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

#1

Post by proberts » Mon, Jan 20, 2025, 4:20 PM UTC

I'll be here for the next 3 hours and then again at around 4 pm EST for another 3 hours. As usual, there are many possible topics and I'll be guided by whatever you're concerned with but as much as possible - because we've received so many questions about this the past few months - I'd like to focus on the impact of the new administration on U.S. immigration law and policy. Please remember that I can't provide legal advice on specific cases for liability reasons because I won't have access to all the facts. Please stick to a factual discussion in your questions and comments and I'll try to do the same in my answers. Thanks!

Edit: Thank you again for the great questions and discussion. I'm taking a break now and will return in about an hour. If I miss any questions before the AMA ends today, I'll do my best to respond tomorrow

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

#2

Post by ReaLNero » Mon, Jan 20, 2025, 4:23 PM UTC

What's your outlook on work green-card timelines for the next 2 years, esp. given the recent change in administration?

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

#3

Post by fertrevino » Mon, Jan 20, 2025, 4:26 PM UTC

I heard russian citizens were having troubles getting any kind of U.S. visa due to the political situation in the world. Does this situation still persists? Asking for a friend who still hasn't heard back for his tourist visa.

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

#4

Post by proberts » Mon, Jan 20, 2025, 4:27 PM UTC

fertrevino wrote: post #3

I heard russian citizens were having troubles getting any kind of U.S. visa due to the political situation in the world. Does this situation still persists? Asking for a friend who still hasn't heard back for his tourist visa.

Yes, it still persists and can result in visa processing delays of more than one year.

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

#5

Post by muddi900 » Mon, Jan 20, 2025, 4:29 PM UTC

How much do you expect to fight the government in the next 4 years?

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

#6

Post by proberts » Mon, Jan 20, 2025, 4:30 PM UTC

ReaLNero wrote: post #2

What's your outlook on work green-card timelines for the next 2 years, esp. given the recent change in administration?

There's not much that an administration can do to impact the delays because they primarily are the result of statutory backlogs and demand. So, unless there is a significant change in the law or a significant drop in demand, these delays are likely to persist.

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

#7

Post by kubb » Mon, Jan 20, 2025, 4:32 PM UTC

As an EU citizen, what are my chances of being able to get a visa if hired by an American company?

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

#8

Post by for1nner » Mon, Jan 20, 2025, 4:32 PM UTC

fertrevino wrote: post #3

I heard russian citizens were having troubles getting any kind of U.S. visa due to the political situation in the world. Does this situation still persists? Asking for a friend who still hasn't heard back for his tourist visa.

[flagged]

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

#9

Post by kelh » Mon, Jan 20, 2025, 4:32 PM UTC

How often do you see bootstrapped founders get an O-1? How much revenue do they typically have before applying?

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

#10

Post by kujin88 » Mon, Jan 20, 2025, 4:33 PM UTC

Hi Peter, thank you for doing this AMA. I am on H1B and I recently lost my job. I only have about 50 days left to get a new job but I have a spouse who is on his own H1B. I wanted to see and find out legal and smooth options to buy more time for myself to find a new job - If anything, it would be those options that do not need me to leave the country and get stamping, if at all. My country of citizenship is India, by the way. If you can help us out, it would be really great. Thank you.