Live data from Hacker News

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

news.ycombinator.com

21–30 of 486 posts

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

#21
Hi Peter, thanks for doing this AMA.

I am traveling to the US soon for work from Europe. I have been reading a lot of articles about detentions at US airports and phone checks. My mindset has always been to never give my personal phone for an inspection, but times has changed now and it has been happening a lot more frequently. I am wondering what is the best course of action, prior to travel and if asked to give your phone and password. Also, what happens if you refuse to do so? Is the worst case scenario that they will send you back to where you came from?

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

#22
Do L1B visa holders have reasonable chance of getting compelling circumstances EAD if their visa date isn't current for EB-3? I'm wondering if I should suggest that option for HR when they file the I-140 (or after if it's approved, whatever the process is).

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

#25
post #7

[flagged]

Don’t you have to be guilty of a crime to be sent down there?

For the vast majority of people who violate their visas, they simply get sent to their home country. If you’re willing to remain in your home country out of fear of US policies, it’s very likely your home country would take you back and not disown you.

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

#28
Not legal advice but I'm a US citizen and when I've refused to answer their intrusive questions the worst that has happened to me is they imprisoned me, stripped me naked and searched me, got a fraudulent warrant for an internal body search, and then sent me the bill after dumping me at the border when they found nothing.

Enjoy.

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

#30
post #5

If possible, I'd like to hear about your typical day/week of work (is anything "typical" in your line of work?). Thanks! Edit: Typo

For me, I have about 15 30-minute calls each day with existing and potential clients during which we discuss their chances of getting temporary work visas or green cards and issues around international travel. The rest of the time, I'm reviewing applications and responding to emails from staff and clients. It sounds pretty mundane but despite the stresses of the job and the challenges associated with the new administ…

I’m sure each case is unique, but there must be a lot of similar situations and repeat issues.

How often do you get a new curveball in the process? Though perhaps this is an unusual year to be asking that.

Post reply on HN