Immigration Law for Tech Startups

Rachel Perić is Executive Director of Welcoming America.  Inspired by her family’s refugee story,  she has worked for more than a decade to grow the worldwide movement of welcomers and advocate for the power of everyday people to build welcoming communities for all.   Rachel has worked throughout her career with local leaders whose innovative solutions to community building in an era of migration are the inspiration for her work and advocacy,  and the subject of her published writing in USA Today, CNN, and numerous media outlets.  She serves on the boards of RCUSA, the American Visionary Art Museum,  and Art and Remembrance.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Rachel Perić's journey inspired by her family's refugee story and vision for inclusive communities.

• Overview of Welcoming America: connecting 300 members across 40 states, aiming for 50 certified welcoming cities and counties by 2026.

• Importance of creating neighborly connections and policies to dismantle participation barriers.

• Insights into the transformative certified welcoming program, promoting local ownership and engagement.

• The role of diverse stakeholders: social services, government, business community, and grassroots efforts.

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Supporting Resources:

Linkedin - linkedin.com/in/rachel-perić-0a548b6

Website - https://welcomingamerica.org/ 

Certified Welcoming: https://certifiedwelcoming.org/

Take action: https://refugeerights.quorum.us/campaign/105477/

https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2024/population-estimates-international-migration.html

Alcorn Immigration Law:

• Subscribe to the monthly Alcorn newsletter

• Sophie Alcorn Podcast:

• Episode 16: E-2 Visa for Founders and Employees

• Episode 19: Australian Visas Including E-3

• Episode 20: TN Visas and Status for Canadian and Mexican Citizens

• Immigration Options for Talent, Investors, and Founders

• Immigration Law for Tech Startups eBook

Best-selling author, sought-after speaker, and transformation consultant, Michael’s purpose is to unlock your full potential by helping you rethink your approach to change. Michael is a coach to companies, leaders, teams, and individuals seeking to improve performance through transformation.

Embark on a journey with us as we unravel how aligning personal and organizational goals with the brain’s natural proclivities can transform change into a strategic endeavor. Michael shares a compelling story of small, consistent efforts such as daily sun salutations to illustrate how incremental actions promote lasting change. By shifting goals from static nouns to dynamic verbs, we explore how both individuals and organizations can achieve objectives through the development of essential skills, rather than fixating solely on endpoints.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Michael Lopez on integrating neuroscience with change management

• Science-backed strategies from Lopez's book for brain, body, and behavior transformation

• Importance of focusing on individuals as catalysts for change

• Role of repetition, experimentation, and adaptation in effective change

• Neuroplasticity and the myth of age-limited learning

• Aligning personal and organizational goals with brain's natural tendencies

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-j-lopez9/

Website - https://www.michaeljlopez.coach/

https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelJLopez9 

https://www.kotterinc.com/methodology/8-steps/

https://www.growthengineering.co.uk/whats-in-it-for-me-training/

Alcorn Immigration Law:

• Subscribe to the monthly Alcorn newsletter

• Sophie Alcorn Podcast:

• Episode 16: E-2 Visa for Founders and Employees

• Episode 19: Australian Visas Including E-3

• Episode 20: TN Visas and Status for Canadian and Mexican Citizens

• Immigration Options for Talent, Investors, and Founders

• Immigration Law for Tech Startups eBook

Jonathan Nelson is the Founder and Executive Director of HF Capital, which provides corporate advisory and project management services to assist growth-stage technology companies in raising capital through stock exchanges. He previously founded Hackers/Founders, which is one of the largest global communities of tech founders. In addition, Jonathan also serves in advisory roles for the Partnership for Central America and the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Challenges and opportunities in raising growth capital for international tech founders, with a focus on Latin America.

• Jonathan Nelson's collaboration with the London Stock Exchange to democratize IPOs for mid-sized companies.

• Examination of the complex and costly tech IPO ecosystem in the U.S., including regulatory barriers and the rise and fall of SPACs.

• The strategic advantages of listing on the London Stock Exchange versus U.S. markets.

• Exploration of emerging markets, particularly in Latin America and Africa, and their potential for tech-driven financial inclusion.

• Importance of engaging with real customers in tech development, moving beyond speculative scenarios.

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hackerfounder/

Website - https://hf.cx/

https://www.londonstockexchange.com/

Alcorn Immigration Law:

• Subscribe to the monthly Alcorn newsletter

• Sophie Alcorn Podcast:

• Episode 16: E-2 Visa for Founders and Employees

• Episode 19: Australian Visas Including E-3

• Episode 20: TN Visas and Status for Canadian and Mexican Citizens

• Immigration Options for Talent, Investors, and Founders

• Immigration Law for Tech Startups eBook

James Peck leads Cooper Parry's Tech and High Growth Tax Team, specializing in supporting venture and PE-backed businesses as they scale from Early Stage through various funding rounds and prepare for liquidity events. 

Before joining Cooper Parry, he was at Grant Thornton, where he headed their Fast Growth Technology Tax Team. 

Passionate about fostering growth and innovation, James has also mentored numerous tech companies through programs like Wayra and Microsoft Accelerator, helping them navigate the challenges of scaling operations, growing internationally, dealing with the pain points of working in a constantly changing environment, and supporting thousands of companies through fundraising and liquidity events.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Insights from James Peck on tech startups navigating tax complexities and international expansion.
• Impact of UK tax changes on AI-driven tech enterprises and the potential need for overseas expansion.
• Importance of creative, practical guides like Cooper Perry's comic book for US market entry.
• Strategic considerations for UK tech firms expanding into the US, including leadership and timing.
• Analysis of forming Delaware corporations and the necessity of a "Delaware flip" for securing US investment.
• Tax implications and alternative structures for cross-border tech companies aiming for smoother international growth.

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamespeck360/

Website - https://www.cooperparry.com/people/james-peck/

https://www.cooperparry.com/ 

https://online.flippingbook.com/view/362241495/ 

Alcorn Immigration Law:

• Subscribe to the monthly Alcorn newsletter

• Sophie Alcorn Podcast:

• Episode 16: E-2 Visa for Founders and Employees

• Episode 19: Australian Visas Including E-3

• Episode 20: TN Visas and Status for Canadian and Mexican Citizens

• Immigration Options for Talent, Investors, and Founders

Immigration Law for Tech Startups eBook

Unlock the secrets of the PERM process and transform your approach to employment-based immigration. Sophie’s latest episode takes you on a journey through the key stages of the U.S. immigration system's Program Electronic Review Management (PERM), revealing how employers can successfully sponsor foreign workers for green cards. Sophie provides insights into the vital steps including prevailing wage determination, recruitment, and filing for labor certification, all while ensuring a good faith recruitment effort. Learn how to navigate recent challenges like industry shifts and layoffs, and gain strategies to structure your process for the benefit of both foreign and American workers alike. Whether you're an employer or a prospective immigrant, this episode is your gateway to understanding and mastering the complexities of the PERM process.

Sophie Alcorn is a leading immigration attorney and the founder of Alcorn Immigration Law in Silicon Valley. With a focus on helping tech startups and international talent, she specializes in guiding clients through the complexities of U.S. immigration law to obtain visas and green cards.

Sophie is a Certified Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law and has been a regular contributor to TechCrunch’s “Ask Sophie” column, where she shared valuable insights on immigration issues. She is also the host of “The Sophie Alcorn Podcast”, providing essential information for entrepreneurs navigating immigration challenges.

With a commitment to empowering individuals and families, Sophie actively participates in mentoring and advocacy, ensuring that her clients can achieve their dreams in the U.S.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Deep dive into the PERM process, its importance, and key steps like prevailing wage determination and labor certification.
• Emphasis on good faith recruitment efforts and the impact of layoffs on the PERM process.
• Strategies to avoid common pitfalls, such as incomplete applications and inadequate documentation.
• Discussion on how economic trends and policy changes may influence the future of the PERM process.
• Importance of employer sponsorship in the PERM process and limited involvement of foreign workers.
• Potential impacts of the PERM process on different industries, with a focus on tech, healthcare, and education.

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiealcorn/ 

Website - https://sophiealcorn.com/ 

https://www.alcorn.law/ 

Alcorn Immigration Law:

• Subscribe to the monthly Alcorn newsletter

• Sophie Alcorn Podcast:

• Episode 16: E-2 Visa for Founders and Employees

• Episode 19: Australian Visas Including E-3

• Episode 20: TN Visas and Status for Canadian and Mexican Citizens

• Immigration Options for Talent, Investors, and Founders

Immigration Law for Tech Startups eBook

Join Sophie for an enlightening conversation with Amy Nice, a distinguished immigration lawyer and policy expert, as we unpack the complexities of STEM immigration policy. Amy shares her invaluable insights into how immigrants with advanced STEM degrees are pivotal to America's innovation, economic growth, and national security. Amidst the challenges of navigating the U.S. immigration system, Amy's positive perspective highlights ongoing and potential policy shifts aimed at empowering international scientists and engineers to contribute more effectively within the existing legal framework.

Amy Nice is a leading thinker on STEM immigration focused on using evidence-based research to find practical solutions to immigration policy problems.

She presently focuses her work on policy shifts that support the critical role immigrant scientists, technologists, and engineers play at the intersection of emerging fields, security, economic opportunity, innovation, and tech competition. 

She has been an immigration lawyer in Washington, DC for more than 35 years, first in the private practice of law at a big DC law firm - for 20 years, and since 2010 focused on immigration policy.  She worked in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy leading efforts on STEM immigration policy from June 2021 to January 2023.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Amy Nice discusses the crucial role of STEM immigrants in driving America's innovation and economic growth.

• Insights into navigating the complexities and challenges of the U.S. immigration system for high-skilled professionals.

• Examination of the J-1 exchange visitor visa program's evolution, including updates to the two-year home residency requirement.

• Overview of the H-1B modernization rule, focusing on cap exemptions and the influence of tech leaders on immigration discourse.

• Emphasis on the need for proactive policy shifts to support international scientists and engineers.

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nice-amy/

Using the J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa to Support U.S. Companies in the STEM Ecosystem: https://www.researcherusa.com/ and https://ifp.org/wp-content/uploads/J-1-STEM-Research-Initiative.pdf

Everything STEM Researchers in Critical and Emerging Technology Fields Need to Know about the O-1A Visa Category https://ifp.org/o1a-natsec-innovation-base/

https://www.talentmobility.fund/ 

Alcorn Immigration Law:

• Subscribe to the monthly Alcorn newsletter

• Sophie Alcorn Podcast:

• Episode 16: E-2 Visa for Founders and Employees

• Episode 19: Australian Visas Including E-3

• Episode 20: TN Visas and Status for Canadian and Mexican Citizens

• Immigration Options for Talent, Investors, and Founders

Immigration Law for Tech Startups eBook

Immigration law expert Jonathan Grode joins us to unravel the complexities of employment-based immigration in the U.S. We discuss the challenges businesses face with I-9 forms and the critical importance of audits and training to mitigate risks. With a focus on the economic and logistical consequences of increased enforcement under the Trump administration, we highlight the significant contributions of undocumented workers to the U.S. economy and the potential disruptions mass deportations could cause.

Jonathan Grode serves as the U.S. Practice Director and Managing Partner for Green and Spiegel. Jonathan has worked continuously in the U.S. business immigration law field since 1999 and has amassed considerable experience obtaining nonimmigrant and immigrant visas for new company start-ups, professional workers, artists and entertainers, athletes, physicians, and scientific researchers. In addition, Jonathan has significant experience dealing with Department of Labor and Department of Homeland Security enforcement actions as well as immigration-related aspects of Mergers and Acquisitions.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Challenges and complexities of employment-based immigration in the U.S.

• Importance of I-9 compliance and risk mitigation for businesses

• Economic impact of undocumented workers and potential disruptions from mass deportations

• Hopeful possibilities for immigration reform amid political changes

• Need for more accessible work visas, especially for low-skilled labor

• Role of immigration in meeting technical skills demand in manufacturing

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-and-spiegel-us/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-grode-2556629/ 

Website - https://www.gands.com/en-us/contact-us/

https://www.alcorn.law/podcast/sap177/ 

https://www.alcorn.law/podcast/sap192/

Alcorn Immigration Law:

• Subscribe to the monthly Alcorn newsletter

• Sophie Alcorn Podcast:

• Episode 16: E-2 Visa for Founders and Employees

• Episode 19: Australian Visas Including E-3

• Episode 20: TN Visas and Status for Canadian and Mexican Citizens

• Immigration Options for Talent, Investors, and Founders

• Immigration Law for Tech Startups eBook

Unlock the secrets of U.S. immigration laws with our exclusive insights into the H-1B visa process for tech founders and startup teams. You'll discover how recent regulatory changes empower founders to fully own their ventures while navigating the complex employer-employee dynamics. Learn how to craft immigration strategies that align with your entrepreneurial vision, ensuring both your business and personal goals are met.

Sophie Alcorn is a leading immigration attorney and the founder of Alcorn Immigration Law in Silicon Valley. With a focus on helping tech startups and international talent, she specializes in guiding clients through the complexities of U.S. immigration law to obtain visas and green cards.

Sophie is a Certified Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law and has been a regular contributor to TechCrunch’s “Ask Sophie” column, where she shared valuable insights on immigration issues. She is also the host of “The Sophie Alcorn Podcast”, providing essential information for entrepreneurs navigating immigration challenges.

With a commitment to empowering individuals and families, Sophie actively participates in mentoring and advocacy, ensuring that her clients can achieve their dreams in the U.S.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Insights into the H-1B visa process for tech founders and startups

• Recent changes allowing founders to own 100% of their companies

• Strategies for H-1B transfers and alternative visa options like O-1s

• Exploring cap-exempt H-1Bs and part-time concurrent H-1Bs

• Navigating employer-employee relationship dynamics under new regulations

• Compliance with H-1B wage requirements and preparing for RFEs

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiealcorn/ 

Website - https://sophiealcorn.com/ 

https://www.alcorn.law/ 

Alcorn Immigration Law:

• Subscribe to the monthly Alcorn newsletter

• Sophie Alcorn Podcast:

• Episode 16: E-2 Visa for Founders and Employees

• Episode 19: Australian Visas Including E-3

• Episode 20: TN Visas and Status for Canadian and Mexican Citizens

• Immigration Options for Talent, Investors, and Founders

Immigration Law for Tech Startups eBook

Dr. José-Marie Griffiths is the President of Dakota State University in Madison, South Dakota. She has spent her career in research, teaching, public service, corporate leadership, workforce and economic development, and higher education administration, with a special focus on working in STEM fields. 

She has served in presidential appointments to the National Science Board, the U.S. President’s Information Technology Advisory Committee, and the U.S. National Commission on Libraries and Information Science. She was a member of the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence and is an expert advisor with the Special Commission on Special Projects (SCSP). 

She participated in the White House Cyber Workforce and Education Summit, and 2023 Senate hearings on AI and Ag, research, and workforce. 

She was named the 2024 USA Today Woman of the Year for South Dakota, one of 50 Influential Women in AI by InspiredMinds, and was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame in 2023.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• The importance of accountability and careful data set selection to combat AI bias.

• Dakota State University's leadership in cyber defense and AI education.

• The interplay between AI, cybersecurity, and the disruptive potential of quantum computing on encryption.

• The STEM talent gap in the U.S. and the role of legal immigration in bolstering innovation.

• Quantum technology's future applications and its impact on encryption systems.

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jose-marie-griffiths-9106b7b/

https://www.linkedin.com/school/dakota-state-university/

Website - https://dsu.edu/ 

https://www.dsucyber27.com/

Dr. Colin Ponce AI and Energy - https://www.alcorn.law/podcast/sap201/

Alcorn Immigration Law:

• Subscribe to the monthly Alcorn newsletter

• Sophie Alcorn Podcast:

• Episode 16: E-2 Visa for Founders and Employees

• Episode 19: Australian Visas Including E-3

• Episode 20: TN Visas and Status for Canadian and Mexican Citizens

• Immigration Options for Talent, Investors, and Founders

Immigration Law for Tech Startups eBook