Area 51

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Area 51

Rahul Menon

23 episodes

1 month ago

In this essential episode of the Area 51 podcast, we dive deep into an innovative solution for the thousands of skilled immigrants whose dreams are crushed annually by the H-1B lottery system. Join us as we welcome Danielle Goldman, the dynamic and passionate co-founder of the Open Avenues Foundation and Build Fellowship, who presents a compelling alternative pathway that bypasses the randomness of the traditional H-1B lottery altogether. Using her extensive experience and the foundational w...

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Society & Culture

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In this essential episode of the Area 51 podcast, we dive deep into an innovative solution for the thousands of skilled immigrants whose dreams are crushed annually by the H-1B lottery system. Join us as we welcome Danielle Goldman, the dynamic and passionate co-founder of the Open Avenues Foundation and Build Fellowship, who presents a compelling alternative pathway that bypasses the randomness of the traditional H-1B lottery altogether. Using her extensive experience and the foundational w...

Show more...

Society & Culture

Episodes (20/23)

Area 51

Build Fellowship and Cap-Exempt H-1B

In this essential episode of the Area 51 podcast, we dive deep into an innovative solution for the thousands of skilled immigrants whose dreams are crushed annually by the H-1B lottery system. Join us as we welcome Danielle Goldman, the dynamic and passionate co-founder of the Open Avenues Foundation and Build Fellowship, who presents a compelling alternative pathway that bypasses the randomness of the traditional H-1B lottery altogether. Using her extensive experience and the foundational w...

3 months ago

1 hour 5 minutes

Area 51

To H-1B or Not To H-1B

In this compelling episode of the Area 51 podcast, we tackle the controversial topic of H-1B visas and confront the growing wave of misinformation surrounding immigrant workers in America. Join us as we welcome Sam Peak, Labor and Mobility Policy Manager at the Economic Innovation Group (EIG), who brings data-driven clarity to the heated debate. Using research and economic data, Sam challenges prevailing myths about the H-1B program such as ‘cheap labor’, revealing the true value skilled immi...

7 months ago

1 hour 9 minutes

Area 51

Immigration Voice

In today's episode we dive deep into the world of immigration advocacy with Adnan Zafar from Immigration Voice. Ever since it was created 19 years ago, IV has been leading from the front and standing up for issues faced by immigrants in America. In an unprecedented and rare media engagement, this episode offers listeners an exclusive, unfiltered glimpse into Immigration Voice's inner workings. Breaking their long-standing tradition of media reticence, Adnan candidly shares the un...

9 months ago

1 hour 25 minutes

Area 51

Improve The Dream... or Nightmare?

Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Dip Patel, the visionary founder of Improve the Dream, as he unveils the untold story of America's "Documented Dreamers"—children who grew up legally in the United States but face deportation upon turning 21. Key Highlights: - Understand the paradox of Documented Dreamers: legally present since childhood yet aging out of status - Learn about the America's Children Act and its bipartisan support in Congress - Exp...

1 year ago

1 hour

Area 51

Unshackling Soundarya

Soundarya Balasubramani arrived in the United States like many others, armed with ambition and a visa. But that's where the similarities end. Rather than following the well trodden path of climbing the corporate ladder, she's carved out a very unique trajectory that defies expectations. From excelling as a Product Manager at tech giant Salesforce, to becoming a published author of two influential books on immigration and finally to founding her own startup, Unshackled, Soundarya has constantl...

1 year ago

59 minutes

Area 51

O Canada, Can You Let Me Work?

One of the biggest impediments in moving to Canada is the stress of finding a new job. What if you could have the best of both worlds? What if you could work for your US employer and still enjoy the immigration freedom Canada has to offer? Sounds too good to be true right? Apparently not. In today's episode, we are joined by Marc Pavlopoulos, the founder of Syndesus. Being a former Silicon Valley entrepreneur, Marc has seen first hand the negative impact that the H-1B lottery system ha...

1 year ago

51 minutes

Area 51

O Canada, Can You Let Me In?

Often considered a consolation prize for those facing immigration issues, Canada has always been a topic of discussion for visa holders in America. In today's episode, we are joined by Sindhu Mahadevan to better understand the Canadian immigration landscape. Creator of the immigration newsletter 'This Immigrant Life', Sindhu is a 'US dropout' who has lived in both US & Canada. Due to this first hand experience, Sindhu has a unique perspective on the immigration systems in both the countri...

1 year ago

1 hour 3 minutes

Area 51

The Brooklyn Curry Project

As an Indian immigrant in America, one thing we all miss is the food back home. We've felt it and we're sure all of you have as well. Have we done anything about it? Probably not! In today's episode, we are joined by the founders of the Brooklyn Curry Project, Swetha and Venkat , two immigrants from Bangalore, India, whose shared love for traditional Indian cuisine sparked a business that has taken the New York food scene by storm. In this episode, we dive into their story, explo...

1 year ago

50 minutes

Area 51

In today's episode, we are joined by John Moye, one of the founders of Pro Se Pro to talk about their game changing tool in the fight against immigration delays. Developed by attorney Brad Banias and technologists John Moye and Andrew Steinmeyer, Pro Se Pro is a revolutionary tool that provides immigrants with the knowledge, resources, and support they need to file lawsuits against the government for unreasonable processing times. Through Pro se Pro, immigrants can assert their rights and dem...

1 year ago

1 hour 11 minutes

Area 51

Dandi March: The Backlog Edition

The immigration backlog is something that has deeply impacted every Indian immigrant’s life in America. We have all complained about it numerous times and have pretty much given up hope for any change. That’s what makes Anuj different. In today’s episode we sit down with Anuj Christian, the dynamic force behind a nationwide campaign for immigration reform. Anuj shares his remarkable story of traversing all 50 states of America in his peaceful advocacy for Immigration reform. From grassr...

1 year ago

47 minutes

Area 51

With Love, Atal

IIT Alumnus. Ironman. Immigration Activist. Startup Founder. In today's episode we are joined by Atal Agarwal who has been wearing each of these hats with ease. Atal is an inspirational figure whose journey embodies resilience, innovation, and a commitment to creating positive change. Join us as we we unravel the inspiring journey of Atal Agarwal, a visionary entrepreneur, immigration advocate and trailblazer, who continues to inspire others with his unwavering commitment to makin...

1 year ago

1 hour 11 minutes

Area 51

The Pursuit of H1Bness

For the first time since the 60s, there has been a huge proposed change to the American immigration system. DHS has proposed sweeping reforms to the H-1B visa system. While there are many positives that will enrich the lives of immigrants, there are few that could act as a poison pill to the positives and could potentially make life difficult for immigrants here. In today's episode, we are joined by attorney Steven Brown from the Reddy & Neumann law firm to discuss the proposed changes t...

1 year ago

57 minutes

Area 51

iNRI- The Wolf of Dalal Street

In today’s episode, we welcome Hemant Gangolia the founder of iNRI. Hemant is an immigrant entrepreneur who has faced his fair share of obstacles on the path to success. Rather than give in to these setbacks, he used them as stepping stones to propel himself forward. With a dream to democratize access to one of the fastest growing economies, he embarked on a mission to create iNRI, an investment platform that allows Indian expats to invest in Indian index and debt funds. Join us as we trace H...

1 year ago

1 hour 12 minutes

Area 51

Jaahnavi Kandula. Aishwarya Thatikonda. Sai Charan Nakka. Vamsi Reddy Mamidala. Saiesh Veera. Sharath Koppu. 6 Indian graduate students. 6 tragic stories. 6 unfulfilled dreams. In this somber episode, we delve into their heart wrenching stories that has left countless people in shock and grief. In an attempt to shed light on the untold stories of Indian Immigrants, we explore the lives of 6 graduate students whose lives were tragically cut short. This episode is intended to offer a glimpse in...

1 year ago

41 minutes

Area 51

A month ago, around 21 Indian students were detained on arrival, interrogated and deported back to India. What started off as a journey filled with hope, excitement and an opportunity to chase the coveted American dream ended as a nightmare as they were detained, interrogated and deported back to India banned from any further travel to US. Many of those students had sacrificed much to make it to that point and had nothing to show for it. Manisha and Balaji were two of those students. In...

2 years ago

1 hour 20 minutes

Area 51

The Phantom H-1B Menace

In a galaxy not so far away, the stories of Indian immigrants in America intersect with a pressing issue that could be straight out of a Star Wars plotline. Join us in Area 51's latest episode as we delve into the intricate web of work visas, FDNS site visits, data collection and fraud findings, guided by a seasoned immigration attorney, Jonathan Wasden who is nothing short of a Jedi in the realm of law. Jon takes us on a journey starting from his days as an attorney for the government to fi...

2 years ago

50 minutes

Area 51

The Rice of Patel Brothers

Join us on an extraordinary journey through time where culture, community and commerce beautifully collide. In today’s episode, we unveil the inspiring tale behind one of America’s most beloved Indian grocery stories- Patel Brothers! For many decades now, Patel Brothers have been bridging the gap between America and India by empowering immigrants to stay deeply rooted in their rich cultural heritage by providing easy access to their cherished ingredients. Join us as we take you back to their ...

2 years ago

37 minutes

Area 51

Simon Don't Go Back!

Every year the annual immigration hunger games that is the 'H-1B Lottery' leaves thousands disappointed and disheartened. Applicants on their third and final attempt have to pick up their broken dreams and figure out what their options are to continue living and working in America. In this episode Rahul and Sanjay discuss the available options at your disposal if your application was not successful in the lottery. Ranging from alternate visas, self-filed green card petitions , partnering with...

2 years ago

56 minutes

Area 51

Move over RRR, 'Alien' has landed

The term alien is used to describe any person not a citizen or national of the United States. Very welcoming right. We have all felt outrage being called an alien at some point during our stay here. One person actually decided to do something about it. In this episode, we are joined by filmmaker Vidyut Latay to talk about her feature documentary film, Alien. Directed by someone who has first hand experience in navigating the immigration system, Alien exposes the human toll of Amer...

2 years ago

1 hour 8 minutes

Area 51

Immigration Updates- The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

USCIS has been busy since the start of 2023. We have seen more activity in the first two months than the whole of 2022. So we thought it would be helpful to discuss some of the updates for our listeners. In this episode we cover the proposed fee hikes, the "helpful" options provided by USCIS to help tech workers who have been laid off among other topics. We have some wins to celebrate namely the implementation of a pilot program for visa stamp renewals and a step in the right direction ...

2 years ago

39 minutes