In Episode 56 of Immigration Uncovered, host James Pittman is joined by returning guest Dr. Austin Kocher, a geographer and research faculty member at Syracuse University, whose work focuses on immigration enforcement, public records transparency, and legal geography.
Dr. Kocher shares updates on the data projects he’s been working on recently, including his continued efforts to uncover how U.S. immigration agencies operate—both at the border and in the interior of the country. Together, James and Austin explore how immigration data is collected, controlled, and challenged and its role in shaping public narratives.
With a focus on how attorneys, researchers, and journalists can better access and interpret immigration data, the conversation also unpacks the widening gap between public claims and on-the-ground realities—and how the use of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is increasingly being constrained by institutional opacity.
Key Topics Discussed
In this episode of Immigration Uncovered, host James Pittman and attorney Divij Kishore delve into three significant developments affecting U.S. immigration policy: the new USCIS rule mandating electronic payments, the controversial $100,000 H-1B filing fee, and the introduction of the Trump Gold Card.
Key Topics Discussed:
Amid these discussions, Kishore emphasizes that such policy changes create uncertainty, urging practitioners and clients to remain adaptable in this evolving landscape. The conversation highlights vital implications for immigration lawyers, their practices, and the clients they serve in navigating these ongoing changes in U.S. immigration law.
In this eye-opening episode of Immigration Uncovered, host James Pittman sits down with Divij Kishore, founder of Flagship Law, to discuss the evolving landscape of investment-based immigration to the United States. The conversation explores the current state of the EB-5 investor visa program and the controversial proposed Trump Gold Card.
Divij shares fascinating insights about the $4 billion raised through EB-5 investments in 2024 and how these funds create jobs and stimulate economic growth. Learn about the differences between regional center investments vs. direct investments, and discover why set-aside categories might be your best path forward if you're considering this immigration route.
The discussion takes a deep dive into the proposed Trump Gold Card program – examining its $5 million price tag (compared to EB-5's $800,000), lack of job creation requirements, and unprecedented tax exemptions. Is this program even legally viable without congressional approval? Can it coexist with the EB-5 program?
Timestamps:
00:00:04 - Introduction to Immigration Uncovered and guest Divij Kishore
00:00:49 - Current state of the EB-5 program in 2025
00:02:35 - Investment thresholds and program reauthorization status
00:09:11 - Increased audit oversight and job creation requirements
00:13:57 - How the Gold Card proposal affects EB-5 perceptions
00:15:24 - Visa retrogression and set-aside categories
00:17:10 - Top countries for EB-5 applicants
00:21:59 - The Trump Gold Card proposal explained
00:32:32 - Job creation requirements and economic impact
00:38:03 - Can both programs coexist?
00:49:36 - Modern immigration practice: Technology and AI
00:55:39 - Tips for exceptional client experience in immigration law
Whether you're an investor considering the EB-5 program, an immigration professional, or simply interested in how U.S. immigration policies are evolving, this episode offers valuable perspectives on navigating these complex waters.
Like, subscribe, and leave a comment to join the conversation about investment-based immigration. How do you feel about the proposed Gold Card program? Would you prefer to see reforms to the existing EB-5 program instead?
Join host James Pittman in this special episode of Immigration Uncovered as he delivers exclusive content for immigration professionals! Get a first look at the upcoming 2025 State of Immigration Report (dropping June 10th) packed with critical data on adjudication trends, backlogs, and approval rates. James also provides a comprehensive preview of the AILA Annual Conference in Denver (June 18-21), highlighting must-attend sessions including "Political Engagement in the New Trump Era," "50 Tech Tips in 50 Minutes," and essential cybersecurity discussions.
Key Topics Discussed:
Join immigration attorney James Pittman as he dives deep into the recent SEVIS termination controversy with guest expert Amy Maldonado. Discover how thousands of international students had their records unlawfully terminated by ICE without due process, and the unprecedented legal battle that followed.
In this eye-opening episode, we explore:
🕒 TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Introduction and topic overview
04:04 - Initial SEVIS terminations and government backtracking
08:57 - Scope of affected students
13:10 - Legal issues with terminations and due process violations
25:08 - Impact on universities and international students
34:17 - Court responses to lawsuits
43:28 - Long-term consequences for US higher education
Amy Maldonado offers critical advice for affected students and explains why she believes this issue isn't over yet. Learn why these actions may damage America's reputation as a destination for international students and potentially harm both universities and the US economy.
👍 If you found this episode informative, please LIKE this video and SUBSCRIBE to our channel for more expert insights on immigration law. Share your thoughts in the comments below!
In this episode of Immigration Uncovered, host James Pittman speaks with Sarah Sanger, founder of Sanger Strategies, about the complexities of immigration-related worksite visits and the best practices for compliance. They delve into the types of visits, the agencies involved, the current climate of immigration worksite enforcement, and steps employers can take to prepare and protect themselves.
Key Topics Discussed
In this milestone episode of "Immigration Uncovered," host James Pittman chats with Rekha Sharma Crawford, partner at Sharma Crawford Law and treasurer of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. Together, they unpack the recent executive orders from the Trump administration that target immigration and public interest lawyers, exploring their implications, the chilling effect on legal representation, and the overarching threat to the integrity of the immigration system.
Key Topics Discussed
Join James Pittman as he sits down with Oytun Tez, CTO of MotaWord, to explore the cutting-edge world of AI-powered translation and language services. Learn how MotaWord is revolutionizing the industry with lightning-fast certified translations, academic evaluations, and innovative AI solutions for immigration lawyers and beyond.
Key Highlights:
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction and MotaWord's inception
05:00 - Evolution of translation technology
10:00 - MotaWord's services and industry focus
15:00 - AI integration in translation processes
20:00 - Challenges in legal document translation
25:00 - Future innovations in language services
30:00 - Benefits for immigration law firms
35:00 - AI trends in the legal industry
40:00 - MotaWord's impact on the translation market
Don't miss this insightful discussion on how technology is breaking down language barriers and streamlining immigration processes. Whether you're an immigration lawyer, business owner, or tech enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of language services.
Like, subscribe, and leave a comment to share your thoughts on the future of AI in translation and interpretation!
Join us for an insightful discussion on Immigration Uncovered as we delve into the world of business immigration under the potential Trump 2.0 administration. Host James Pittman sits down with James Hollis, an outstanding employment-based immigration attorney from Siskin and Susser, to explore the intricacies of O visas, P visas, and EB-1 immigrant categories.
In this episode, we cover:
In this enlightening episode of Immigration Uncover, host James Pittman delves into the world of European Golden Visa programs with expert Andre Bothma, founder of d7visa.com. This comprehensive discussion explores various residency and citizenship by investment options across Europe, providing valuable insights for those seeking a second home or backup plan.
Key topics covered:
Andre Bothma shares his expertise on each country's program, discussing recent changes, investment requirements, and potential benefits. The conversation also touches on the impact of political developments, housing crises, and the growing trend of digital nomadism on these programs.
Notable insights include the potential resurgence of investment migration programs following legal battles with the EU, the importance of seeking professional tax advice, and the prediction that current conditions may be the best opportunity for obtaining a "Plan B" in the foreseeable future.
This episode provides essential information for immigration lawyers advising clients on European residency and citizenship options, as well as individuals considering such programs for themselves.
We encourage viewers to like this video, subscribe to our channel for more in-depth immigration discussions, and share your thoughts or questions in the comments section below.
In this episode of Immigration Uncovered, we delve into the immediate immigration policy changes following Donald Trump's second inauguration on January 20, 2025. As your host, James Pittman provides a comprehensive overview of the executive orders signed by President Trump, which signal a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy.
Key topics discussed:
These executive orders represent a stark departure from previous administration policies and will likely face legal challenges. Context is provided on these policies' historical and legal background, including the 1898 Supreme Court case United States v. Wong Kim Ark, which established the precedent for birthright citizenship.
As an immigration lawyer, understanding these rapid policy changes is crucial for your practice. While mass raids or deportations have not been reported at the recording time, we anticipate increased enforcement activities soon.
Stay informed on these developing immigration policies by subscribing to our channel and leaving your thoughts in the comments section. Your engagement helps us continue to provide timely and relevant information to the immigration law community.
Join James Pittman and Rosanna Berardi in this insightful episode of Immigration Uncover as they dive deep into the intricacies of section 287(g) and its impact on immigration law enforcement. Get expert insights on ICE collaborations with local law enforcement, training programs for officers, challenges faced in the system, and discussions on public safety, sanctuary cities, and potential policy changes. Explore the complexities of immigration law with a focus on 287(g) agreements, DACA, and reform initiatives. Stay informed, educated, and engaged with the dynamic landscape of immigration law in the United States.
Join James Pittman, Scott Berry, and Lucine Aghajanyan in this in-depth discussion on effective digital marketing strategies tailored specifically for immigration lawyers. Explore the importance of SEO, content marketing, and utilizing technology like CRM systems and AI in law firm marketing and practice management. Learn how to overcome challenges, measure ROI, and leverage email marketing, testimonials, and reviews to attract and engage clients. Discover key leadership insights and the benefits of staff augmentation in the legal industry. Stay ahead in the immigration field by adapting to technological advancements and optimizing your marketing efforts for growth and scalability.
Join us in this insightful episode of Immigration Uncovered, where James Pittman, co-founder of Docketwise, explores potential changes to the US immigration system under the Trump administration. James delves into essential topics that immigrants, lawyers, and advocates need to know:
Stay informed on the latest developments in US immigration law. Subscribe to our channel for more episodes and expert analysis. Don't miss out—keep up to date with Immigration Uncovered!
Episode 42: The AI Revolution in Translation with Ian Hawes of ImmiTranslate
In this episode of Immigration Uncovered, host James Pittman interviews Ian Hawes, managing partner of ImmiTranslate, to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the translation industry. They dive deep into the role of cutting-edge AI technologies like GPT-3 and Catalyst in improving translation accuracy, speeding up processes, and enhancing the collaboration between AI and human translators. Hawes also discusses the ethical considerations of AI in translation and how these innovations are shaping the future of language services.
Key Takeaways:
Stay ahead of the curve by understanding how AI is reshaping translation and what it means for professionals in the industry.
Episode 41: Mastering Time Management in Immigration Law with Nadine Heitz
In this episode of Immigration Uncovered, host James Pittman sits down with immigration law expert Nadine Heitz to discuss proven strategies for improving time management and efficiency in legal practice. They explore techniques to streamline workflows, prioritize tasks, and leverage technology to enhance productivity in an immigration law firm. Heitz shares insights on how to avoid burnout, improve client service, and scale your practice effectively, all while maintaining focus on what truly matters in law firm management.
Key Takeaways:
Gain actionable insights to improve productivity, reduce overwhelm, and successfully scale your immigration practice.
Join the insightful conversation between James Pittman and Jared Jaskot as they delve into the groundbreaking AI-powered platform, Access 61, designed to revolutionize legal assistance for asylum seekers. Discover how limited scope representation and technology are reshaping the landscape of immigration law, providing affordable solutions and efficient support for those navigating complex asylum processes. Explore the challenges faced by asylum seekers and the innovative strategies being employed to ensure due process and effective representation in immigration court. Don't miss this deep dive into Access 61's unique approach to streamlining asylum cases and improving access to justice for individuals in need.
Join Jeff Joseph, the AILA president-elect, as he delves into the challenges and opportunities in the field of immigration law. From discussing the importance of client relationships to navigating policy changes, Jeff shares valuable insights for immigration lawyers looking to thrive in this ever-evolving landscape. Discover the keys to successful outcomes in immigration cases, the impact of technology on legal practice, and the ethical considerations in utilizing AI. Get ready to enhance your practice with expert advice from a seasoned professional in the industry.
Join James Pittman and Rekha Sharma-Crawford as they delve into the complexities of ineffective assistance of counsel in immigration law. Explore the implications of attorney errors, missed deadlines, and the unique requirement of filing bar complaints under the Lozada framework. Discover the barriers faced by attorneys and clients and the movement to rescind the bar complaint requirement for a more just legal representation system. Take action to support immigration reform and empower new attorneys in the field.
Explore the dynamic landscape of global talent acquisition and immigration policies with James Pittman and David Cantor in this in-depth discussion. Delve into the challenges and opportunities surrounding attracting top talent worldwide, the impact of technology on remote work visas, and the evolution of immigration frameworks. Gain insights into the current state of the US immigration system, the need for streamlined visa processes for skilled workers, and the importance of retaining foreign talent for innovation in emerging technologies. Discover how initiatives like the BUILD Fellowship are shaping the future of immigration and workforce mobility.