based immigrant visas. Because there are more people who want to apply for green cards than are immediately available,