Marsha Mavunkel, Chair of the Immigration Group at Ryan Swanson Law, joins Jason Cavness to discuss the realities of U.S. immigration from H-1B visas to family reunification — and the human stories behind every case.

A first-generation American and daughter of Indian immigrants, Marsha brings deep expertise and empathy to her work, helping individuals, families, and businesses navigate one of the most complex systems in U.S. law. In this episode, she shares practical insights on immigration policy, career development in law, and finding balance between leadership, motherhood, and advocacy.

Episode Highlights

• Navigating the immigration system as both an attorney and first-generation American • Career development and mentorship in law • The human side of immigration — families, opportunity, and hope • H-1B visas, compliance, and corporate immigration challenges • Systemic backlogs, delays, and how clients can respond • The reality of policy shifts under different administrations • Balancing family, culture, and professional life • Why advocacy and empathy matter in legal work

Guest Bio (Condensed)

Marsha Mavunkel serves as Chair of the Immigration Group at Ryan Swanson Law, where she specializes in U.S. Immigration and Naturalization law. Her practice spans both family and employment-based immigration, guiding individuals and corporations through the legal process while ensuring I-9 compliance and regulatory accuracy.

The daughter of immigrants from Kerala, India, Marsha combines professional expertise with personal perspective. She has worked in the immigration field as a researcher, visiting professional, and pro bono attorney. A leader in her field, she's served as Chair of the AILA Washington Chapter and on multiple Executive Committees of the American Immigration Lawyers Association.

Guest Links

LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/marsha-mavunkel-5163b545/ Company Website – https://ryanswansonlaw.com/ X – https://x.com/RyanSwansonLaw Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/ryanswansonlaw/

Guest Quote / Advice

"The immigration system is a maze — even for those of us who work in it every day. Sometimes the best thing clients can do is stay patient, reach out to their congressperson, or contact an ombudsman. It's frustrating, but persistence pays off."

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