Insights
Articles and legal updates from our team on immigration, business and international law — in English and Turkish.
2026
Which Countries Have U.S. Extradition Treaties?
As explained in our article titled “How U.S. Extradition Works,” international extradition involving the United States is generally based on a treaty. One of…
ABD’nin Hangi Ülkelerle İade Anlaşması Var?
“ABD’de Suçluların İadesi Nasıl İşler?” başlıklı yazımızda açıklandığı üzere, Amerika Birleşik Devletleri’nin taraf olduğu uluslararası iade süreçleri kural…
How Extradition to and from the United States Works
Our article titled “How the Extradition Process Works” provides a general overview of international extradition. When the United States is involved, that…
ABD’de Suçluların İadesi Nasıl İşler?
“Suçluların İadesi Süreci Nasıl İşler?” başlıklı yazımız, uluslararası iade sürecinin genel çerçevesini açıklamaktadır. Amerika Birleşik Devletleri’nin taraf…
Suçluların İadesi ile Sınır Dışı Etme Arasındaki Fark Nedir?
“Suçluların iadesi” ve “sınır dışı etme” kavramları zaman zaman birbirinin yerine kullanılsa da farklı hukuk alanlarına tabi olan iki ayrı süreci ifade eder.…
Extradition vs. Deportation: What Is the Difference?
Although the terms “extradition” and “deportation” are sometimes used interchangeably, they describe distinct legal processes governed by different bodies of…
Your Rights When Facing an Extradition Request
Facing an extradition request is frightening, but it doesn't mean you have no say in the process. If you've read our piece on *” How the extradition process…
Extradition Treaties: Why Some Countries Cooperate and Some Don't
If you've read our overview on “What is Extradition?”, you already know that extradition usually requires a legal basis. In most cases, that basis is a…
Common Reasons Extradition Requests Get Denied
Having a valid extradition treaty in place doesn't guarantee a request will succeed. Nearly every treaty includes recognized grounds for refusal. Here are…
What Is Extradition? A Simple Guide for Non-Lawyers
If you've ever read a news story about someone being arrested in one country and sent back to another to face criminal charges, you've already seen…
How Does the Extradition Process Work? Step-by-Step Explained
Extradition can sound like a single, dramatic event, someone is arrested and sent to another country. If you are new to this topic, you might first want to…
DHS Sets Fixed Admission Periods for F and J Nonimmigrants
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) has published a final rule replacing the longstanding “duration of status,” or “D/S,” framework for certain…
Enforcing ECtHR Judgments: Committee of Ministers Process
When the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) issues a finding of violation, it is often assumed that the process ends there. In reality, the true test…
AİHM Kararlarının İcrası: Bakanlar Komitesi Süreci
Avrupa İnsan Hakları Mahkemesi (AİHM) bir ihlal kararı verdiğinde, çoğu zaman sürecin burada bittiği düşünülür. Oysa gerçek sınav, kararın verilmesinden…
I-589 Formu Nasıl Doldurulur
Amerika Birleşik Devletleri’nde sığınma talebinde bulunma kararı almak, beraberinde pek çok karmaşıklık ve yorgunluk getirebilen oldukça mühim bir adımdır.…
How to Fill Out Form I-589
Applying for asylum in the United States is a big decision and can feel overwhelming. After everything you’ve been through and with your hope for safety, you…
İltica Başvurunuz İçin Kanıt Toplama Rehberi
Etkili bir iltica başvurusu hazırlamak bazen göz korkutucu görünebilir, ancak yalnız değilsiniz. Adım adım ilerleyerek bu süreci çok daha yönetilebilir hale…
Do I Really Need a Will?
Thinking about a will can feel uncomfortable. It requires making decisions about events most of us would rather not imagine. As a result, many people put it…
Gathering Evidence for Your Asylum Application
Putting together a strong asylum application can feel overwhelming, but taking it step by step can make things easier and help you present your case clearly.…
Trademark Law Meets Generative AI: Getty v. Stability AI
Generative artificial intelligence has rapidly transformed the way visual content is created, distributed, and consumed. Image-generation systems trained on…
F-1 to H-1B Transition: H-1B Cap-Gap Rule for OPT Students
For many international students in the United States, transitioning from F-1 student status to H-1B employment status can be one of the most important — and…
Understanding "In Absentia" Removal Orders
Going to immigration court buildings and appearing at the hearings can be stressful, and recent circumstances are making it even more confusing. Immigration…
“Gıyabi” (In Absentia) Sınır Dışı Kararı Nedir?
Göçmenlik mahkemelerindeki süreçlere dahil olmak ve duruşma salonunda hazır bulunmak oldukça gergin bir tecrübe olabilir; özellikle son dönemdeki değişimler…
Yatırım Yoluyla Türk Vatandaşlığı Nasıl Alınır?
Yabancı yatırımcılar ve kisiler yatırım yoluyla Türk vatandaşlığı kazanabilir. Türk vatandaşlığının kazanılmasına ilişkin başvurular bireysel olarak takip…
How to Obtain Turkish Citizenship by Investment
Foreign investors and individuals may acquire Turkish citizenship through investment. Applications for the acquisition of Turkish citizenship may be pursued…
Counterfeit Check Scams Targeting Law Firms
Law firms continue to face increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes involving counterfeit checks, fake settlement payments, and fabricated legal matters.…
Maintaining U.S. Nonimmigrant Status: Key Tips
During your nonimmigrant stay in the United States, which could be like B-2, B-1, F-1, J-1, or H-1B, it is crucial to pay attention to the duration of your…
Sığınma Temelli Yeşil Kartınız Onaylanmadan Önce Boşanmak
Eşiniz sizi kendi sığınma başvurusuna dahil ettiyse ve bu başvuru kabul edildiyse, evliliğinize dayalı olarak statünüz “ikincil sığınmacı (derivative…
Divorcing Before Your Asylum-Based Green Card is Approved
If your spouse included you in their asylum application and it was subsequently granted, your status will be “derivative asylee” based on your marriage, a…
Affirmative Asylum in the U.S.: Frequently Asked Questions
As interview dates get closer, many applicants in the United States going through the affirmative asylum process often have similar questions. This guide is…
ABD’de Olumlu Sığınma Başvurusu (Affirmative Asylum): Sık Sorulanlar
ABD’de olumlu sığınma (affirmative asylum) süreci ilerledikçe, pek çok başvuru sahibi mülakat tarihine dair benzer endişeler ve sorular taşımaktadır. Bu…
Premarital Agreements: Yes or No?
A premarital agreement (prenup) is often misunderstood as something that plans for divorce. In practice, its real value is much more practical. It allows…
Evlilik Öncesi Anlaşma: Evet mi Hayır mı?
Bir evlilik öncesi anlaşma (pre-marital agreement), çoğu zaman boşanmayı planlayan bir düzenleme gibi yanlış anlaşılır. Oysa uygulamada asıl değeri çok daha…
İyi Hazırlanmış Bir Anlaşmalı Boşanma Protokolü'nün Stratejisi
Boşanma, hayatın en önemli geçiş dönemlerinden biridir. Çoğu durumda sonucun nasıl şekilleneceği bir mahkeme duruşmasından ziyade dikkatle hazırlanmış bir…
The Strategy Behind a Well-Drafted Marital Settlement Agreement
Divorce is one of life’s significant transitions. In many cases, the outcome is shaped not by a courtroom trial, but by a carefully drafted Marital…
AİHM Başvurularında En Kritik Aşama: Rule 47’ye Uygunluk
Avrupa İnsan Hakları Mahkemesi’ne (AİHM) yapılan bireysel başvurular, yalnızca ihlal iddiasının varlığına göre değil, aynı zamanda belirli şekli ve usuli…
Important Updates to the Immigration Appeals Process
The U.S. Department of Justice has introduced an interim final rule that brings significant changes to the immigration appeals process before the Board of…
H-1B FY 2027 Cap Registration Period Now Open
USCIS has officially announced the H-1B cap registration timeline for FY 2027. As we approach the opening of the registration period, it's important to note…
Federal Court Invalidates USCIS EB-1A Final Merits Framework
On January 28, 2026, the U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska issued a landmark decision that significantly impacts how EB-1A (Extraordinary…
Flagged by a Private Database?
Have you ever been denied a bank account, lost a business deal, or encountered unexpected delays with international payments? In many cases, the underlying…
Department of State Announces Temporary Pause on Immigrant Visa Issuance
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has published a policy update titled “Immigrant Visa Processing Updates for Nationalities at High Risk of Public Benefits…
Can a Person Living in the USA Apply to the ECHR?
Certain conditions are prescribed for lodging an application with the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). The admissibility of an application is strictly…
ABD'de Yaşayan Bir Kişi AİHM'e Başvuru Yapılabilir Mi?
Avrupa Insan Haklari Mahkemesi’ne (AİHM) başvuru için belli şartlar öngörülmektedir. Başvurunun kabul edilebilirliği, taraf devlet şartı, iç hukuk yollarının…
2025
USCIS Photo Requirements: A Practical Guide (EAD/Form I-765)
Immigration paperwork in the U.S. can feel like a puzzle—lots of moving pieces, and one small mistake can slow things down. Photos are one of those “small…
Why Everyone Should Have a Will — Even If You’re Not “Rich or Old”
A will is beneficial for anyone with children, property, digital assets, or personal wishes. Almost anyone who owns assets, cares about their family’s…
İltica Başvurusu İçin Kişisel Destek Mektubu Nasıl Yazılır?
Destek mektupları, sığınma başvurularında önemli bir rol oynar. Göçmenlik memurlarına ve hakimlere, resmi belgelerin tek başına sağlayabileceğinden daha…
Grounds for Red Notice Removal
Once an individual confirms that their information appears in INTERPOL’s files, the next question is whether there are valid legal grounds to request…
How Do I Know if I Am Listed in INTERPOL’s Databases?
Many individuals are unaware that their information may appear in INTERPOL’s systems until they encounter delays at a border, difficulties with immigration…
“Why Is My Background Check Delayed?” Problems with Red Notices
A Red Notice can affect many aspects of daily life, even for individuals with strong legal protections. Understanding the potential impact is the first step…
How to Write a Support Letter for an Asylum Applicant
Support letters play a significant role in asylum applications. They give immigration officers and judges a more personal view of the applicant or respondent…
EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) Overview
The EB-2 category is for skilled professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability. Normally an EB-2 green card requires a U.S. employer, a job…
Navigating the EB-2 (PERM) Green Card Process
For foreign professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability, the EB-2 visa is a popular employment-based route to a U.S. green card. In the…
EB-1 Green Card: Fast-Track Pathway for Extraordinary Talent
The EB-1 category is a first-preference employment visa reserved for exceptionally accomplished individuals. It offers a fast track to U.S. permanent…
E-2 Investor Visa: Your Guide to Investing in the U.S.
The E-2 investor visa is a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs from countries with a trade treaty with the United States (such as Turkey, Italy, Germany…
E-1 Treaty Trader Visa: Expanding Your Business in the U.S.
The E-1 Treaty Trader visa is a special U.S. work visa designed for entrepreneurs and business executives who come from a country that has a trade treaty…
Understanding REAL ID: A Guide for Immigrants and Asylum Seekers
Navigating life as an immigrant or asylum seeker in the United States often involves understanding complex rules, and identification requirements are…
Keep Your Family Together During Removal Proceedings
If someone enters the U.S. without lawful status and finds themselves in removal proceedings, there's still hope! They can apply for asylum through the…
2024
Trademark, Copyright and Patent
Intellectual property rights are hugely important for businesses, especially those operating in e-commerce. A company's ability to continue its sales legally…
What Is A Trademark?
A trademark is a distinctive word, phrase, logo, symbol, or design (or a combination of these) used in connection with the marketing and sale of products or…
How to Choose a Strong Trademark
Hundreds of brand applications are sent to the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), and finding that strong brand is becoming increasingly tricky. Many…
Do You Know You Can Expedite Your Asylum Interview Date?
If you or someone you know has ever been involved in the process of seeking asylum within the U.S., you may have heard of a legal procedure referred to as a…
Differences Between Principal and Supplemental Registration
In this article, we'll be detailing the differences between two very distinct routes in the trademark field: Principal Registration and Supplemental…
Amazon's Sections 2 & 3 and Seller Account Suspension
Amazon is one of the most famous shopping and selling platforms in the United States. Like many other platforms, Amazon also has certain policies that…
Contractual Restrictions
Often a contract will contain clauses that express not an obligation to act in a certain way, but an obligation to either limit or restrain entirely certain…
Trademark Filing Basics: Why It Matters for Your Brand
Securing a trademark is a crucial step for any business or individual looking to protect their brand, product, or service identity in the market. The United…
The Business Owner's Roadmap: Contracts
Contracts are the backbone of business relationships. They're everywhere. However, their intricate details often elude even the most seasoned business…
Ending Contracts: The Hows and Whys
In the business world, contracts are the glue that holds relationships together. Think of it like the rules of a game - it's what ensures everyone plays fair…
A Must-Do Before Branding: USPTO Trademark Research
Imagine you've just launched a brand with a fantastic name, only to find out another company already holds the rights to it. That's why, before registering a…
Trade Dress Protection: A Guide for Businesses
Trade dress is a term that might sound complex at first, but it's an essential aspect of intellectual property law that businesses should be aware of. As…
Group Registration of Unscripted Works for Copyright Protection
Group Registration of Unpublished Works (GRUW) is a convenient method offered by the Copyright Office to register multiple unpublished works simultaneously.…
Understanding Interpreter Requirements for Immigration Interviews
If you have an upcoming interview or appointment related to your VISA status or immigration proceedings and are not fluent in English, you might be concerned…
Creating a “Statement of Purpose”
You have decided to study in the U.S. as an international student, a goal you have always dreamed of. Now, you have taken the steps to create a career plan…
To Be an International Student in the United States
Are you an international student dreaming of studying in the United States? The F1 visa is your golden ticket to a world of academic excellence and cultural…
Working in the U.S. on an H-1B Visa
You are an expert in your profession; you want to experience living in America, but you also want to continue the profession in which you are an expert. Then…
Creating a Support Letter for Your Friend’s Marriage
Your friends are married and now want to live together without distance. They are preparing to apply for a Green Card but have a challenge to overcome, "bona…
Surrendering a Trademark Registration
Surrendering a trademark registration is not a decision to be taken lightly. Therefore, as Merit Law, we will be talking about the important key points you…
Understanding Certification Marks: Insights for Businesses
Welcome to our blog, today, as Merit Law, we will be talking about how to understand Certification Marks via different chapters.
Fraud in Contract Law
In today's blog, as Merit Law, we will be talking about Fraud and the important key points you need to know about it.
Copyright Infringement and Substantial Similarity
In the vast expanse of the digital age, originality knows no bounds. With every click, a new producer emerges. In an era where digital platforms empower…
Your Role as a Cosigner in a Bail Bond Agreement
Whether you're a legal professional, a defendant, or just someone interested in the workings of the law, as Merit Law, we will be providing clear insights…
Now That I Am a Permanent Resident, What Should I Do Next?
Becoming a Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) of the United States has many benefits, such as the right to work legally, pursue educational opportunities…
Love Without Distances
Here, we will discuss how a Legal Permanent Residents (LPR) can apply for a Green Card for their spouse. If you are already a U.S. citizen or a naturalized…
Common Law Trademark Rights: A Guide for Business Owners
Common law trademark rights are a critical aspect of trademark law in the United States. As Merit Law, we will talk about the important points you need to…
How to Navigate Legal Dispute with Airbnb: Guide for Guest & Host
Navigating legal disputes with Airbnb can be challenging for both hosts and guests. Whether you're dealing with property damage, safety concerns, or…
How To Write a Business Contract
When entering into any business arrangement, having a well-crafted contract is crucial. Not only does it lay the foundation for the agreement, but it also…
E-1 Treaty Traders Visa
The E1 visa is a type of visa that allows business people in certain countries that have agreements with the United States to do business between their own…
Bring Your Loved One to The USA
You are a U.S. citizen and met someone from another country in the USA or while you are abroad. You spent time together, and you explored the differences…
Why Do Etsy Accounts Get Suspended?
Etsy is a powerful platform where many sellers sell many different items like handmade products, arts and crafts, vintage goods, etc. However, a majority of…
Understanding Certification Marks
Trademarks are pivotal in identifying and differentiating products or services. They set the product or service apart from competitors and link it to its…
Trademark Renewals and Declarations
Like the maintenance of all items of serious value, maintaining ownership of trademarks calls for meticulous care and frequent updates. Let's break down the…
Unlocking the Full Potential of Your Original Works
Creating a work of art gives you a special set of rights, regardless of whether it's a book, song, piece of software, artwork, or even a T-shirt design.…
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