Here’s another edition of “Ask Sophie™,” the advice column that answers immigration-related questions about working at technology companies.
“Your questions are vital to the spread of knowledge that allows people all over the world to rise above borders and pursue their dreams,” says Sophie Alcorn, a Silicon Valley immigration attorney. “Whether you’re in people ops, a founder or seeking a job in Silicon Valley, I would love to answer your questions in my next column.”
Dear Sophie,
What in the world is happening with all this immigration breaking news and speculation about H-1Bs and J-1s and L-1s? Are we actually going to see changes?! What should I be doing to prepare?
— Immigration Doomsday Prepper
Dear Prepper,
It is times like these that I sometimes wish I did not have so many incredible, intelligent and informed clients who are capable of utilizing the news for breaking information. Some attorneys are advising everybody with visas to return to the United States ASAP. I don’t know if this will end up being required. As an attorney, it is increasingly important to remember that giving unsolicited advice (especially advice regarding things that have yet to happen) is scary and a huge gamble.
In unprecedented times like these I have to remind myself to live in the moment and only prepare and react to things that have already occurred — follow the parameters that we have been given until we hear otherwise. I know this is tough to do; the administration’s tweets and agenda are ever-present in our minds and on our feeds.
But we must continue to conduct ourselves as business as usual. File that petition, get those RFEs sent in, wait for future lottery results, show up at your interviews. Keep pursuing your immigration future with as much fervor as you did on Day One.
Today, we can appreciate the rule of law in the United States, our Constitution and our separation of powers, which means that the Supreme Court is more powerful than a presidential tweet for something like the DACA program for Dreamers.
Today, we are still fighting for you. Today, we are still working. Today, we want to start a relationship with you. Today might be the day we get that long-awaited approval. Today is the only day we have, let’s focus on that … and advance to tomorrow’s news when we’re finished with today.
All my best,
Sophie
Have a question? Ask it here. We reserve the right to edit your submission for clarity and/or space. The information provided in “Ask Sophie™” is general information and not legal advice. For more information on the limitations of “Ask Sophie™,” please view our full disclaimer here. You can contact Sophie directly at Founder Law.
Sophie’s podcast, Immigration Law for Tech Startups, is available on all major podcast platforms. If you’d like to be a guest, she’s accepting applications!