In this episode Tahmina is joined by Ruchika Malhotra

Tahmina Talks Immigration and The Startup Visa podcast series are produced and edited by Tamanna Jahan. 

Special thanks to our series sponsor, Pinnacle Plan Writing for making these episodes possible. You can visit their website at https://www.pinnacleplanwriting.com/

Check out Tahmina’s books at www.tahminawatson.com and our startup visa series which is intended to be your toolbox for the success of your immigration journey.  

And if the world is feeling heavy right now, cultivate joy in your life with Tahmina’s journal Finding Joy series. Here’s a link to her best selling new coloring book: Color Your Joy: Birds and Wildlife Coloring Book: Watson, Tahmina, Jahan, Tamanna, Watson, Sofia, Watson, Sarina: 9798988507239: Amazon.com: Books 

Be sure to follow us on our website www.watsonimmigrationlaw.com and Tahmina’s author page on Amazon Amazon Author page and her author website www.tahminawatson.com. 

Sign to our blog- and connect with us on on social media:
LinkedIn - Watson Immigration Law and Tahmina Watson
Twitter - @TahminaTalks
Instagram - @TahminaTalks
Facebook - Watson Immigration Law

In this episode, Damali Peterman shares vital tips and tricks for running a robust business. Tahmina and Damali speak about utilizing entrepreneurial “superpowers” and their start-up journeys. 

Damali Peterman is a trailblazing conflict resolution expert, award-winning bestselling author, and CEO of BreakthroughADR, a global firm transforming how individuals and organizations navigate conflict and achieve workplace harmony. With over 20 years of experience as a lawyer, mediator, and educator, Damali is also a distinguished mediator, arbitrator, and ombudsman with JAMS, the largest private provider of alternative dispute resolution services in the world. Her expertise in negotiation and conflict resolution has made her a sought-after authority across industries.

Damali is the author of the award-winning and bestselling book Negotiating While Black: Be Who You Are to Get What You Want, published by Penguin Random House in North America and Bonnier Books internationally. Learn more about Damali here.

Tahmina Talks Immigration and The Startup Visa podcast series are produced and edited by Tamanna Jahan. 

Special thanks to our series sponsor, Pinnacle Plan Writing for making these episodes possible. You can visit their website at https://www.pinnacleplanwriting.com/

Check out Tahmina’s books at www.tahminawatson.com and our startup visa series which is intended to be your toolbox for the success of your immigration journey.  

And if the world is feeling heavy right now, cultivate joy in your life with Tahmina’s journal Finding Joy series. Here’s a link to her best selling new coloring book: Color Your Joy: Birds and Wildlife Coloring Book: Watson, Tahmina, Jahan, Tamanna, Watson, Sofia, Watson, Sarina: 9798988507239: Amazon.com: Books 

Be sure to follow us on our website www.watsonimmigrationlaw.com and Tahmina’s author page on Amazon Amazon Author page and her author website www.tahminawatson.com. 

Sign to our blog- and connect with us on on social media:
LinkedIn - Watson Immigration Law and Tahmina Watson
Twitter - @TahminaTalks
Instagram - @TahminaTalks
Facebook - Watson Immigration Law

Allison Sillberberg

Allison Sillberberg joins Tahmina on this episode to discuss Allison's experience as the Mayor of Alexandria, Virginia and the intersection between local governance and immigration.

A Public Affairs and Public Policy consultant and writer, Allison Silberberg served as the Mayor of Alexandria, Virginia, from 2016 to 2019. She served as Vice Mayor from 2013 to 2016. In 2023, Allison served as a consultant for Strong Cities Network, which commissioned her on “A Guide for Mayors: Preventing and Responding to Hate, Extremism & Polarisation” to help mayors shore up democratic institutions and civil society in their communities. 

Check out Allison’s Plain Talk (on Substack) and learn more about her career here.

Tahmina Talks Immigration and The Startup Visa podcast series are produced and edited by Tamanna Jahan. 

Special thanks to our series sponsor, Pinnacle Plan Writing for making these episodes possible. You can visit their website at https://www.pinnacleplanwriting.com/

Check out Tahmina’s books at www.tahminawatson.com and our startup visa series which is intended to be your toolbox for the success of your immigration journey.  

And if the world is feeling heavy right now, cultivate joy in your life with Tahmina’s journal Finding Joy series. Here’s a link to her best selling new coloring book: Color Your Joy: Birds and Wildlife Coloring Book: Watson, Tahmina, Jahan, Tamanna, Watson, Sofia, Watson, Sarina: 9798988507239: Amazon.com: Books 

Be sure to follow us on our website www.watsonimmigrationlaw.com and Tahmina’s author page on Amazon Amazon Author page and her author website www.tahminawatson.com. 

Sign to our blog- and connect with us on on social media:
LinkedIn - Watson Immigration Law and Tahmina Watson
Twitter - @TahminaTalks
Instagram - @TahminaTalks
Facebook - Watson Immigration Law

* Note- this event was held earlier in the year of 2025. We published the episode in December 2025. The policies were updated by USCIS in October 2025- with a new set of civics questions and adjudication standards. The application process and forms remain the same so the episode remains timely and relevant. Just ensure you check updated policies on the USCIS website. 

Given the challenges of 2025, it's imperative that US legal permanent residents (LPR) should consider applying for the US.  LPRs, also referred to as green card holders, have faced heighten scrutiny and even been detained. 

For that reason, to empower our community, Tahmina held a free webinar on zoom to guide people on how to apply for citizenship. We decided to release the recording in the hopes that more people can be empowered through our listeners. 

Here is a recording of the webinar to help others. 

Here is the link to the form Application for Naturalization | USCIS

Should you wish to schedule a consultation, email [email protected]

Tahmina Talks Immigration and The Startup Visa podcast series are produced and edited by Tamanna Jahan. 

Check out Tahmina’s books at www.tahminawatson.com and our startup visa series which is intended to be your toolbox for the success of your immigration journey.  

Here is a link to her bestselling visa guide book: The Startup Visa: U.S. Immigration Visa Guide for Startups and Founders: Watson, Tahmina, Doughty, Caroline, Buhain, Venice, Vos, Troy: 9781735758572: Amazon.com: Books

Here is her policy book: The Startup Visa: Key to Job Growth & Economic Prosperity in America: Watson, Tahmina, Turnbull, Lornet, Feld, Brad: 9781735758534: Amazon.com: Books

And if the world is feeling heavy right now, cultivate joy in your life with Tahmina’s journal Finding Joy Finding Joy: A Journal to Discover What Lights You Up: Watson, Tahmina: 9798988507222: Amazon.com: Books

Be sure to follow us on our website www.watsonimmigrationlaw.com and Tahmina’s author page on Amazon Amazon Author page and her author website www.tahminawatson.com. 

S

Efren Hernandez, a life long USCIS policy leader, now working in the private sector sits down with Tahmina to discuss the shocking $100,000 fee imposed on H-1B visas. 

Efren Hernandez is the Founder of EH3 Immigration Consulting. He is an immigration lawyer with 32 years of experience in the field, the vast majority at the former INS and at USCIS. While he has seen and done just about everything in the immigration realm, for the last 24 years he has focused on business/employment-based immigration. He has held leadership roles at USCIS and the legacy INS, and has been involved in the creation of many major policies in the employment-based realm. He is retired from USCIS and now uses his deep institutional, legal, and policy knowledge to offer high-level strategic consulting on complex immigration questions.

You can learn more about Efren on LinkedIn at Efren Hernandez III | LinkedIn

Tahmina Talks Immigration and The Startup Visa podcast series are produced and edited by Tamanna Jahan. 

Check out Tahmina’s books at www.tahminawatson.com and our startup visa series which is intended to be your toolbox for the success of your immigration journey.  

And if the world is feeling heavy right now, cultivate joy in your life with Tahmina’s journal Finding Joy series. Here’s a link to her best selling new coloring book: Color Your Joy: Birds and Wildlife Coloring Book: Watson, Tahmina, Jahan, Tamanna, Watson, Sofia, Watson, Sarina: 9798988507239: Amazon.com: Books 

Be sure to follow us on our website www.watsonimmigrationlaw.com and Tahmina’s author page on Amazon Amazon Author page and her author website www.tahminawatson.com. 

Sign to our blog- and connect with us on on social media:
LinkedIn - Watson Immigration Law and Tahmina Watson
Twitter - @TahminaTalks
Instagram - @TahminaTalks
Facebook - Watson Immigration Law

Senator Vandana Slatter helped pass state funding for a Washington State immigrant entrepreneur program, one of a handful in the entire country. Tahmina sits down to speak with her. 

Senator Vandana Slatter (D–WA 48th District) is a pharmacist, biotech professional, and trailblazing lawmaker who brings science, compassion, and equity to public service. Currently Vice Chair of the Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee, she also serves on the Health and Higher Education committees. A former Bellevue City Councilmember and four-term State House Representative, Vandana was the first Indian-American elected to the Washington State House. Her work has championed climate policy, healthcare privacy, education access, and innovation. A naturalized citizen, community leader, and public school parent, Vandana’s journey from pharmacy to policy is grounded in service, representation, and creating opportunity for all.

You can learn more about Senator Slatter at Vandana Slatter for State Senate | Meet Vandana

Tahmina Talks Immigration and The Startup Visa podcast series are produced and edited by Tamanna Jahan. 

Check out Tahmina’s books at www.tahminawatson.com and our startup visa series which is intended to be your toolbox for the success of your immigration journey.  

And if the world is feeling heavy right now, cultivate joy in your life with Tahmina’s journal Finding Joy series. Here’s a link to her best selling new coloring book: Color Your Joy: Birds and Wildlife Coloring Book: Watson, Tahmina, Jahan, Tamanna, Watson, Sofia, Watson, Sarina: 9798988507239: Amazon.com: Books 

Be sure to follow us on our website www.watsonimmigrationlaw.com and Tahmina’s author page on Amazon Amazon Author page and her author website www.tahminawatson.com. 

Sign to our blog- and connect with us on on social media:
LinkedIn - Watson Immigration Law and Tahmina Watson
Twitter - @TahminaTalks
Instagram - @TahminaTalks
Facebook - Watson Immigration Law

Given the various challenges in the United States, many U.S. residents are seeking information on how to immigrate to Canada. Tahmina speaks with David Kika, an immigration expert practicing Canadian immigration law. 

David Kika is a seasoned business immigration professional based in North Vancouver, BC, with deep expertise in Canadian and international immigration pathways. He supports clients with LMIA applications, work permits (including NAFTA/CUSMA, CPTPP, and CETA), and both provincial and federal permanent residence programs such as BC PNP, Express Entry, and others across Canada. David also handles family sponsorships and a range of other immigration applications. Prior to his Canadian practice, he worked in the Czech Republic assisting Japanese automotive executives with European work permits and corporate matters. David brings a global perspective and practical experience to every client he serves.

You can contact David at David Kika Immigration Consulting | BBB Business Profile | Better Business Bureau and find him on LinkedIn at David Kika | LinkedIn

Tahmina Talks Immigration and The Startup Visa podcast series are produced and edited by Tamanna Jahan. 

Check out Tahmina’s books at www.tahminawatson.com and our startup visa series which is intended to be your toolbox for the success of your immigration journey.  

And if the world is feeling heavy right now, cultivate joy in your life with Tahmina’s journal Finding Joy series. Here’s a link to her best selling new coloring book: Color Your Joy: Birds and Wildlife Coloring Book: Watson, Tahmina, Jahan, Tamanna, Watson, Sofia, Watson, Sarina: 9798988507239: Amazon.com: Books 

Be sure to follow us on our website www.watsonimmigrationlaw.com and Tahmina’s author page on Amazon Amazon Author page and her author website www.tahminawatson.com. 

Sign to our blog- and connect with us on on social media:
LinkedIn - Watson Immigration Law and Tahmina Watson
Twitter - @TahminaTalks
Instagram - @TahminaTalks
Facebook - Watson Immigration Law

This is an episode shared from The Startup Visa podcast that will be useful for our listeners. 

In this episode, our guest is Chris Bloomquist. He is a 20-year veteran of the technology industry, a 2-time startup founder, and expanding into the climate and environmental recruiting industries.  He has a passion to tell the stories of impactful environmental organizations, leveraging his executive level recruitment expertise to put inspiring people to work, and believes that equitable hiring and employment should be a basic human right. He also serve as the Vice Chairman of the KD Hall Foundation as a male ally, serving minority girls and women in their education and employment growth. He is a father, husband, adult Lego enthusiast, ultimate frisbee and cross country coach and enjoys a good Star Wars movie as much as a tasty food documentary. 

Links to connect with Chris:

About Us | The Talent Mine

(2) Chris Bloomquist | LinkedIn

Tahmina Talks Immigration and The Startup Visa podcast series are produced and edited by Tamanna Jahan. 

Check out Tahmina’s books at www.tahminawatson.com and our startup visa series which is intended to be your toolbox for the success of your immigration journey.  

Here is a link to her bestselling visa guide book: The Startup Visa: U.S. Immigration Visa Guide for Startups and Founders: Watson, Tahmina, Doughty, Caroline, Buhain, Venice, Vos, Troy: 9781735758572: Amazon.com: Books

Here is her policy book: The Startup Visa: Key to Job Growth & Economic Prosperity in America: Watson, Tahmina, Turnbull, Lornet, Feld, Brad: 9781735758534: Amazon.com: Books

And if the world is feeling heavy right now, cultivate joy in your life with Tahmina’s journal Finding Joy Finding Joy on Amazon. 

Sign to our blog- and connect with us on social media:
LinkedIn - Watson Immigration Law and Tahmina Watson
Twitter - @TahminaTalks
Instagram - @TahminaTalks
Facebook - Watson Immigration Law

In this episode, Jordan Lawrence is the EB5AN Director of Business Development. In this role, he structures EB-5 project offerings and develops new strategic relationships. Jordan most recently served as the Director of Operations at Houston EB5. He has over five years of experience in the real estate finance and development industries, online marketing, and international business development. You can learn more about him at https://eb5affiliatenetwork.com/

Tahmina Talks Immigration and The Startup Visa podcast series are produced and edited by Tamanna Jahan. 

Check out Tahmina’s books at www.tahminawatson.com and our startup visa series which is intended to be your toolbox for the success of your immigration journey.  

Here is a link to her bestselling visa guide book: The Startup Visa: U.S. Immigration Visa Guide for Startups and Founders: Watson, Tahmina, Doughty, Caroline, Buhain, Venice, Vos, Troy: 9781735758572: Amazon.com: Books

Here is her policy book: The Startup Visa: Key to Job Growth & Economic Prosperity in America: Watson, Tahmina, Turnbull, Lornet, Feld, Brad: 9781735758534: Amazon.com: Books

Be sure to follow us on our website www.watsonimmigrationlaw.com and Tahmina’s author page on Amazon Amazon Author page and her author website www.tahminawatson.com. 

Sign to our blog- and connect with us on on social media:
LinkedIn - Watson Immigration Law and Tahmina Watson
Twitter - @TahminaTalks
Instagram - @TahminaTalks
Facebook - Watson Immigration Law

In this episode of Tahmina Talks Immigration, I speak with Clive Stafford Smith- British American Human Rights Lawyer who is an expert on Guantanamo Bay detained cases having represented over 80 detainees held at the Guantanamo Bay detention camp. 

He specialises in the areas of civil rights and working against the death penalty in the United States of America. He worked to overturn death sentences for convicts, and helped found the not-for-profit Louisiana Capital Assistance Center in New Orleans. By 2002 this was the "largest capital defence organisation in the South. He was a founding board member of the Gulf Region Advocacy Center, based in Houston, Texas. He currently works as the founder of Justice League in the UK. 

He can be reached at [email protected]

Tahmina Talks Immigration podcast series is produced and edited by Tamanna Jahan. 

Check out Tahmina’s books at www.tahminawatson.com and our startup visa series which is intended to be your toolbox for the success of your immigration journey.  

Here is a link to her bestselling visa guide book: The Startup Visa: U.S. Immigration Visa Guide for Startups and Founders: Watson, Tahmina, Doughty, Caroline, Buhain, Venice, Vos, Troy: 9781735758572: Amazon.com: Books

Here is her policy book: The Startup Visa: Key to Job Growth & Economic Prosperity in America: Watson, Tahmina, Turnbull, Lornet, Feld, Brad: 9781735758534: Amazon.com: Books

Be sure to follow us on our website www.watsonimmigrationlaw.com and Tahmina’s author page on Amazon Amazon Author page and her author website www.tahminawatson.com. 

Sign to our blog- and connect with us on on social media:
LinkedIn - Watson Immigration Law and Tahmina Watson
Twitter - @TahminaTalks
Instagram - @TahminaTalks
Facebook - Watson Immigration Law