U.S. Immigrant Journey: Opportunities and Challenges

The Impact of Family-Based Visas on Businesses Hiring Foreign Workers: Opportunities and Challenges

Episode Summary
In this episode of US Immigrant: Journey, Opportunities, and Challenges, host Kevin Rosenquist sits down with immigration attorney Edwin Fogam to discuss the impact of family-based visas on businesses hiring foreign workers. Edwin, with over 25 years of legal experience, breaks down the intersection of family-based and employment-based immigration, explaining the challenges, benefits, and legal pathways available for businesses and workers.
Topics include how family-based visas affect employee retention, the role of employers in facilitating family immigration, and the legal complexities of these visa categories. If you're an employer looking to hire foreign talent or a worker navigating the immigration system, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you make informed decisions.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome to US Immigrant: Journey, Opportunities, and Challenges
00:02 – Introduction of guest, attorney Edwin Fogam
00:32 – How family-based and employment-based visas intersect
01:38 – The impact of family members on an employee’s decision to stay in the US
02:31 – Can family members join a worker in the US under a family-based visa?
03:47 – Challenges for businesses hiring workers with family-based immigration cases
04:43 – What happens if a family-based visa is delayed or denied?
05:49 – Understanding H-4 visas for family members of H-1B workers
07:09 – Do family-based visa categories affect a company’s ability to sponsor foreign workers?
08:08 – How employers can assist in family-based immigration cases
10:22 – How an immigration attorney helps businesses and workers navigate the process
11:12 – Why immigration law is more complex than it seems
12:12 – Do employers inquire about family-based visas when hiring foreign workers?
13:24 – Why hiring an immigration attorney is crucial in today’s legal climate
13:46 – Closing thoughts & how to connect with Edwin Fogam
 
About the Show:
US Immigrant: Journey, Opportunities, and Challenges is a podcast dedicated to helping individuals and businesses navigate the US immigration system. Hosted by Kevin Rosenquist, the show features expert insights from experienced immigration attorneys to guide listeners through the legal, professional, and personal aspects of immigration.

Navigating U.S. Work Visas: Which One is Right for Your Foreign Employees?

Episode Summary:
In this episode of US Immigrant Journey: Opportunities and Challenges, host Kevin Rosenquist speaks with Attorney Edwin Fogam, an immigration expert with over 25 years of experience, about the complexities of U.S. work visas. They break down the differences between temporary (non-immigrant) visas and permanent (immigrant) visas, guiding employers on how to select the right visa for their foreign employees.
 
Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome to US Immigrant Journey: Opportunities and Challenges
00:05 – Introduction of Attorney Edwin Fogam and today’s topic
00:32 – Overview of U.S. work visas: Temporary vs. Permanent
01:49 – Breakdown of key non-immigrant work visas (H-1B, L-1, E-2, etc.)
03:18 – Common employer misconceptions about work visas
04:04 – How employers determine the right visa for their employees
04:55 – Impact of company size and industry on visa eligibility
06:17 – Other factors influencing visa selection
07:13 – What happens if an employer shuts down or lays off foreign employees?
08:54 – Why H-1B visa issues are common in the tech industry
09:56 – Industries that frequently hire foreign workers (healthcare, education, agriculture)
11:01 – Challenges employers face when sponsoring work visas
12:12 – The risks of employers attempting the visa process alone
13:06 – Why consulting an immigration attorney early is crucial
14:46 – Final thoughts and closing remarks
 
About the Show:
US Immigrant Journey: Opportunities and Challenges is a podcast dedicated to helping businesses, employees, and individuals understand U.S. immigration laws. Hosted by Kevin Rosenquist and featuring insights from Attorney Edwin Fogam, the show covers essential topics such as work visas, green cards, employer compliance, and business immigration strategies.

The Truth Behind Visa Denials: What Employers and Employees Need to Know

Episode Summary:
In this episode of US Immigrant Journey: Opportunities and Challenges, host Kevin Rosenquist sits down with experienced immigration attorney Edwin Fogam to uncover The Truth Behind Visa Denials. With over 25 years of expertise in immigration law, Edwin sheds light on why visa applications are often denied, common mistakes made by employers and employees, and how to navigate the appeals process.
From the importance of preparing a strong application to the misconceptions surrounding visa denials, this episode is packed with actionable advice for both foreign workers and employers. Edwin also discusses the role of employers in the visa process, strategies for overcoming denials, and the latest updates on H-1B visas under the current administration.
Whether you’re an employer looking to hire foreign talent or an employee facing visa challenges, this episode provides essential insights to help you successfully navigate the immigration system.
Timestamps:
 [00:37] Common Reasons for Visa Denials – Key factors like incomplete applications, unmet job requirements, and missed deadlines. [01:11] How Employers Can Prevent Denials – The importance of early preparation and understanding visa regulations.[01:40] Misconceptions About Visa Denials – Why a denial isn’t always the end of the road and how to appeal or reapply. [02:40] Options After a Visa Denial – Filing motions to reconsider, appeals, and alternative visa categories.[04:31] The Employer’s Role in the Process – Why collaboration between HR and attorneys is crucial. [05:40] Risks of Hiring a Worker Without Proper Status – Legal consequences and financial penalties.[07:08] The H-1B Visa & Recent Policy Changes – How the program is evolving and what it means for employers.[08:13] The H-1B Lottery Process – How it works, eligibility requirements, and yearly caps.[09:25] Employer Requirements for Sponsoring a Worker – What businesses need to prove to hire foreign talent.[10:37] Transitioning from H-1B to Green Card – How to move from non-immigrant status to permanent residency.[12:14] What Happens After a Denial? – Understanding the impact on immigration status and next steps.[13:49] Preventative Strategies for Employers – Key steps to ensure a smooth visa application process.
 
​​About the Show:
US Immigrant Journey: Opportunities and Challenges explores the complexities of immigration law, helping foreign workers, employers, and families navigate the U.S. immigration system. Hosted by Kevin Rosenquist and featuring expert attorney Edwin Fogam, the podcast provides practical insights, legal strategies, and the latest updates on immigration policies.

From Immigrant to Advocate: A Business Lawyer's Story

Episode Summary
In this episode of "US Immigrant Journey Opportunities and Challenges," host Kevin Rosenquist interviews attorney Edwin Fogam, who shares his inspiring journey from Cameroon to the United States. Edwin discusses his early life, the challenges he faced during his immigration process, and how his experiences shaped his legal career. He emphasizes the importance of following the law and offers advice to immigrants aspiring to achieve their American dream. Edwin also highlights the mission of his law firm, Fogo and Associates, and shares impactful stories of clients who have successfully navigated the immigration system.
 
Timestamps:
[00:31-02:05] Edwin's background and early career in Cameroon
[02:06-03:03] Journey to the United States and law school experience
[03:04-04:10] Impact of experiences on Edwin's perspective as an attorney
[04:11-05:19] Challenges of the immigration process
[05:20-06:23] Inspiration behind establishing Fogo and Associates
[06:24-07:15] Advice for immigrants pursuing the American dream
[07:16-08:16] Importance of following the law
[08:17-09:16] Types of immigration cases handled by the firm
[09:17-10:18] Comparison of business immigration vs. individual immigration
[10:19-11:21] What sets Fogo and Associates apart from other firms
[11:22-12:41] Goals for the podcast and message to aspiring immigrants
[12:42-15:26] Impactful client stories and successful cases
[15:27-16:00] Closing remarks and gratitude to listeners
 
About The Show
"US Immigrant Journey Opportunities and Challenges" is a podcast dedicated to exploring the multifaceted experiences of immigrants navigating the U.S. immigration system. Hosted by Kevin Rosenquist, the show features insightful conversations with immigration attorneys, advocates, and individuals who share their personal stories and professional expertise. Each episode delves into the challenges and opportunities faced by immigrants, offering valuable advice, legal insights, and inspiring narratives that highlight the resilience and determination of those pursuing their American dreams. The podcast aims to educate listeners about the complexities of immigration law while fostering a deeper understanding of the immigrant experience in the United States.