Immigration Nerds

Erickson Immigration Group Partner Rob Taylor joins Immigration Nerds Host Lauren Clarke to discuss what preparations visa holders need to make before they embark on international travel at the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025.

Hit play to learn what essential documents you need to have in order and with you when you travel. Hear the tips that can help you with visa processing and how to handle possible administrative delays, plus what to consider when it comes to potential impacts on travel from the U.S. administration change on January 20, 2025.

In this episode of Immigration Nerds, host Lauren Clarke speaks with Shev Dalal-Dheini, Senior Director of Government Relations at the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), about the evolving landscape of legal immigration in 2024. They discuss recent H-1B reforms, increased filing fees, the future of programs like DACA and TPS, and the impact of Supreme Court decisions on immigration policy ahead of the 2024 presidential election.

SHOW RESOURCE LINKS: American Immigration Lawyers Association

GUEST: Sharvari (Shev) Dalal-Dheini, Senior Director of Government Relations, American Immigration Lawyers Association

HOST: Lauren Clarke

PRODUCER: Adam Belmar

Interview Recorded 10/30/24

Immigration Nerds explores Australia's impending changes to the Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage Visa Program. Host Lauren Clarke is joined by Erickson Immigration Group's Martin Russell and Catherine Thomas from Melbourne for an explainer on the Subclass 482, and potential benefits and challenges for employers and applicants in the evolving Australian immigration landscape.

SHOW RESOURCE LINKS: Subclass 482-Temporary Skill Shortage Visa

GUEST: Martin Russell, EIG Senior Manager, Australia and Catherine Thomas, EIG Senior Manager, Australia

HOST: Lauren Clarke, Managing Attorney

NEWS NERD: Rob Taylor, Partner

PRODUCER: Adam Belmar

The labor shortage facing America’s farmers and ranchers is persistent and costly. The H-2A visa program for temporary agricultural workers is a critical option for this business. Host Lauren Clarke is joined by immigration attorney L.J. D'Arrigo to explain the H-2A program's purpose, requirements, and challenges for both employers and workers. Plus, get the latest on DOL’s recent regulatory changes and ongoing litigation.

GUEST: Leonard J. D'Arrigo / Harris Beach

HOST: Lauren Clarke, Erickson Immigration Group Managing Attorney

NEWS NERD: Rob Taylor, Partner & Shareholder

PRODUCER: Adam Belmar

SHOW RESOURCE LINKS:

• Biden’s New H-2A Rule Expands Protections and Increases Oversight for Migrant Workers, American Immigration Council
• Georgia sues Biden administration over plan to expand farmworker rights, Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Discover how a Sri Lankan immigrant's love for his mother's cooking sparked a culinary revolution in Sydney. Shaun Christie-David's Colombo Social isn't just serving up delicious dishes – it's changing lives. From empowering refugees to bridging cultural divides, learn how food is becoming a powerful force for social change in Australia. This is the third episode of Immigration Nerd’s special series: Food of Immigrants where we celebrate cultural heritage and fostering community understanding through food.

GUEST: Shaun Chistie-David, Chief Executive Officer – Plate it Forward

HOST: Lauren Clarke,

PRODUCER: Adam Belmar

In this special episode of the Immigration Nerds Podcast, host Lauren Clarke welcomes renowned UCLA law professor Hiroshi Motomura for an in-depth discussion on the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, also known as the Hart-Celler Act.

Professor Motomura provides a detailed analysis of this landmark legislation, explaining how it fundamentally changed U.S. immigration policy by abolishing the discriminatory national origins quota system and establishing a new framework based on family reunification and attracting skilled labor. He describes the act as a "sea change" in American immigration law and frames it within the broader context of the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s.

This special episode offers listeners a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of a pivotal moment in U.S. immigration history and its lasting effects on American society.

GUEST:  Hiroshi Motomura, Susan Westerberg Prager Distinguished Professor of Law, UCLA School of Law

HOST: Lauren Clarke

PRODUCER: Adam Belmar

SHOW RESOURCE LINKS:

• Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 (Hart–Celler Act)
• Hiroshi Motomura / UCLA School of Law  

In October 2023, President Biden issued the "Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence" with special actions related to immigration and the advancement of AI.

This newest episode of the Immigration Nerds podcast looks at how President Biden's Executive Order is impacting immigration, the progress for the implementation of these actions and the deadlines being met, and, perhaps, most importantly, what challenges confront the adaptation of immigration policies to rapidly evolving AI technologies. Immigration Nerds Host Lauren Clarke is joined by special guest Sophie Alcorn for a review on AI and immigration.

GUEST: Sophie Alcorn, Founder, Alcorn Immigration Law and Host, The Sophie Alcorn Podcast

HOST: Lauren Clarke, Erickson Immigration Group Senior Attorney

NEWS NERD: Rob Taylor, Erickson Immigration Group Partner & Shareholder

PRODUCER: Adam Belmar

SHOW RESOURCE LINKS:

• Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence. 10/30/23

In this episode of Immigration Nerds, host Lauren Clarke and Erickson Immigration Group attorneys Andy Finkle and Kai Bostock discuss three major immigration policy changes announced in June 2024. They break down President Biden's executive orders on asylum seekers, new work visa processes for DACA recipients, and a parole program for undocumented spouses of US citizens.

(This episode was recorded before the Supreme Court decision on Chevron deference.)

Guests: Andy Finkle, Senior Managing Attorney, EIG and Kai Bostock, Associate Attorney, EIG

Host: Lauren Clarke

Producer: Adam Belmar

SHOW RESOURCE LINKS:

• White House FACT SHEET: President Biden Announces New Actions to Keep Families Together
• White House FACT SHEET: President Biden Announces New Actions to Secure the Border

In this episode of the Immigration Nerds podcast, we hear the inspiring story of two expats from Somaliland who are transforming lives through education. Asha Farah, founder of the Burao Academy of Science & Technology, and Yasmin Mirreh, EIG Senior Attorney and volunteer and advocate, talk about how STEM education has become a beacon of hope for Somali youth.

Learn how their transnational community leverages the power of immigration to create opportunities and foster global connections. Be inspired by the academy's remarkable achievements in STEM education and its impact on students, families, and the future of Somaliland. Don't miss this powerful episode that celebrates the potential of education and the resilience of the human spirit. Tune in to Immigration Nerds now!

HOST: Lauren Clarke

GUESTS: Yasmin Mirreh, Senior Attorney, International Practice, EIG; Asha Farah, Co-Founder, Burao Academy of Science and Technology located in Somaliland

NEWS NERD: Rob Taylor

PRODUCER: Adam Belmar

SHOW RESOURCE LINKS:

• Burao Academy of Science and Technology located in Somaliland
• Somaliland Professionals Association of America (SLPA)

In this powerful and insightful episode of the Immigration Nerds podcast, host Lauren Clarke sits down with Dr. Ken Fong, host of the Asian America Podcast, to celebrate Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month. Dr. Fong shares his own family's compelling immigration story, highlighting his grandfather's journey to America, the challenges faced by Chinese immigrants during the Chinese Exclusion Act era, and his father's brave service in World War II. The conversation delves into the importance of storytelling in showcasing the diverse experiences and contributions of Asian Americans, which are often underrepresented in mainstream media and history.

This episode serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of AANHPI Heritage Month and the ongoing need to celebrate and uplift the stories of this vibrant and essential part of the American fabric.

Lauren is also joined by Alejandra Zapatero, partner at Erickson Immigration Group, for a timely discussion on essential summer travel tips. From passport validity to visa appointment wait times and required documents, you’ll hear all the crucial advice to help ensure a smooth international travel experience for immigrants when you hit play.

GUEST: Dr. Ken Fong, Host, Asian America Podcast

HOST: Lauren Clarke

NEWS NERD: Alejandra Zapatero

PRODUCER: Adam Belmar

SHOW RESOURCE LINKS:

Asian America: The Ken Fong Podcast

Asian & Pacific American Heritage Month