An Independence Day Reflection: The Journey to American Citizenship

In this newest episode of the Immigration Nerds podcast, we explore what it truly means to become an American. Host Lauren Clarke talks to author Rajani LaRocca, whose latest children's book "Some of Us: A Story of Citizenship and the United States," offers a poignant look at the immigration and naturalization process. Through beautiful prose and captivating illustrations, LaRocca guides readers through this deeply personal yet universally significant journey that defines so much of our nation's character.GUEST: Rajani LaRocca, Author, Physician, Naturalized CitizenHOST: Lauren ClarkeNEWS NERD: Rob TaylorPRODUCER: Adam BelmarShow Links: Some of Us: A Story of Citizenship and the United States

America faces a critical shortage in its care workforce, the millions of workers who provide childcare, elder care, and support for people with disabilities. With 9 million job openings expected in direct care over the next decade and an aging population that will see 89 million Americans over 65 by 2060, this crisis affects every family. In this episode, host Lauren Clarke sits down with Amanda Bergson-Shilcock, Senior Fellow at the National Skills Coalition, to explore how immigration policy intersects with America's growing demand for care workers. You'll discover that immigrants already comprise one in four direct care workers and one in three home care workers. Yet, policy barriers often prevent talented caregivers from filling these essential roles.Plus, immigration news from Erickson Immigration Group partner Rob Taylor, covering the latest developments affecting F-1 students from China and Hong Kong, new restrictions on Harvard exchange programs, and the implementation of a new travel ban affecting 19 countries.Show Links:Workforce Advisory Council to Address Urgent Care Workforce Needs: https://nationalskillscoalition.org/news/press-releases/nsc-launches-care-workforce-advisory-council/

Discover the hidden culinary history of Asian heritage chefs who've served U.S. presidents. Host Lauren Clarke welcomes food historian Adrian Miller and chef Deborah Chang, co-authors of "Asian Heritage Chefs in White House History: Cooking to the President's Taste." From Lee Ping Quan's presidential yacht service in the 1920s to Chef Cristeta Comerford's 19-year tenure as White House Executive Chef, learn how these talented cooks navigated anti-Asian immigration policies while introducing authentic dishes to America's first families. The episode explores how military service provided a pathway to citizenship, reveals surprising fusion recipes from presidential kitchens, and demonstrates food's power as cultural diplomacy. Plus, the latest immigration news with EIG partner Rob Taylor.This episode is part of our ongoing "Food of Immigrants" series, this month featuring stories that highlight Asian American, Hawaiian, and Native Pacific Islander heritage during their heritage month.GUESTS: Co-Authors of "Asian Heritage Chefs in White House History: Cooking to the President's Taste"Adrian Miller, Author, Food Historian, James Beard Award WinnerDeborah Chang, Chef, Recipe Developer, AttorneyHOST: LAUREN CLARKENEWS NERD: ROB TAYLORPRODUCER: ADAM BELMARShow Links:Asian Heritage Chefs in White House History: Cooking to the President’s Taste

In this episode of the Immigration Nerds Podcast, we explore how immigration directly impacts the solvency and sustainability of Social Security with economist Dr. Tara Watson, Director of the Center for Economic Security and Opportunity at the Brookings Institution.As America faces an aging population and declining birth rates, Dr. Watson explains how immigrants serve as economic contributors to our retirement systems, often paying far more into Social Security than they'll ever receive in benefits. She breaks down the demographic math behind our current crisis, presents evidence-based solutions that could extend Social Security's viability, and discusses how immigration policies might help. This episode will examine the data-driven relationship between immigration and one of America's most essential safety net programs.GUEST:  Dr. Tara Watson, Director, Center for Economic Security and Opportunity, Brookings InstitutionHOST: Lauren ClarkeNEWS NERD: Rob Taylor PRODUCER: Adam Belmar

What does it feel like to miss your green card approval by just eight days after waiting for nearly a decade? In this compelling episode, we follow KC Lakshminarasimham's 16-year odyssey through America's labyrinthine immigration system.From his unexpected arrival in the U.S. during the 2008 recession to coming heartbreakingly close to permanent residency, only to have bureaucratic delays slam the door shut at the last moment, KC's story captures both the frustration and determination required to navigate employment-based immigration. Adding to the complexity, his wife—a qualified dentist—faced her own career obstacles due to her dependent visa status.After years of setbacks and a devastating near-miss, discover how KC finally achieved success by proving his "extraordinary ability" when traditional paths failed him. This eye-opening conversation reveals the human cost behind immigration statistics and offers crucial insights for skilled professionals facing similar challenges. Don't miss this powerful testament to perseverance that illuminates why America's immigration policies matter for our technological and economic leadership.GUEST:  KC Lakshminarasimham "Lack-shmee-nara-sim-ham"HOST: Lauren ClarkeINTERVIEWER: Justin ParsonsNEWS NERD: Rob TaylorPRODUCER: Adam Belmar

In this timely episode of the Immigration Nerds podcast, host Lauren Clarke is joined by Erickson Immigration Group partners, Rob Taylor and Alejandra Zapatero, to analyze the immigration landscape 90 days into President Trump's second administration.GUEST: Alejandra Zapatero, Erickson Immigration Group Partner and Rob Taylor, Erickson Immigration Group PartnerHOST: Lauren Clarke PRODUCER: Adam Belmar

In this compelling episode of the Immigration Nerds podcast, we speak with composer Kevin Charoensri, whose dream opportunity to have his music performed by "The President's Own" United States Marine Band was abruptly canceled by a presidential executive order restricting diversity initiatives.Despite this setback, Kevin's composition has gained remarkable attention. This episode explores immigration, cultural identity, artistic expression, and resilience.Show Links: Kevin CharoensriRISING LIGHT - Kevin Charoensri Performed by the University of California - Los Angeles Wind Ensemble under Travis Cross.GUEST:  Kevin CharoensriHOST: Lauren ClarkeNEWS NERD: Rob Taylor PRODUCER: Adam Belmar

In this episode of Immigration Nerds, host Lauren Clarke sits down with Laura Collins, Director of the Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative, to explore their 2025 policy recommendations on immigration reform. Collins presents a compelling economic case for modernizing America's immigration system, highlighting how immigration serves as a competitive advantage even when legal frameworks may fail to maximize its potential. The conversation delves into temporary worker visa programs, employment-based green cards, and the role of refugee resettlement in global security. Collins offers forward-thinking perspectives on how immigration can address America's demographic challenges, particularly as future workforce growth shifts to regions like Sub-Saharan Africa.INTERVIEW RECORD: Wednesday, 3/12/25 @ 11:30 aM ETShow Links:George W. Bush Institute | Policy Recommendation | January 13, 2025: Reforming Our Immigration System to Maximize America's PotentialGUEST: Laura Collins, Director, George W. Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth InitiativeHOST: Lauren ClarkeNEWS NERD: Rob TaylorPRODUCER: Adam Belmar

In this episode of Immigration Nerds, host Lauren Clarke explores how Fiona McEntee's children's book "Our American Dream" finally has its moment five years after its original release. As immigration continues to dominate headlines in February 2025, this collection of positive immigration stories told through rhyming verse has become more relevant than ever. McEntee, an Irish immigrant and immigration attorney herself, discusses how she's getting her book into the hands of children who need its message most - including community centers in areas where immigrants have faced hostility. She shares how the book is helping immigrant children feel welcome during uncertain times and giving teachers a tool to have age-appropriate conversations about immigration in classrooms. The episode also features Immigration News Nerd Rob Taylor with updates on TPS termination for Haiti, new visa interview waiver restrictions at several US consulates, and a reminder about the upcoming H-1B cap registration period.Show Links:Our American Dream: https://www.ouramericandreambooks.com/

In an era of shifting immigration policies, how can schools protect their most vulnerable students? This urgent episode features Luma Mufleh, founder of Fugees Family Inc., who has created a groundbreaking School Crisis Playbook for deportation response. Drawing from her personal experience as a refugee and educator, Mufleh provides crucial insights into preparing schools for immigration enforcement scenarios while maintaining student dignity and hope. GUESTS: Luma Mufleh, Fugees FamilyHOST: Lauren ClarkeNEWS NERD: Rob Taylor PRODUCER: Adam BelmarShow Links:School Crisis Playbook: Deportation Response - Navigating Deportation Policies with Practical Tools and Preparedness Fugees Family - Advancing educational justice for refugee and immigrant youth