Épisodes

  • Extraordinary Ability Visas: What Are They and Who Qualifies?
    Aug 29 2025

    EPISODE SUMMARY:

    In this informative episode, immigration attorneys Frances Hayden and special guest Liz Fogel Profumo discuss the ins and outs of Extraordinary Ability Visas. They break down the differences between O-1 visas and EB-1 green cards, qualification requirements, and application processes for various professionals including artists, scientists, and digital content creators.

    KEY TIMESTAMPS:

    00:01 - Show Introduction

    01:14 - Definition of Extraordinary Ability Visas

    02:27 - Sponsorship Requirements

    03:58 - Types of O-1 Visas (O-1A and O-1B)

    05:21 - Qualification Requirements for Influencers

    07:20 - EB-1 Green Card Standards

    08:32 - O-1 Visa Application Process

    10:26 - Application Documentation

    13:41 - Success Rates and Approval Statistics

    ABOUT THE SHOW:

    "Talking U.S. Visas with Immigration Attorney Frances Hayden" is a podcast focused on helping listeners understand the complexities of U.S. immigration law. Host Sophia Morales and immigration expert Frances Hayden provide valuable insights and practical guidance for those navigating the U.S. visa system.

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    16 min
  • Priority Dates and Visa Bulletins: What U.S. Immigrants and Employers Need to Know
    Aug 11 2025
    Episode Summary

    In this episode of US Immigrant Journey: Opportunities and Challenges, immigration attorney Edwin Fogam explores the critical role of priority dates and the Visa Bulletin in the U.S. immigration process. The discussion covers how priority dates determine eligibility for filing adjustment of status, why some green card applicants face years-long waits, and the impact of visa retrogression. With practical examples and strategic advice, the episode helps immigrants and employers navigate the complexities of family-based and employment-based visa categories to achieve successful outcomes.

    Key Timestamps

    00:00 - Show Introduction and Welcome

    01:30 - Understanding Priority Dates in Immigration

    04:00 - Importance of Priority Dates for Green Card Applications

    07:30 - What Is the Visa Bulletin and Who Publishes It?

    11:00 - Why Green Card Wait Times Can Be Years Long

    15:00 - Understanding Visa Retrogression and Its Impact

    19:00 - Working and Living in the U.S. While Awaiting Priority Dates

    23:00 - Wait Times for Different Visa Categories

    27:30 - Why Some Visa Categories Face Longer Delays

    31:00 - Tracking the Visa Bulletin for Your Case

    35:00 - Recapturing Earlier Priority Dates

    39:00 - Strategic Planning for Immigration Challenges

    43:00 - Educating Yourself on the Immigration Process

    46:00 - Conclusion and Call to Action

    About the Show

    US Immigrant Journey: Opportunities and Challenges is a podcast dedicated to guiding foreign nationals and employers through the complexities of U.S. immigration law. Edwin Fogam an experienced immigration attorney with over 25 years of expertise, the show provides clear, actionable insights into visa processes, green card applications, and compliance strategies. With real-world examples and strategic advice, the podcast empowers listeners to navigate their immigration journey with confidence.

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    16 min
  • How Employers Can Navigate PERM Labor Certification Without Getting Lost
    Jul 29 2025
    Episode Summary:

    In this episode of U.S. Immigrant Journey: Opportunities and Challenges, immigration attorney Edwin Fogam unpacks the often misunderstood PERM labor certification process. Drawing from his own immigrant experience and years of legal practice, Edwin outlines how employers can successfully sponsor foreign workers without jeopardizing their filings. From recruitment timelines to avoiding costly mistakes, this episode is essential listening for employers considering employment-based green cards.

    Key Timestamps:

    00:01 – Show intro and guest background: Edwin Fogam, founder of Fogam & Associates 01:25 – What is PERM labor certification and why is it required? 03:05 – Step-by-step overview of the PERM recruitment process 05:40 – Average timeline for a PERM case (12–14 months) 07:15 – Common causes of delay: audits, errors, and missed deadlines 08:50 – Mistakes employers make: job descriptions, rushed timelines, language requirements 11:30 – Importance of a “recruitment manual” for compliance 13:20 – How the Department of Labor evaluates whether U.S. workers are available 15:30 – How to minimize the risk of audit or denial 17:15 – What Fogam & Associates does to support employers throughout the PERM process 19:45 – Why the PERM process is so tightly regulated 22:05 – Can you expedite a PERM filing? (Short answer: No) 23:00 – Can small or mid-sized businesses realistically file for PERM? 24:30 – Why PERM may be required—even when other immigration options exist 27:10 – Common reasons for PERM denial: tailored job descriptions, missed posting deadlines 29:45 – Appeal or refile: What happens if PERM is denied? 32:00 – Final tips and how to connect with Edwin Fogam

    About the Show:

    U.S. Immigrant Journey: Opportunities and Challenges explores the legal realities of immigration in America through the eyes of those who’ve lived it and practice it. Led by attorney Edwin Fogam, this podcast delivers expert insights into employment visas, green card sponsorship, immigration pitfalls, and real-life strategies to navigate a complex system.

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    16 min
  • From Dreams to Reality: How Immigrants Can Secure Extraordinary, Entrepreneurial, and Family-Based Success in the U.S
    Jun 2 2025

    Episode Summary:

    In this episode, immigration attorney Edwin Fogam discusses various visa options for extraordinary individuals and entrepreneurs looking to immigrate to the United States. He provides detailed insights into EB-1 visas, O-1 visas, National Interest Waivers, and investment-based immigration options like EB-5 and E-2 visas.

    Key Timestamps:

    00:35 - Introduction to EB-1 visa requirements

    03:11 - Differences between EB-1 and O-1 visas

    05:30 - Explanation of National Interest Waiver

    07:38 - Processing times and premium processing options

    09:18 - Investment-based immigration (EB-5 visa)

    10:09 - E-2 visa options for entrepreneurs

    11:32 - How to contact Attorney Fogam's office

    About the Show:

    U.S. Immigrant Journey: Opportunities and Challenges explores various pathways to immigration success in America. The show features expert guests who provide valuable insights and practical advice for those seeking to build their future in the United States.

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    15 min
  • Family Immigration Court: How to Prepare for Immigration Court
    Apr 22 2025
    Episode Summary

    In this episode of U.S. Immigrant Journey – Opportunities and Challenges, attorney Edwin Fogam, with over 25 years of experience in immigration law, breaks down the complexities of family-based immigration court proceedings. He discusses the common reasons cases end up in court, how families can prepare, and what to expect at each stage of the process. Edwin also shares expert tips on avoiding common mistakes, preparing strong evidence, and increasing the chances of a favorable outcome.

    If you or someone you know is facing removal proceedings, this episode provides essential insights into master calendar hearings, individual hearings, appeals, and legal strategies to navigate the system effectively.

    Timestamps

    00:00 – Welcome to U.S. Immigrant Journey 00:05 – Introduction of Attorney Edwin Fogam 00:43 – Why family-based immigration cases end up in court 01:27 – How families can avoid immigration court 02:05 – Breakdown of a family immigration case in court 03:07 – Master calendar hearings vs. individual hearings 04:34 – Role of an immigration judge in removal proceedings 06:18 – Common mistakes families make in immigration court 08:00 – What happens if a case is rejected in immigration court? 09:12 – The role of business immigration attorneys in family cases 10:56 – How to best prepare for an immigration court hearing 12:15 – Why preparation is key for a successful verdict 13:00 – Closing remarks and where to find Attorney Fogam

    About the Show

    U.S. Immigrant Journey – Opportunities and Challenges is a podcast dedicated to providing insights into the U.S. immigration process, legal challenges, and opportunities for immigrants. Hosted by Kevin Rosenquist and featuring top immigration experts, the show covers essential topics such as visa applications, green cards, deportation defense, asylum, and business immigration.

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    13 min
  • Immediate Relative vs. Family Preference Visas: Key Differences in Family-Based Immigration
    Apr 6 2025

    Episode Summary:

    In this episode of US Immigrant Journey: Opportunities and Challenges, host Kevin Rosenquist sits down with attorney Edwin Fogam to break down the complexities of family-based immigration. They discuss the differences between immediate relatives and family preference visas, covering eligibility, waiting times, and common challenges. Edwin also shares insights into priority dates, visa caps, and the risks associated with fraudulent applications. If you're navigating the immigration process for a family member, this episode is packed with valuable information.

    Timestamps

    • 00:00 – Welcome to US Immigrant Journey: Opportunities and Challenges
    • 00:05 – Introduction to the episode and guest Edwin Fogam
    • 00:53 – What are immediate relative visas? (Spouses, parents, and children under 21 of U.S. citizens)
    • 01:30 – Understanding family preference categories (F1, F2A, F2B, F3, F4)
    • 02:44 – How family preference visas differ from immediate relative visas
    • 03:26 – Eligibility requirements for family-based immigration
    • 04:28 – The impact of visa caps and priority dates
    • 05:12 – How applicants are chosen within the preference visa system
    • 06:03 – The long wait times: 10, 15, even 20 years in some cases
    • 07:51 – Proving relationships: The importance of bona fide marriages and family ties
    • 08:32 – The consequences of sham marriages and immigration fraud
    • 09:04 – Exceptions and expedited family-based immigration cases
    • 11:03 – Current trends in immigration applications amid long backlogs
    • 12:58 – When is the best time to hire an immigration attorney?
    • 13:53 – Closing remarks and where to get legal assistance

    About the Show US Immigrant Journey: Opportunities and Challenges explores the legal, practical, and emotional aspects of immigration to the United States. Hosted by Kevin Rosenquist, each episode features expert insights from attorney Edwin Fogam, who has over 25 years of experience in immigration law. Whether you're an immigrant, a sponsor, or just interested in the process, this podcast is your go-to resource for navigating the U.S. immigration system.

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    14 min
  • The Impact of Family-Based Visas on Businesses Hiring Foreign Workers: Opportunities and Challenges
    Mar 24 2025

    Episode Summary

    In this episode of US Immigrant: Journey, Opportunities, and Challenges, host Kevin Rosenquist sits down with immigration attorney Edwin Fogam to discuss the impact of family-based visas on businesses hiring foreign workers. Edwin, with over 25 years of legal experience, breaks down the intersection of family-based and employment-based immigration, explaining the challenges, benefits, and legal pathways available for businesses and workers.

    Topics include how family-based visas affect employee retention, the role of employers in facilitating family immigration, and the legal complexities of these visa categories. If you're an employer looking to hire foreign talent or a worker navigating the immigration system, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you make informed decisions.

    Timestamps:

    00:00 – Welcome to US Immigrant: Journey, Opportunities, and Challenges

    00:02 – Introduction of guest, attorney Edwin Fogam

    00:32 – How family-based and employment-based visas intersect

    01:38 – The impact of family members on an employee’s decision to stay in the US

    02:31 – Can family members join a worker in the US under a family-based visa?

    03:47 – Challenges for businesses hiring workers with family-based immigration cases

    04:43 – What happens if a family-based visa is delayed or denied?

    05:49 – Understanding H-4 visas for family members of H-1B workers

    07:09 – Do family-based visa categories affect a company’s ability to sponsor foreign workers?

    08:08 – How employers can assist in family-based immigration cases

    10:22 – How an immigration attorney helps businesses and workers navigate the process

    11:12 – Why immigration law is more complex than it seems

    12:12 – Do employers inquire about family-based visas when hiring foreign workers?

    13:24 – Why hiring an immigration attorney is crucial in today’s legal climate

    13:46 – Closing thoughts & how to connect with Edwin Fogam

    About the Show:

    US Immigrant: Journey, Opportunities, and Challenges is a podcast dedicated to helping individuals and businesses navigate the US immigration system. Hosted by Kevin Rosenquist, the show features expert insights from experienced immigration attorneys to guide listeners through the legal, professional, and personal aspects of immigration.

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    14 min
  • Navigating U.S. Work Visas: Which One is Right for Your Foreign Employees?
    Mar 10 2025

    Episode Summary:

    In this episode of US Immigrant Journey: Opportunities and Challenges, host Kevin Rosenquist speaks with Attorney Edwin Fogam, an immigration expert with over 25 years of experience, about the complexities of U.S. work visas. They break down the differences between temporary (non-immigrant) visas and permanent (immigrant) visas, guiding employers on how to select the right visa for their foreign employees.

    Timestamps:

    00:00 – Welcome to US Immigrant Journey: Opportunities and Challenges

    00:05 – Introduction of Attorney Edwin Fogam and today’s topic

    00:32 – Overview of U.S. work visas: Temporary vs. Permanent

    01:49 – Breakdown of key non-immigrant work visas (H-1B, L-1, E-2, etc.)

    03:18 – Common employer misconceptions about work visas

    04:04 – How employers determine the right visa for their employees

    04:55 – Impact of company size and industry on visa eligibility

    06:17 – Other factors influencing visa selection

    07:13 – What happens if an employer shuts down or lays off foreign employees?

    08:54 – Why H-1B visa issues are common in the tech industry

    09:56 – Industries that frequently hire foreign workers (healthcare, education, agriculture)

    11:01 – Challenges employers face when sponsoring work visas

    12:12 – The risks of employers attempting the visa process alone

    13:06 – Why consulting an immigration attorney early is crucial

    14:46 – Final thoughts and closing remarks

    About the Show:

    US Immigrant Journey: Opportunities and Challenges is a podcast dedicated to helping businesses, employees, and individuals understand U.S. immigration laws. Hosted by Kevin Rosenquist and featuring insights from Attorney Edwin Fogam, the show covers essential topics such as work visas, green cards, employer compliance, and business immigration strategies.

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    15 min