Sophie Alcorn Podcast Sophie Alcorn

Discover the powerful intersection of law, technology, and entrepreneurship as we sit down with Roman Zelichenko, an ex-immigration attorney turned tech innovator. Roman’s journey is nothing short of inspiring – from his early days in finance, finding a surprising passion for immigration law, to becoming a key player at Fragomen. 
Learn how his experiences as an immigrant from Ukraine shaped his determination to streamline and improve the immigration process through the creation of LaborLess, a groundbreaking tech startup, and GMI Rocket, a marketing agency devoted to helping immigration firms thrive in the digital era.
Roman shares invaluable insights from his transition from immigration law to the fintech world, a move that armed him with the business knowledge necessary to launch his own ventures. Hear about the unique challenges and opportunities he encountered, as well as his practical advice for future entrepreneurs on maintaining financial stability while developing a startup. We also delve into the critical role his marketing agency plays in supporting global mobility professionals, emphasizing innovative strategies that bridge the gap between human stories and business.
In this episode, you’ll hear about: Career transition from immigration law to fintech consulting
The human side of working with immigration lawyers
The impact of generative AI on the legal industry
LaborLess and GMI Rocket overview
How immigration tec is ripe for investment and innovation
Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources: https://gmirocket.com/gmi-courses/digital-marketing-for-the-immigration-industry-2021-2023/
Websites: 
LaborLess: http://www.laborless.io
GMI Rocket: http://www.gmirocket.com
Social Links: 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/romanzelichenko-electronic-lca-posting-public-access-file/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rzelichenko/ 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/roman.zelichenko
Alcorn Immigration Law: Subscribe to the monthly Alcorn newsletter
Sophie Alcorn Podcast:
Episode 135: The Future of Work with Dr. Sankar Venkatraman
Episode 149: Tech for Good: Impact Investing in the Digital Age with Chintan Panchal
Episode 154: The Deep Tech Investment: Inner Space, Outer Space, and Startup Investing with Danny Crichton
Immigration Options for Talent, Investors, and Founders
Immigration Law for Tech Startups eBook
Alcorn Academy course for best practices for securing the O-1A visa, EB-1A green card, or the EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) green card—the top options for startup founders. Use promotion code ILTS for 20% off the enrollment fee.

What inspired a leading New York City immigration attorney to carve out a niche in the startup ecosystem? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Sam Newbold, whose passion for international human rights led him to the intersection of law and entrepreneurship. Discover how Sam turned his interest in humanitarian work into a thriving career, navigating the complexities of immigration law during a pivotal time for foreign entrepreneurs, especially in the vibrant New York startup scene.
We break down the intricacies of L and EB-5 visa cases, focusing on the unique challenges faced during and after the Trump administration. From the increased scrutiny on venture capital funding to the involvement of agencies like FinCEN, Sam shares invaluable insights and practical advice on leveraging government grants, university partnerships, and economic development corporations. Listen in as we explore how these resources can support immigrant founders in securing their entrepreneurial dreams.
Lastly, we delve into the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program and compare it with the EB-1A green card category, highlighting their respective benefits and challenges for tech startups. Sam reveals the nuances of capital requirements, job creation mandates, and the recent legislative changes impacting these visa programs. We also touch on the Biden administration's executive order on artificial intelligence and its implications for national interest waivers in STEM fields. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the dynamic field of startup immigration law.
In this episode, you’ll hear about: Navigating L and EB-5 visas for immigrant entrepreneurs
EB-5 investor visa for startups
Updating EB-2 Schedule A for STEM
EB-1A vs EB-5 Green Card Comparison
Understanding government scrutiny on venture capital funding
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources: https://engineering.nyu.edu/research-innovation/entrepreneurship/nyu-tandon-future-labs
https://techcrunch.com/2023/12/27/ask-sophie-whatever-happened-to-international-entrepreneur-parole/
Website: https://www.csglaw.com/people/samuel-newbold/
Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelnewbold/
Alcorn Immigration Law: Subscribe to the monthly Alcorn newsletter
Sophie Alcorn Podcast:
Episode 72: Special Visas for Talent from Specific Countries
Episode 106: How to Set Up Your Company for Immigration Success
Episode 172: Turning Adversity into Opportunity: Faris Alami’s Path from Refugee to Entrepreneur
Immigration Options for Talent, Investors, and Founders
Immigration Law for Tech Startups eBook
Alcorn Academy course for best practices for securing the O-1A visa, EB-1A green card, or the EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) green card—the top options for startup founders. Use promotion code ILTS for 20% off the enrollment fee.

When immigration law expert Jonathan Grode stops by, we don't just talk policy – we dissect the very fabric of American innovation and its lifeblood: immigration. Jonathan brings to the table a wealth of knowledge, passionately delving into how entrepreneurs thrive in the U.S.'s unique culture of risk and resilience. Our conversation spans the critical role immigrants play in the nation's economic engine and the urgent need for policies that nurture this dynamic, against the backdrop of a shifting political climate and demographic landscape. 
We reveal the cracks and constraints in the U.S. immigration system – from the restrictive H-1B visa cap to the employment-based green card quotas. Taking a page from Canada's immigration playbook, we propose a vision for a more nuanced and adaptive framework – one that can keep pace with technological advances and the rapid evolution of industry needs. 
Jonathan also shares profound insights into the human and philosophical side of immigration law. We explore how passion and personal branding can carve out a rewarding cross-border career, and celebrate the 'skinny NIW' experiment's trailblazing success, redefining the legal landscape. This episode is not just a discussion about policy – it's a homage to the connective power of global communities, and a clarion call for ongoing dialogue in the ever-evolving realm of immigration law. 
In this episode, you’ll hear about: Immigration’s role in boosting American innovation and economic growth
Canada's immigration policies vs. the U.S. system
Population decline and the need for strategic legal pathways
A look at the 'skinny NIW' experiment for highly skilled tech professionals
Personal branding and passion in immigration law
Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources: https://www.gands.com/en-us/contact-us/
Facebook:@GreenSpiegelUS / https://www.facebook.com/GreenSpiegelUS/
LinkedIn: @green-and-spiegel-us https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-and-spiegel-us/
Twitter (X): @GreenSpiegelUS / https://twitter.com/GreenSpiegelUS/
Alcorn Immigration Law: Subscribe to the monthly Alcorn newsletter
Sophie Alcorn Podcast:
Episode 080: Working for U.S. Startups from Canada with Marc Pavlopoulos
Episode 122: U.S. Immigration Policy with Stuart Anderson
Episode 147: Navigating the EB-2NIW Journey with Nadia Zaidi
Immigration Options for Talent, Investors, and Founders
Immigration Law for Tech Startups eBook
Alcorn Academy course for best practices for securing the O-1A visa, EB-1A green card, or the EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) green card—the top options for startup founders. Use promotion code ILTS for 20% off the enrollment fee.

Venture into the enthralling realm of space law and export controls with our latest episode, featuring Jack Shelton, co-founder of Aegis Space Law. Jack began his career in maritime law, working for ocean carriers, and he currently focuses on export controls and contracts for the commercial space industry.
Jack takes us on a stellar journey from his early days fascinated by the intricacies of maritime law, to his serendipitous discovery of a YouTube video that launched his career into the cosmos of space legalities. Together, we dissect the unique challenges faced by small space enterprises and delve into the necessary legal agreements that keep their celestial ventures afloat. Discover the nuanced responsibilities of safeguarding sensitive technologies and intellectual property, ensuring that the stars align for both compliance and innovation. 
Dive into U.S. export control regulations and gain a deeper understanding of the complexities that govern the sharing of technical data and foreign partnerships. Jack spotlights the sizable impact these regulations have on securing Small Business Innovation grants and delineates the pivotal role they play in protecting interests across international lines. Come away equipped with the knowledge of what actually constitutes an 'export' and why vigilance is paramount in these interstellar negotiations. 
In this episode, you’ll hear about: Supporting small businesses in the space industry
American ownership requirement for grants
Foreign engineers on US space projects
Investigation of company compliance
Navigating entry into the US space industry
Navigating green card and export controls
Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources: https://www.youtube.com/@aegisspacelaw
https://www.instagram.com/spacelawyerjack/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-shelton/
Alcorn Immigration Law: Subscribe to the monthly Alcorn newsletter
Sophie Alcorn Podcast:
Episode 157: Space is Our Future, with Christopher Hearsey
Episode 168: Into the Cosmos: Space Startups, Regulatory Hurdles, and Pioneering Tomorrow with Bryce Kennedy
Episode 173: In Orbit with Alice Carruth: Insights on Space Exploration, Communication, and Innovation
Immigration Options for Talent, Investors, and Founders
Immigration Law for Tech Startups eBook
Alcorn Academy course for best practices for securing the O-1A visa, EB-1A green card, or the EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) green card—the top options for startup founders. Use promotion code ILTS for 20% off the enrollment fee.

As I sat down with Deb Dutta, the visionary behind Criya, her story unfolded like a tapestry of resilience and innovation. From her early days on an F1 visa to becoming CEO of a groundbreaking AI startup, Deb's journey is a powerful narrative of an immigrant founder's rise in the tech world. 
Deb opens up about the meticulous dance of securing an EB-1A visa amidst a challenging political landscape, and how this experience honed her skills in storytelling – a tool she believes is crucial for professional advancement. This dialogue isn't just about business strategies but also the human experience of finding one's voice in the digital age and the cultural tightrope walked by those promoting their work with authenticity and poise. 
The art of personal branding takes center stage as Deb shares the philosophy behind Criya, transforming how professionals can showcase their personal brand with AI's helping hand. Her insights are a masterclass in navigating the complexities of today's fast-paced digital environment, where making a lasting impression is both an art and a science. Deb discusses the balance of guiding young minds through the maze of societal judgment while encouraging them to stay true to their convictions.
In this episode, you’ll hear about: Deb’s immigration story and creating Criya
Navigating the immigration maze and productization
Celebrating success with Paypal
Personal branding for professional success
Facilitating PR for aspiring applicants
Mastering investor pitch decks
Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources: https://www.criya.co/
https://www.instagram.com/debduttaofficial/   
https://www.linkedin.com/in/deboshree-dutta/
Alcorn Immigration Law: Subscribe to the monthly Alcorn newsletter
Sophie Alcorn Podcast:
Episode 089: Advocating for International Startup Founders with Jeff Farrah of National Venture Capital Association
Episode 113: How startup founders are moving to the US
Episode 170: Strategic Expansion for Founders: Lessons from Serial Entrepreneur David Rose
Immigration Options for Talent, Investors, and Founders
Immigration Law for Tech Startups eBook
Alcorn Academy course for best practices for securing the O-1A visa, EB-1A green card, or the EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) green card—the top options for startup founders. Use promotion code ILTS for 20% off the enrollment fee.

When the entrepreneurial spirit calls, few tales resonate as deeply as Lior Klisman's ascent with Sentant, his IT security startup. On today's show, Lior shares the thrills and spills of the startup journey, from the seed of an idea to the cusp of a significant company exit. It's a dance of determination and serendipity, where networking isn't just shaking hands – it's about real, authentic exchanges that can make or break your venture. Lior's personal insights provide a goldmine for fellow founders, and he gives us a sneak peek into his next venture, Borderless, which pledges solidarity with immigrant entrepreneurs. 
Adapting to Silicon Valley's cultural tides requires more than just a business plan; it's an art form that Lior has mastered. Lior's military intelligence background adds a unique perspective to the conversation, providing sage advice for meshing into Silicon Valley's distinct social fabric. His five crucial tips are like a navigational compass for any new arrival aiming to make their mark in the Bay Area. Listen in as we discuss the transformative power of community and the intrinsic value of human connection, challenging the notion that financial success is the ultimate goal.
In this episode, you’ll hear about: Startup exit success story
Hourly billing inspired by law firms
Transitioning out after private equity acquisition
Embracing change and cultural diversity
Building relationships in community
Building borderless communities through passion
Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Supporting Resources: www.liorklisman.com
www.linkedin.com/in/liorklisman
www.borderless.club 
www.sentant.net 
Alcorn Immigration Law: Subscribe to the monthly Alcorn newsletter
Sophie Alcorn Podcast:
Episode 146: Access to Innovation: Founders and the Blockchain with Samuel Ekpe
Episode 151: Exploring Global Growth Strategies for EU Founders with Daniel Zawarczynski
Episode 170: Strategic Expansion for Founders: Lessons from Serial Entrepreneur David Rose
Immigration Options for Talent, Investors, and Founders
Immigration Law for Tech Startups eBook
Alcorn Academy course for best practices for securing the O-1A visa, EB-1A green card, or the EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) green card—the top options for startup founders. Use promotion code ILTS for 20% off the enrollment fee.