I’m Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA • Hacker News Board

Re: I’m Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA

#11

Post by phantom_oracle » Tue, Dec 19, 2017, 6:10 PM UTC

In your opinion, what is the outlook for foreigners wanting to participate in YC?

This question is in relation to 2 types of foreigners:

1) Regular foreigners (eg. from Western Europe, etc.)

2) Marginalized foreigners (eg. Muslims, Russians, etc.)

To further expand on what I mean by "outlook": Are foreigners welcome in the US in this political climate? Can foreigners expect extra/excessive bureaucracy (especially type 2) foreigners) from authorities? Does YC play a role in assisting type 2) foreigners who may experience 'issues'?

Re: I’m Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA

#12

Post by Jayakumark » Tue, Dec 19, 2017, 6:10 PM UTC

Whether the plan for revoking EAD for H4 Spouse of an H1 I-140 holder can be blocked by court ? Also will there be any economic implications on 100,000 plus going out of workforce ?

Re: I’m Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA

#13

Post by proberts » Tue, Dec 19, 2017, 6:11 PM UTC

guptat59 wrote: post #7

I live outside us and when I apply for jobs in us interviewers back out (indirectly) once they come to know that I may not be able to join on a specified date due to the lottery based h1b. What are my other options? I do not have enough experience for an L1

That's a problem with our immigration system. Oftentimes, there are no solutions for talented individuals. Sometimes the O-1 visa is an option. While the standard is no doubt high, talented professionals oftentimes meet it.

Re: I’m Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA

#14

Post by proberts » Tue, Dec 19, 2017, 6:13 PM UTC

Jayakumark wrote: post #12

Whether the plan for revoking EAD for H4 Spouse of an H1 I-140 holder can be blocked by court ? Also will there be any economic implications on 100,000 plus going out of workforce ?

I can't answer the latter question but I think there will be a major battle that will cross party lines if the administrations attempts to do away with this benefit.

Re: I’m Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA

#15

Post by forgot-my-pw » Tue, Dec 19, 2017, 6:13 PM UTC

If you have to choose a different country to move to, which do you pick and why?

Re: I’m Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA

#16

Post by bankim » Tue, Dec 19, 2017, 6:14 PM UTC

How does a non-immigrant who is currently on H1B visa in the US go about starting and working for their own company?

Re: I’m Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA

#17

Post by sbaus387 » Tue, Dec 19, 2017, 6:14 PM UTC

having worked 5 months on an H1-B and quitting. Is it necessary to go through the lottery again if I find employment once more? If not, how long before having to go through the lottery again?

Re: I’m Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA

#18

Post by proberts » Tue, Dec 19, 2017, 6:14 PM UTC

phantom_oracle wrote: post #11

In your opinion, what is the outlook for foreigners wanting to participate in YC? This question is in relation to 2 types of foreigners: 1) Regular foreigners (eg. from Western Europe, etc.) 2) Marginalized foreigners (eg. Muslims, Russians, etc.) To further expand on what I mean by "outlook": Are foreigners welcome in the US in this political climate? Can foreigners expect extra/excessive bureaucracy (especially typ…

All I can say is that despite all the craziness and hostility surrounding immigration, the procedures haven't really changed that much, regardless of the country of origin, and we're still able to get visas for highly talented individuals.

Re: I’m Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA

#19

Post by tchaffee » Tue, Dec 19, 2017, 6:15 PM UTC

I am assuming you work on US immigration law? Lots of us here live in other countries so it would be good to clear that up in your description if possible.

Re: I’m Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA

#20

Post by chollida1 » Tue, Dec 19, 2017, 6:16 PM UTC

Bit off topic but, Canada is about to legalize marijuana.

Do you see US border patrol trying to "sniff out" Canadians trying to enter the US with specific marijuana related questions?

Are there an specific questions that Canadians who smoke weed and cross into the US for work, should or shouldn't answer?

I'm not worried about blatantly stupid things like trying to bring in weed to the US, but more concerned about the estimated 50% of Canadian adults who say that they have tried, or will try once it legal but who also have to go to the US at some point in their life time.

Asking for a friend....