Send us a text 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/emp...

Send us a text Given the various challenges in the United States, many US residents are looking for information about 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), a...

Send us a text Senator 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 Educ...

Send us a text In this episode, our guest is Chris Bloomquist. He is a 20 year veteran to 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 Chairma...

Send us a text In this episode of the Startup Visa Series, I speak with Veronica, Founder and Managing Director of Sealand Ship Agents and Suppliers & Delver Agents. Veronica transformed Delver Agents into the premier cruise ship agency and supplier in Ushuaia, Argentina, working with exclusive boutique operators, mainstream cruise lines, and expedition cruise companies worldwide. She specializes in creating innovative services, solving complex problems, and building strong connections. V...

Send us a text In this episode of the Startup Visa Series, I speak with Connor O'Brien, a Research and Policy Analyst at the Economic Innovation Group (EIG), where he focuses on high-skilled immigration reform and innovation policy. His research has been cited by media outlets such as Axios, Bloomberg, and the New York Times, and his writing has appeared in Newsweek, National Review, and City Journal. Connor holds degrees from Rutgers University and the University of Chicago. I hope you enjoy...

Send us a text In this episode of the Startup Visa Series, I speak with Steve Tobocman, an innovator and leader in the nonprofit, political, and economic fields. Steve has launched several successful nonprofit initiatives, including Global Detroit, WE Global Network, and ProsperUS Detroit, and has built a notable political career as a state legislator. His work has been recognized nationally, and he continues to maintain active networks in politics, immigrant economic development, and communi...

Send us a text In this episode of the Startup Visa Series, I speak with Craig Montuori, Co-Founder Global Entrepreneur in Residence Coalition. He is also the Co-Founder of the C19 Coalition and was previously the founding partner of Venture Politics, where he advised numerous political campaigns on engaging the startup community and lobbied Capitol Hill offices and the White House on behalf of early-stage startups. Hope you enjoy listening to this interview as much as I enjoyed interviewing h...

Send us a text In this episode, I interview Jennifer Weinhart, Senior Policy Advisor at Engine. Engine supports the growth of technology entrepreneurship through economic research, policy analysis, and advocacy on local and national issues. It is the voice of startups in government. In addition, Jennifer and Tahmina co-authored an OpEd published in The Hill- Opinion: Green cards for international graduates: A rare bipartisan opportunity Hope you enjoy listening to the podcast and re...

Send us a text In this episode, I speak with Daniel Glazer, founding partner of Wilson Sonsini's London office and a leading expert on helping UK and European tech and life sciences companies expand into the U.S. Daniel has advised numerous high-growth companies on U.S. market entry, fundraising, and M&A. He is a recognized leader in transatlantic innovation and has partnered with major organizations like Founders Forum and SelectUSA to support U.S. expansion efforts. I hope you enj...

Send us a text In this episode of the Startup Visa Series, I speak with Kristen Hoff, co-founder of Global Talent PR, a specialized agency focused on showcasing the abilities of O1, EB-1, and Global Talent visa applicants. Kristen helps international talent craft compelling narratives that highlight their achievements in fields ranging from science and arts to business and technology. Her expertise in media relations and client storytelling has been instrumental in elevating the profiles of e...

Send us a text In this episode of The Startup Visa Podcast, I speak with Conor Bradshaw, a former client and a dynamic leader who has spent his career producing TV commercials for Fortune 100 tech companies and is now focused on building at Brex. Conor recently graduated from the University of Washington, specializing in Human Decision Science, and continues to pursue his passion for innovative technology while networking with venture-backed leaders. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much...

Send us a text Matthew Sawyer is the author of the bestselling book “Make it in America.” He is also the Managing Director of USAccelerator, and Professor at Columbia and New York Universities. Matthew shares his insights on market intelligence, strategic consulting, and helping international businesses thrive in the American landscape.I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I enjoyed sitting down with him! Links: https://usaccelerator.biz/team https://www.amazon.com/gp/prod...

Send us a text Thank you for tuning in to The Startup Visa Podcast. In this episode, I am honored to speak with Sridhar Katta, CEO and Founder of TruVs.com. TruVs Inc, is a modern business and technology consulting company. They help their customers modernize their business operations using world class business processes and cutting edge technologies. Hear Sridhar share about his immigrant entrepreneur experience and why he believes we need a #startupvisa! The Startup Visa Podcas...

Send us a text Thank you for tuning in to The Startup Visa Podcast. In this episode, I am honored to speak with Marko Issever, CEO and Founder of America EB5 Visa. America EB-5 Visa aims to connect international investors aiming to immigrate to the United States while making a meaningful financial contribution in the form of an investment, typically on a real estate project with seekers of these investments. The Startup Visa Podcast is a podcast on US immigration for startups, investors, an...

Send us a text Thank you for tuning in to The Startup Visa Podcast. In this episode, I am honored to speak with Gavin Johnson, Attorney at Immix Law. As both an entrepreneur and business attorney with an active presence within the Washington State startup scene, Gavin assists clients from early concept stage to clients navigating complex mergers and acquisitions. With his legal and business experience, Gavin focuses on protecting and empowering his clients across an array of industries. The S...

Send us a text Thank you for tuning in to The Startup Visa Podcast (all episodes linked here). In this episode, I am honored to speak with Jeremy L. Neufeld, Senior Immigration Fellow at Institute for Progress. Previously, he was an immigration policy analyst at the Niskanen Center. His work has been cited in numerous outlets including the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, and MSNBC. He graduated with a B.S. in economics from the University of Maryland, College Park and is ...

Send us a text Thank you for tuning in to The Startup Visa Podcast. In this episode, I am honored to speak with William Dean, VP of Immigration at Masterplans. William has frequently been a featured panelist at the EB-5 Investors Conference, having spoken on direct investment, business visa options, and franchising. He is also a contributing author to the magazine, writing about job calculations for EB-5 petitioners and the hurdles of the L-1 visa platform. The Startup Visa Podcast is a podca...

Send us a text Thank you for tuning in to The Startup Visa Podcast. Today I have the honor of speaking with Jordan Lawrence, Business Development Associate as Houston EB-5. Developing new relationships with partners in the immigration investment industry is at the heart of what Jordan Lawrence does. Cultivating a network that spans attorneys, wealth managers, international realtors, private bankers and more, Mr. Lawrence is tasked with helping promote awareness of immigration solutions. Check...

Send us a text Thank you for tuning in to The Startup Visa Podcast. In this episode, I am honored to speak with Shashi Vijay, Principal Attorney at VJ Law Firm, and friends Ravi Bulusu and Venkatram Reddy Ravi. Shashi founded VJ Law Firm in Fall 2010 with a simple vision: Provide fast, affordable legal services to individuals, families and small-businesses in the Seattle Eastside. She is also the founding member of Washington State Bar Association's Low Bono section and offer probono services...