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

#1

Post by proberts » Fri, May 16, 2025, 3:05 PM UTC

I'll be here for the next 5-6 hours. As usual, there are countless topics given the rapidly changing immigration landscape and I'll be guided by whatever you're concerned with. Please remember that I can't provide legal advice on specific cases because I won't have access to all the facts. Please stick to a factual discussion in your questions and I'll try to do the same in my answers.

Edit: I am taking a break now and will return later this afternoon/evening to respond to any comments and answer any questions. Thank you everyone for a great and engaged AMA so far.

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

#2

Post by 0xy » Fri, May 16, 2025, 3:20 PM UTC

I'm moving to the US on a K1 visa, is it possible to expedite an EAD on the basis of a job offer in an AI field?

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

#3

Post by pctTCRZ52y » Fri, May 16, 2025, 3:21 PM UTC

Are the current policies in the US making it noticeably more difficult for you to secure work visas for your clients?

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

#4

Post by proberts » Fri, May 16, 2025, 3:23 PM UTC

0xy wrote: post #2

I'm moving to the US on a K1 visa, is it possible to expedite an EAD on the basis of a job offer in an AI field?

Expedites are available for all USCIS filings and while it's worth it to request it here, your reason isn't like to meet the expedite requirements, which are listed on the USCIS website.

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

#5

Post by RyanOD » Fri, May 16, 2025, 3:24 PM UTC

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

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

#6

Post by proberts » Fri, May 16, 2025, 3:25 PM UTC

pctTCRZ52y wrote: post #3

Are the current policies in the US making it noticeably more difficult for you to secure work visas for your clients?

Not yet. The main changes that we're seeing are with CBP at the ports of entry. CBP is being much more aggressive in questioning those seeking admission, including searching electronic devices and even detaining applicants. But nearly all our filings are still getting approved.

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

#7

Post by drcongo » Fri, May 16, 2025, 3:27 PM UTC

[flagged]

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

#8

Post by tempfile » Fri, May 16, 2025, 3:28 PM UTC

Is asking about Recurse Center on-topic? I wanted to apply, but I genuinely don't consider it safe to travel to the US. As far as I can tell there is no comparable bootcamp-style retreat in EU :(

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

#9

Post by Detrytus » Fri, May 16, 2025, 3:30 PM UTC

Does being "busted" by Customs (i.e. carrying some items that should be declared, but going, and being pulled of from "Nothing to declare" lane) affects admission to the US at all?

I was let go with just a warning for my "offense", but still the customs officer took my passport and make some note in the system. Should I expect secondary inspection next time I cross the border?

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

#10

Post by neom » Fri, May 16, 2025, 3:30 PM UTC

There has been a bunch of chatter in Canadian founders whatsapp groups about people getting detained for long periods of time coming into the states either at SFO or pre-clear in Canada. Are you advising Canadians travel with any additional documentation these days?