Linh Tran-Layton, U.S. Immigration Attorney

Linh Tran-Layton, U.S. Immigration Attorney United States immigration attorney supporting clients globally. All information provided on this page is informational only, not legal advice.

I have worked as a United States immigration attorney for over 15 years in Salt Lake City, Utah, supporting clients in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa with their U.S. immigration law matters. I am the co-managing partner of JLJ Law Group, PLLC and pride myself on collaborating with clients who seek knowledgeable guidance, a trusted and credible attorney, and desire peace of

mind for all their immigration needs. I have successfully assisted businesses seeking to hire foreign workers for lawful permanent residency through the PERM process, helped families with family-based immigration petitions, and assisted immigrants who have been victims of crime. Congruent to business-based immigration, I support clients with H-1Bs, L-1s, and E-2s. I also handle waivers for family-based immigration cases. As an immigrant who was brought to the U.S. by my parents as an infant, I understand the importance of making immigration resources accessible to all communities. It can be an extremely stressful and grueling process, and I hope to make it more streamlined and transparent. In 2017, I was recognized as the Utah Asian Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Asian Professional. Any content on social media and the internet should be taken as informational, not legal advice. For legal help, call our office at JLJ Law Group at 801-883-8204, or schedule a consultation with me: https://lawyerlinhconsultation.as.me/schedule/9a88a256.

08/08/2026

USCIS has changed its policy regarding Requests for Evidence and Notices of Intent to Deny.

RFEs are NOT disappearing, but USCIS officers now have greater discretion to deny a case without first giving the applicant or petitioner another opportunity to provide missing evidence.

The policy became effective August 5, 2026, and also applies to cases pending as of that date.

🎥Watch this video for more details.

This is general information only, and not legal advice. If you have questions about your immigration situation, you can schedule a consultation through the link in my bio or by calling my office at 801-883-8204.

08/05/2026

A pending immigration application does not automatically protect someone from detention or removal proceedings.

A person may be in a “period of authorized stay,” meaning they are generally not accruing unlawful presence while a qualifying application is pending, but authorized stay is not the same as having lawful immigration status. However, this does not mean that people should not pursue their immigration cases, and in many cases, it may be best to file if a person qualifies, and remain in the U.S.

🎥Watch this video for more details.

This is general information only, and not legal advice. If you have questions about your immigration situation, you can schedule a consultation through the link in my bio or by calling my office at 801-883-8204.

08/04/2026

The administration is considering imposing a $100,000 fee connected to Optional Practical Training (OPT), the program that allows eligible F-1 students to work in the U.S. in positions related to their degrees.

DHS is also developing a broader proposed rule that could change the OPT program.

However, no $100,000 OPT fee is currently in effect, and the government has not yet published any proposed regulation about this. OPT and STEM OPT remain available under the existing rules.

🎥Watch this video for more details.

This is general information only, and not legal advice. If you have questions about your immigration situation, you can schedule a consultation through the link in my bio or by calling my office at 801-883-8204.

07/30/2026

One of the most confusing concepts in immigration law is the difference between maintaining legal status and being in a period of authorized stay.

They are not the same thing, and the difference can affect your eligibility for future immigration benefits, work authorization, and whether you’re accruing unlawful presence.

Filing an extension, change of status, or adjustment of status application, doesn’t automatically mean you’re in legal status just because your case is pending.

🎥Watch this video for more details.

This is general information only, and not legal advice. If you have questions about your immigration situation, you can schedule a consultation through the link in my bio or by calling my office at 801-883-8204.

"I don't make enough money to sponsor my spouse."It's one of the most common worries we hear in consultations, and the h...
07/28/2026

"I don't make enough money to sponsor my spouse."

It's one of the most common worries we hear in consultations, and the honest answer is usually: you have more options than you think.

Sponsoring a green card through Form I-864 comes down to a real, legal income threshold, but it's not a single fixed number, and it's not a solo requirement if your income falls short.

Swipe through for:
→ The actual 2026 income thresholds by household size
→ What counts as proof of income
→ How a joint sponsor can qualify in your place
→ How long this legal obligation lasts (it's longer than most people expect)

We just updated our blog for further clarity. Read it here: https://greenimmigration.us/i-864-financial-sponsor-of-an-immigrant/

07/28/2026

If you’re not maintaining a valid underlying legal status, you may want to reconsider domestic air travel within the United States. There have been reports of increased immigration-related detentions at U.S. airports in several states. Those affected include individuals who are no longer maintaining lawful status, even if they timely filed an application before their authorized stay expired.

🎥Watch this video for more details.

This is general information only, and not legal advice. If you have questions about your immigration situation, you can schedule a consultation through the link in my bio or by calling my office at 801-883-8204.

07/23/2026

Not every government-funded program automatically counts under the new public charge rule set to take effect on September 18, 2026, that will apply to most adjustment of status applicants.

The two requirements that must be met for a program to be considered a mean-tested public benefit are whether or not it was funded by the government, and if eligibility is based on income, assets, or financial need.

Even if someone receives a means-tested public benefit, it is not an automatic denial. USCIS must still evaluate the person’s complete circumstances.

🎥Watch this video for more details.

This is general information only, and not legal advice. If you have questions about your immigration situation, you can schedule a consultation through the link in my bio or by calling my office at 801-883-8204.

07/21/2026

Beginning September 15, 2026, DHS is ending what’s called “duration of status,” or D/S, for people in F, J and I status. Those entering the U.S. on one of those visas will now be given a fixed period of time to remain in the U.S. To remain longer, they will have to file an extension of stay with USCIS. DHS is also shortening the amount of time a person is allowed to remain in the U.S. after their program has finished from 60 days to 30 days.

🎥Watch this video for more details.

This is general information only, and not legal advice. If you have questions about your immigration situation, you can schedule a consultation through the link in my bio or by calling my office at 801-883-8204.

07/17/2026

A new DHS public charge rule affecting adjustment of status applications is coming, and will take effect September 18, 2026.

The rule expands the types of means-tested public benefits USCIS officers may consider and gives officers more discretion to examine an applicant’s complete financial picture when deciding whether or not to approve a person’s green card application. However, if an applicant has received a means
-tested public benefit that doesn’t mean a case will automatically be denied.

Applications filed before the effective date will continue to be adjudicated under the 2022 rule. This particular rule applies only to individuals applying for adjustment of status within the United States. However, for those applying for an immigrant visa through a U.S. consulate abroad, consular officers also evaluate whether the applicant is likely to become a public charge.

🎥Watch this video for more details.

This is general information only, and not legal advice. If you have questions about your immigration situation, you can schedule a consultation through the link in my bio or by calling my office at 801-883-8204.

07/17/2026

A K-1 fiancé visa does not mean you can immediately start working in the United States once you enter the U.S. with it. Although a K-1 entrant may apply for employment authorization before filing for adjustment of status, they generally must have the actual work permit before beginning employment. If it the work permit is issued, it’s limited to the short K-1 admission period, which is 90 days.

Most couples marry within the required 90 days, file for adjustment of status, and include the work permit application with it.

🎥Watch this video for more details.

This is general information only, and not legal advice. If you have questions about your immigration situation, you can schedule a consultation through the link in my bio or by calling my office at 801-883-8204.

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84101

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