Interviewed on "I Know A Lawyer"

Rebecca Freeman was recently interviewed on the popular podcast “I Know A Lawyer” where the host asked about the ever changing rules of immigration law.

What was covered?

HOW DOES US IMMIGRATION WORK

The US immigration is significantly relationship-based, rather than points-based.  That means it’s harder to find a path without a pre-existing relationship, whether employment-based or family-based.

SPECIAL VISA OPTION FOR CANADIAN CITIZENS

Did you know that Canadians have an easier path to U.S. citizenship? The TN nonimmigrant classification permits qualified Canadian and Mexican citizens to seek temporary entry into the United States to engage in business activities at a professional level. This is a non-immigrant (meaning temporary) status, but there is no limit to the numbers of times it can be renewed.

WHICH COUNTRIES HAVE SPECIAL “FAST-TRACKS”

Canada, Mexico, Singapore, Chile, Australia

WHAT DID THE PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATION DO

The previous administration couldn’t change the ways the laws were written, but were able to change the way those laws were interpreted. During that time, it was tense and difficult to manage expectations with a constantly changing framework driven by executive orders.

WHAT’S CHANGED UNDER THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION

Today former immigration programs are back in place, and some of the difficulties recently faced are now reversed. In particular, the International Entrepreneur Rule has returned, which allows successful entrepreneurs to enter the U.S.  There is still more work to do to fix the whole immigration process.  Significant structural delays remain in place – and Covid continues to be a problem.

WHAT MIGHT CHANGE

We could de-couple green card “permanent residence” issuance from nationality.  This would help clear massive backlogs. Currently, green cards are pegged to the foreign national’s country of birth.  Countries with large populations, like India and China suffer under the current regulations.

THE E-2 INVESTOR VISA OPTION

This is a visa that allows foreign nationals to enter the U.S. in the absence of a preexisting relationship.  They would use their own funds to buy or start a business in the U.S. 

THE INTERNATIONAL ENTREPRENEUR PAROLE RULE

This is a space to keep watch over as it is newly available and not yet tested. 

We covered in more detail than we can sum up here. Take a listen and get a feel for Rebecca and her deep level of experience in U.S. immigration