Hello and welcome everyone to Immigration and Jobs Talk. I'm really happy to have you join us, and yes, this is your daily immigration dose. Thank you so much for being here.

Before we start off with today's discussion, I have a very important disclaimer: by watching our videos, you agree and understand that the information provided by our experts, including user comments, is not professional advice. Use it at your own risk. Our intention is never to offer legal advice; it's just a casual exchange of ideas.

Thank you again for joining us. You can also join us live right now on YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook, and X. You can participate by commenting and also by joining us on the call. Yes, we have a phone number displayed on the screen where you can join us. The phone number is 425-436-6235, and the access code when they ask for it is 9-98886. Once you're in, just speak, and we will be able to hear you.

I am Neasa Pradan, and I'll be joined by my co-host Sam. So please help me welcome her.

Hi Sam!

Hi Neasa! It's so good to be back, and I'm really excited for today's episode. How are you doing, first of all?

I'm doing good, thank you so much! In fact, it was another busy day today for both of us. I had a show with our guest attorney, Chan Pervan, and it was a very important discussion, especially with the changes coming up starting January 17 regarding H1B.

Apart from that, with the new rules and changes, we're also going to have new site visit rules and maybe more audits. We spoke a lot about that in a whole one-hour webinar. So folks, I really encourage you to check it out; it's available on our channel. Even though the live streaming has ended, the information is very much there, so you won't miss it.

Sam, too, had another very important webinar. Would you like to share about it?

Absolutely! Today, we had a very informative session with attorney Mantravadi. She is a familiar face on our channel, and today she joined us after quite a long time. It was great to have her back. We talked about the new rule announced by the DHS regarding the H1B final rule.

We discussed how employees and employers will be affected in 2025. We also understood some political views from Uma regarding Trump's administration and how the immigration system will evolve in 2025. There was a lot of information shared in that webinar, and it was a great session.

So again, I request each one of our viewers to go ahead and watch that session. It was really important for everyone, especially for H1B workers who are looking for it.

Today, we are having a very important session to talk about how the 2025 immigration laws will shape the future for startup founders. This is not a very common topic that we usually see in our streams, but today we are going to discuss it, including the challenges startup founders have faced and what the current situation is right now.

There's a lot to discuss on this topic, so stay tuned because we'll go through each and every detail. You are also free to share any information, friends, or you can join the call for a direct conversation.

Without any further ado, Neasa, let's begin with a news update. What do you say?

Sure thing, Sam! I think you should go ahead first and share a couple of news updates, and I'll follow.

That's great! Here’s my first news update: US import prices stayed flat in December, easing inflation concerns. What happened in December is that the prices of products the US buys from other countries didn't go up as expected. This is very important news because when import prices stay stable, it helps keep prices in general from rising too quickly.

When prices rise too much, it's called inflation, and it can make things like food, gas, and clothes even more expensive for everyone. So keeping import prices steady is a good sign that inflation might stay under control for a while.

Moving ahead, the February 2025 Visa bulletin is out, with key updates for family and employment-based visas. It is now available, friends, detailing the final action dates and filing dates for both family-sponsored and employment-based visas. This includes updated priority dates for various visa categories like F1, F2A, EB1, EB2, EB5, and more. Be sure to check the bulletin carefully to see when you can apply based on your priority date.

Next, Trump plans new tariffs to shake up US trade once again. President-elect Donald Trump is planning to reintroduce tariffs on goods from other countries. Tariffs are basically taxes added to things imported to the US. Trump believes this will help US businesses by making foreign products more expensive, which will automatically increase the US GDP as well.

The idea is to encourage people to buy products made in America instead. However, these new tariffs could change the way the US trades with other countries and could also cause some tensions in international trade.

Those were some of the news updates from my end. Neasa, please go ahead and share some more news updates with us.

Sure thing, Sam! Thank you so much for those important news updates.

First up is, of course, the final H1B rule coming up tomorrow, January 17. This marks a very important date, and there are a lot of new H1B regulations that will be implemented starting tomorrow.

Next, we have a very important news item: fear of deportation is pushing legal immigrants to leave the US before Trump's presidency. In Tracy, California, Michael Broy, a former Nicaraguan student leader, left the US days before Donald Trump's inauguration as president. Despite her legal status under President Biden's humanitarian parole program, Broy chose to leave, citing anxiety over anti-immigrant rhetoric during the election campaign.

Advocates say this reflects a growing trend where uncertainty and fear of future deportation policies compel individuals, even those legally present, to leave voluntarily. We see many immigrants voluntarily leaving just in these couple of days before Trump takes office.

While data on such departures is unavailable, history shows that public backlash against immigrants has driven similar deportations in the past. Broy, who is now 31, expressed disappointment, saying, "I thought there would be a different culture here, but it was a rude awakening to realize you and your family are not welcome." Trump's team has touted this kind of self-deportation as an intended outcome of stricter immigration policies.

That is one big news story, and it's very sad. It's just one story, but there are so many similar ones happening. This was already indicated by Trump's team that they would ensure this happens.

Next, I have news about Pam Bondi, who faces scrutiny over DOJ independence in her confirmation hearing. Pam Bondi, Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general, assured Democratic senators during her confirmation hearing on Wednesday that her Justice Department would not pursue prosecutions for political reasons. However, she refrained from ruling out investigations into opponents of the Republican president-elect, sparking further concerns.

The hearing highlighted fears that Trump might use the Justice Department's authority to target his critics, including investigators who previously probed his activities. Democratic senators pressed Bondi on her ability to maintain the Department's independence and whether she could refuse unethical or unlawful requests from the White House.

In response to Senators Chris Coons and Dick Durbin, Bondi affirmed that if she thought ethical compromises would happen, she would not be sitting there today. While Republicans praised her as a much-needed change for the Justice Department, Democrats raised concerns about her representation of Trump during his first impeachment trial and her ability to separate personal loyalties from her responsibilities as attorney general.

Those were a few news updates from my end. Thank you so much!

Absolutely! Thank you so much, Neasa, for sharing those important updates happening around the world.

Now, let's continue with our discussion on today's topic: how will the 2025 immigration law shape the future for startup founders?

If we talk about the current situation, it has been very evident over the past few years that immigration laws have been a hot topic for entrepreneurs, especially because there hasn't been any specific startup visa for entrepreneurs to directly start their businesses.

There have been lots of challenges and difficulties for immigrant entrepreneurs to settle their businesses. From the past, we have seen that immigration policies, like the H1B visa, allowed highly skilled workers to enter the US, but for startup founders, there hasn't been any visa yet.

The challenge was that there wasn't a specific visa designed for entrepreneurs. For example, a tech entrepreneur from India or a biotech founder from Brazil had to rely completely on work visas, which didn't always fit their needs. This created a dependency on other companies, meaning they couldn't establish their businesses directly.

They had to rely on other companies to provide them with work visas, and only then could they work on their startup. They couldn't easily get a visa just because they were starting a company and creating jobs or driving innovation. This led to huge roadblocks and challenges for many founders.

They either had to navigate the complicated H1B or L1 visa process or look for alternative immigration paths like the investor visa, which often requires a huge capital investment that may not be possible for all founders.

For many, it was tough to gain that much money and establish a business, especially in a high-cost environment. This was the current situation that many startup founders were facing, primarily due to the lack of a startup visa.

Is there anything you would like to add about the current situation, Neasa?

Well, we have also heard about the merit-based system, where they will be preferring people who are going to be paid higher salaries. If that comes into play, it really shows that startup companies or small businesses will suffer because we don't know how high they can pay the employees they want to hire.

Immigration laws in 2025 will definitely play a vital role, and there are a lot of changes coming. These changes are set to be implemented by the Biden Administration and the DHS, much before Trump even takes office.

A lot of these new rules will shape opportunities for startup founders, especially immigrant entrepreneurs who are bringing innovation and economic growth to the US. It's essential to recognize the significant contributions of immigrant founders to the US economy.

Immigrants are about 80% more likely to start businesses compared to US-born citizens, accounting for about 24.2% of new business owners. This is a very positive aspect because they are creating jobs and driving innovation in the US.

Many of the largest companies have immigrant roots, with nearly half of all Fortune 500 companies having immigrant founders. About 55% of US unicorn startups, valued at over $1 billion, were founded by immigrants.

These figures highlight why supporting immigrant entrepreneurs isn't just about immigration; it's also about driving economic growth. Without it, the US economy would be affected.

These evolving immigration policies are much needed, and they have been discussing the need for change. Whether we talk about H1B or L1, we will discuss further today in our show.

These new opportunities, apart from challenges, are critical. Under the Biden Administration, steps have been taken to streamline the process for high-skilled workers. Influential voices, like Elon Musk, have been advocating for efficient policies to attract global talent.

These developments suggest a positive outlook for employment-based immigration. While challenges will always exist, immigration has always been complex and is getting more complex every day.

With Trump coming in, we have to see how things will unfold. We hear so much about travel bans and changes. I really appeal to you to watch our previous episode with attorney Justin Rivera, where he discussed many upcoming changes. You don't want to miss that information.

I think that sums up everything well. Now, there's also good news for startup founders. We have been discussing the challenges they have faced and the merit-based system.

With the new H1B visa rule, founders can now sponsor their own visas. Previously, they needed a company to sponsor them, meaning they had to find a job offer to get the visa. Now, they can start their own business in the US and sponsor their own visa.

This is a great change! It allows them to be independent. If you own a company, you can file a visa for yourself. This is a well-thought-out change that will benefit many startup founders.

Absolutely! It's very convenient for startup founders because they no longer have to depend on anyone else. They can easily sponsor themselves, which shows that the US is looking for more talented and highly skilled workers.

Earlier, there were many challenges, and there wasn't a startup visa for founders. Now, we can see a different rule that will greatly benefit those with great business ideas who want to work for themselves.

Before this change, if someone wanted to start a business in the US, they had to wait for years, sometimes even a decade, just to get a job offer letter from a US company. This is a lot of time, especially for a startup.

Having your own business takes time to grow, and now these times are being saved for startup founders. They can create their own company and sponsor themselves, giving them the freedom to turn their ideas into reality.

This is great news, and I think it will be very beneficial.

I would just like to add that you need to meet the eligibility criteria and check the rules. You must possess specialized skills. If you are an entrepreneur, for example, a tech entrepreneur from India, you can apply for an H1B through your own company.

You don't have to depend on anyone else for sponsorship. This is a major shift in immigration policy, helping innovation and entrepreneurship at the same time.

I can also understand that in Trump's administration, he has been connecting more with business people, like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg. They were welcomed with open arms during Trump's inauguration.

Trump understands the importance of business and what it can do for a nation. There are many tech giants in the US, and that's what makes America great, increasing the US economy.

It's important for businesses to feel free and independent. Earlier, there were many restrictions and policies that made it difficult for entrepreneurs to invest or enter the US for their business.

Now, with this new rule, it's going to be very helpful.

If we talk about the problems entrepreneurs faced before this change, they had to rely on companies for job offers and sponsorship. There was also a long wait for permanent residency or a green card.

Many people who came to the US on an H1B visa wanted to stay permanently, but for some, especially those from India or China, the wait time for a green card could take years, sometimes even decades.

These were significant challenges that startup founders faced before this rule. Now, we hope to see lots of changes happening, and it looks like a good year ahead for employees, employers, startup founders, and entrepreneurs.

We can say that many changes are coming, and improvements are being made in 2025. We should be a little positive and optimistic rather than just concerned.

We should be cautious, of course, but we should also be hopeful. I believe that Trump will focus on beneficial changes for the US people and the economy.

What do you say, Neasa?

Yes, for sure, Sam! Talking about it, it really has a very good impact on the US economy. According to the DHS, more entrepreneurs obtaining H1B status will result in job creation, new industries, and innovative solutions.

This is a very positive thing. Entrepreneurs bring fresh ideas and drive economic growth, making this rule change a real win-win situation for all.

It's not just the employers or entrepreneurs who are gaining from this; it's also the US economy. Another thing to consider is the potential for growth. This rule allows talented professionals to build businesses that can contribute to the US economy while fulfilling their career ambitions.

What better win-win for all?

Absolutely! I would also like to greet our viewers who have joined us. I see Rosni's and Amarjit's comments. Thank you so much for your comments!

You can also join this call, and we can have a direct one-on-one conversation. Let's take Rosni's comment here. She says that immigrants to the US are around 80% more likely to start a business than US-born citizens, making up 21.5% of self-employed workers and 24.2% of new business owners. Nearly half of all Fortune 500 companies have immigrant roots.

I think that is a much-needed statistic for today's episode. Thank you, Rosni, for bringing this up!

Neasa, what can you say about this? I mean, immigrants to the US are around 80% more likely to start a business than US-born citizens. Does this mean immigrants are more talented than US-born people?

Taking the example of great tech giants like Elon Musk, who is himself an immigrant with Tesla and SpaceX, I think there's no need for any explanation regarding those two companies.

What do you think?

Yes, the stats are true. About 80% of immigrants are likely to start businesses compared to US-born citizens, making up 21.5% of self-employed workers and 24.2% of new business owners.

These are great stats! Imagine an America without these contributions. You wouldn't have so many things that America has now.

I really need all the people out there to see the brighter side and recognize that it's a win-win situation for everyone.

Now, we can see that this 80% estimate is from a time when the new H1B rule hasn't been implemented. After this new rule is in place, I think we will see a much larger number of entrepreneurs in the upcoming year.

With fewer restrictions and more leniency towards startups and entrepreneurs, we can expect to see more businesses, ideas, and creativity this year.

We really hope so, Sam! We can't say for sure because Trump is coming in, and we have Tom and others in his team who will ensure that things aren't too easy.

It may be easier said than done, so we'll have to wait and watch what happens. The new rules will start tomorrow, and Trump will take office three days after that.

We don't know what the real scenario will be. We're just talking about stats for now, but the new rules will only hit tomorrow.

It's not going to be lenient for startups, but at least we can see a step towards helping startup businesses and founders.

They have wanted this for a long time, and now we can see a change.

Let's take Amarjit's comment. He says the US doesn't offer a specific startup visa, but founders do have several visa options to immigrate to the US. Musk has petitioned for improvements in the legal immigration process so that super talented people can come to the US more easily.

That is right, Amarjit! It's very well said. Yes, there isn't a specific startup visa, but with this new rule, I think it's a good one.

We have the investor visa, the EB5, where people can come to the US and invest. But this is more for entrepreneurs.

The EB5 visa requires a minimum investment of $800,000 or more, which is huge. This wasn't favorable for startup companies because they are already investing a lot and dealing with many issues.

If they have to invest $800,000, it becomes quite difficult for them. That's why people were facing challenges regarding financial issues and immigration policies.

This new H1B rule has come up to ease the challenges that startup companies used to face.

Also, the challenge that Trump has mentioned is that H1B workers will be subject to a higher wage system. This is another significant challenge for startup companies.

It's not possible for these startups to pay as much as established companies pay H1B workers. In terms of finance, they have been struggling a lot, especially in the US, which is the highest economy in the world.

These were important challenges that we used to see before this rule. Now, we hope to see lots of changes happening, and it looks like a good year ahead for employees, employers, startup founders, and entrepreneurs.

We can say that many changes are coming, and improvements are being made in 2025.

I think we should be a little positive and optimistic rather than just concerned.