What does it feel like to miss your green card approval by just eight days after waiting for nearly a decade? In this compelling episode, we follow KC Lakshminarasimham's 16-year odyssey through America's labyrinthine immigration system.

From his unexpected arrival in the U.S. during the 2008 recession to coming heartbreakingly close to permanent residency, only to have bureaucratic delays slam the door shut at the last moment, KC's story captures both the frustration and determination required to navigate employment-based immigration. Adding to the complexity, his wife—a qualified dentist—faced her own career obstacles due to her dependent visa status.

After years of setbacks and a devastating near-miss, discover how KC finally achieved success by proving his "extraordinary ability" when traditional paths failed him. This eye-opening conversation reveals the human cost behind immigration statistics and offers crucial insights for skilled professionals facing similar challenges. Don't miss this powerful testament to perseverance that illuminates why America's immigration policies matter for our technological and economic leadership.

GUEST:  KC Lakshminarasimham "Lack-shmee-nara-sim-ham"

HOST: Lauren Clarke

INTERVIEWER: Justin Parsons

NEWS NERD: Rob Taylor

PRODUCER: Adam Belmar