A Section 337 investigation conducted by the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) is a quasi-judicial proceeding that addresses unfair trade practices related primarily to intellectual property (IP) infringement involving imported products. This analysis covers the Section 337 investigation process, strategies of complainants and respondents, filing requirements, and hearing procedures.

In the process of applying for U.S. lawful permanent resident status (green card), whether your Form I-485 (Application to Adjust Status) is accepted depends on whether a visa number is available for your immigration category—i.e., whether your priority date is current.

If the applicant’s spouse was born in a different country, the applicant may choose to use the spouse’s country of birth for visa chargeability. This is known as “cross-chargeability” or “using the spouse’s country of birth” strategy.

Under U.S. immigration law, biological children, stepchildren, adopted children, and illegitimate children generally enjoy the same immigration benefits, though some distinctions apply in specific circumstances.