The Beautiful Game Meets Border Security: FIFA World Cup 2026

In this special episode of the Immigration Nerds Podcast, we break down what President Trump's H-1B proclamation means for employers and employees. Host Lauren Clarke and EIG partner Alejandra Zapatero explain who's actually affected, whether current H-1B holders can travel safely, and what employers should do now. We address the looming legal challenges, the uncertain future of the H-1B lottery, and provide practical guidance for F-1 students and startups navigating tough choices. If you're navigating the H-1B visa right now, this episode tells you what you need to know.GUESTS: Alejandra Zapatero, EIG PARTNERHOST: Lauren ClarkePRODUCER: Adam BelmarINTERVIEW RECORD: Monday, September 29, 2025 @ 4:30 PM ET

Can America's immigration system handle the 2026 FIFA World Cup? With 3 million daily travelers expected and visa wait times stretching hundreds of days in key countries, we're facing unprecedented challenges. Ryan Propis from the US Travel Association joins us to discuss what needs to happen now - from expanding visa waiver programs to deploying AI-powered screening technology. This isn't just about soccer; it's about America's ability to welcome the world while maintaining security. This is our first episode in an ongoing series, looking forward to the FIFA World Cup 2026.GUEST:  Ryan Propis, VP of Security and Facilitation, US Travel HOST: Lauren ClarkeNEWS NERD: Rob TaylorPRODUCER: Adam BelmarResource Links:Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel ReportFIFA World Cup 26: Host countries, cities, dates, teams, tickets, qualifying and more

Host Lauren Clarke dives into major H-1B developments with immigration reporter Andrew Kreighbaum from Bloomberg Law. They discuss the Trump administration's proposed weighted selection rule that cleared White House review, which could fundamentally change the H-1B lottery system from random selection to wage-based allocation. The conversation also covers troubling trends of terminated H-1B workers receiving notices to appear during their grace periods, broader challenges facing foreign workers entering the US, and uncertainty surrounding F-1 student programs and OPT employment options.GUEST: Andrew Kreighbaum, Immigration Reporter, Bloomberg LawHOST: Lauren ClarkeNEWS NERD: Rob TaylorPRODUCER: Adam BelmarResource Links:Trump DHS Proposes Limiting Foreign Students to Four Years in US | Bloomberg Law, Reporter Andrew Kreighbaum, Aug. 27, 2025H-1B Worker Weighted Selection Rule Clears White House Review | Bloomberg Law, Reporter Andrew Kreighbaum, Aug. 11, 2025

Host Lauren Clarke and immigration policy analyst Cecilia Esterline from the Niskanen Center break down the latest USCIS data on the Immigration Nerds. With an 18% drop in case completions and I-90 applications seeing 938% longer processing times, the numbers reveal unprecedented administrative strain. From I-765 work authorization backlogs jumping 181% to 450 USCIS employees reassigned to enforcement, we explore how 175 executive actions in 100 days are reshaping America's immigration system through data-driven analysis. Resource Links:Immigration Analysis from Cecilia Esterline, Niskanen CenterGuest:  Cecilia Esterline, Senior Immigration Policy Analyst, Niskanen CenterHost: Lauren ClarkeNews Nerd: Rob Taylor Producer: Adam Belmar

American farms are facing an unprecedented workforce crisis as Temporary Protected Status (TPS) programs for multiple countries terminate this August, threatening to remove an estimated 76,000 agricultural workers from the labor force. But what does this mean for food security, rural economies, and the future of legal farm labor?Immigration Nerds Host, Lauren Clarke, is joined by immigration attorney LJ D'Arrigo to reveal how farms following the law through H-2A visa programs face greater penalties than those operating in gray areas, creating a dangerous compliance paradox.D'Arrigo breaks down the "August 5th cliff" – the simultaneous termination of TPS designations for Nepal, Cameroon, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Haiti – and explains why states like Florida (357,000 TPS holders) and Texas (124,000) will be hit hardest. While the Department of Labor signals potential H-2A streamlining efforts, the reality is stark: many longtime farm workers with decades of loyalty to their employers face impossible choices between self-deportation or living in the shadows.From the human cost of breaking up farm families to the economic impact of losing trained workers, this episode explores practical solutions farms can implement now, the enforcement climate creating fear even among legal workers, and why seasonal agricultural visas may be the one area where immigration reform is actually possible. Essential listening for anyone navigating the intersection of immigration policy and America’s food supply.GUEST: Leonard J D’Arrigo (LJ), Harris Beach Murtha PartnerHOST: Lauren Clarke, EIG Senior Managing AttorneyPRODUCER: Adam Belmar

Canada's immigration landscape is undergoing a significant shift. But what does this mean for students, skilled workers, and families hoping to build their lives there? Immigration Nerds Host, Lauren Clarke, delves into the significant policy changes affecting thousands of temporary and permanent residents, joined by international practice experts Justin Storch and Jesse Root. From stricter student visa requirements to reduced provincial nomination quotas, discover how these changes may impact an individual's or employer's immigration strategy and whether Canada remains a viable alternative to U.S. immigration pathways. This episode is essential listening for anyone navigating the evolving Canadian immigration system.GUESTS: Justin Storch, Associate Attorney, EIG International Practice; ​Jesse Root, International Practice Project Manager  NEWS NERD: Rob Taylor, EIG PartnerHOST: Lauren Clarke, EIG Senior Managing Attorney PRODUCER: Adam Belmar

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