Immigration Uncovered

James Pittman - Docketwise

Welcome to Immigration Uncovered: A 8am DocketWise Podcast Immigration Uncovered is all about helping immigration lawyers build successful practices and thrive. Brought to you by the team behind Docketwise—the top-rated software for immigration professionals—each episode is packed with practical tips, fresh ideas, and real stories from attorneys rethinking how they work. Through candid conversations with attorneys, marketing and management experts, tech founders, and other voices in the immigration space, we explore what it really takes to run a modern practice—from everyday challenges to big-picture shifts. We dive into: - Practice management and workflows that actually work - Marketing and branding that connect you with the right clients - Wellness and sustainability for lawyers doing demanding work - Tech tools and trends shaping the future of legal services - And of course, what’s changing in immigration policy New or seasoned, solo or scaling—you’re in the right place. This podcast is here to support you with insight, inspiration, and maybe even a little relief. Subscribe to get the latest episodes delivered, and tune in whenever it works for you.

  1. IU Episode 056: Unpacking Immigration Enforcement: Data, Trends, and Transparency

    NOV 7

    IU Episode 056: Unpacking Immigration Enforcement: Data, Trends, and Transparency

    In Episode 56 of Immigration Uncovered, host James Pittman is joined by returning guest Dr. Austin Kocher, a geographer and research faculty member at Syracuse University, whose work focuses on immigration enforcement, public records transparency, and legal geography. Dr. Kocher shares updates on the data projects he’s been working on recently, including his continued efforts to uncover how U.S. immigration agencies operate—both at the border and in the interior of the country. Together, James and Austin explore how immigration data is collected, controlled, and challenged and its role in shaping public narratives. With a focus on how attorneys, researchers, and journalists can better access and interpret immigration data, the conversation also unpacks the widening gap between public claims and on-the-ground realities—and how the use of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is increasingly being constrained by institutional opacity. Key Topics Discussed Austin’s current research and projectsHow immigration enforcement is evolving post-2025, from border control to interior surveillanceWhat’s broken in the FOIA process and why transparency is getting harder, not easierThe mismatch between official immigration enforcement stats and lived/legal realitiesTips for using open data to support advocacy, litigation, and journalistic reportingReflections on what a more transparent immigration system would actually look like

    54 min
  2. IU Episode 055: The Gold Card, the $100K H‑1B Fee, and the End of Paper Checks

    OCT 10

    IU Episode 055: The Gold Card, the $100K H‑1B Fee, and the End of Paper Checks

    In this episode of Immigration Uncovered, host James Pittman and attorney Divij Kishore delve into three significant developments affecting U.S. immigration policy: the new USCIS rule mandating electronic payments, the controversial $100,000 H-1B filing fee, and the introduction of the Trump Gold Card. Key Topics Discussed: USCIS Electronic Payments: Beginning October 28, 2025, USCIS will only accept electronic payments, eliminating paper checks and money orders. This change aims to modernize the payment system and reduce administrative issues. Practitioners express concerns over data security when transmitting payment information through mail.$100,000 H-1B Filing Fee: Effective September 21, 2025, this fee will apply to numerous employer petitions, stirring confusion and anxiety among clients and firms. Diluting the benefits for cap-exempt employers, this substantial fee may hinder the hiring of skilled foreign labor and disrupt existing visa processes.Trump Gold Card: Signed into existence on September 19, 2023, the Gold Card allows high-net-worth individuals to expedite the process for obtaining a green card in return for a significant financial contribution to the U.S. economy. Critics argue this approach commodifies immigration, potentially undermining the traditional standards of extraordinary ability and national interest.Amid these discussions, Kishore emphasizes that such policy changes create uncertainty, urging practitioners and clients to remain adaptable in this evolving landscape. The conversation highlights vital implications for immigration lawyers, their practices, and the clients they serve in navigating these ongoing changes in U.S. immigration law.

    1h 23m
  3. IU Episode 054: EB-5 Investor Visas vs. Trump Gold Card

    AUG 6

    IU Episode 054: EB-5 Investor Visas vs. Trump Gold Card

    In this eye-opening episode of Immigration Uncovered, host James Pittman sits down with Divij Kishore, founder of Flagship Law, to discuss the evolving landscape of investment-based immigration to the United States. The conversation explores the current state of the EB-5 investor visa program and the controversial proposed Trump Gold Card. Divij shares fascinating insights about the $4 billion raised through EB-5 investments in 2024 and how these funds create jobs and stimulate economic growth. Learn about the differences between regional center investments vs. direct investments, and discover why set-aside categories might be your best path forward if you're considering this immigration route. The discussion takes a deep dive into the proposed Trump Gold Card program – examining its $5 million price tag (compared to EB-5's $800,000), lack of job creation requirements, and unprecedented tax exemptions. Is this program even legally viable without congressional approval? Can it coexist with the EB-5 program? Timestamps:00:00:04 - Introduction to Immigration Uncovered and guest Divij Kishore00:00:49 - Current state of the EB-5 program in 202500:02:35 - Investment thresholds and program reauthorization status00:09:11 - Increased audit oversight and job creation requirements00:13:57 - How the Gold Card proposal affects EB-5 perceptions00:15:24 - Visa retrogression and set-aside categories00:17:10 - Top countries for EB-5 applicants00:21:59 - The Trump Gold Card proposal explained00:32:32 - Job creation requirements and economic impact00:38:03 - Can both programs coexist?00:49:36 - Modern immigration practice: Technology and AI00:55:39 - Tips for exceptional client experience in immigration law Whether you're an investor considering the EB-5 program, an immigration professional, or simply interested in how U.S. immigration policies are evolving, this episode offers valuable perspectives on navigating these complex waters. Like, subscribe, and leave a comment to join the conversation about investment-based immigration. How do you feel about the proposed Gold Card program? Would you prefer to see reforms to the existing EB-5 program instead?

    1h 2m
  4. IU Episode 053: Pre-AILA Conference Special & 2025 Immigration Report Preview

    JUN 5

    IU Episode 053: Pre-AILA Conference Special & 2025 Immigration Report Preview

    Join host James Pittman in this special episode of Immigration Uncovered as he delivers exclusive content for immigration professionals! Get a first look at the upcoming 2025 State of Immigration Report (dropping June 10th) packed with critical data on adjudication trends, backlogs, and approval rates. James also provides a comprehensive preview of the AILA Annual Conference in Denver (June 18-21), highlighting must-attend sessions including "Political Engagement in the New Trump Era," "50 Tech Tips in 50 Minutes," and essential cybersecurity discussions. Key Topics Discussed: Preview of the 2025 State of Immigration Report's key findings, including the record 3.7 million case backlog in immigration courtsHow immigration statistics can help attorneys make strategic practice decisionsAILA Conference highlights and can't-miss sessions across multiple tracksWhy cybersecurity is critical for immigration attorneys handling sensitive client dataWellness strategies for immigration attorneys navigating today's challenging environment

    23 min
  5. IU Episode 052: Status Revoked, Voices Suppressed: Immigration Crackdown on International Students

    MAY 7

    IU Episode 052: Status Revoked, Voices Suppressed: Immigration Crackdown on International Students

    Join immigration attorney James Pittman as he dives deep into the recent SEVIS termination controversy with guest expert Amy Maldonado. Discover how thousands of international students had their records unlawfully terminated by ICE without due process, and the unprecedented legal battle that followed. In this eye-opening episode, we explore: The sudden termination of SEVIS records affecting over 1,500 international studentsHow minor infractions like parking tickets and jaywalking triggered terminationsThe administration's backtracking after facing over 50 lawsuits nationwideThe impact on students' education, employment, and mental healthWhy universities and legal experts are concerned about future enforcement actions🕒 TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Introduction and topic overview04:04 - Initial SEVIS terminations and government backtracking08:57 - Scope of affected students13:10 - Legal issues with terminations and due process violations25:08 - Impact on universities and international students34:17 - Court responses to lawsuits43:28 - Long-term consequences for US higher education Amy Maldonado offers critical advice for affected students and explains why she believes this issue isn't over yet. Learn why these actions may damage America's reputation as a destination for international students and potentially harm both universities and the US economy. 👍 If you found this episode informative, please LIKE this video and SUBSCRIBE to our channel for more expert insights on immigration law. Share your thoughts in the comments below!

    53 min
  6. IU Episode 051: Understanding Immigration Related Worksite Visits

    APR 17

    IU Episode 051: Understanding Immigration Related Worksite Visits

    In this episode of Immigration Uncovered, host James Pittman speaks with Sarah Sanger, founder of Sanger Strategies, about the complexities of immigration-related worksite visits and the best practices for compliance. They delve into the types of visits, the agencies involved, the current climate of immigration worksite enforcement, and steps employers can take to prepare and protect themselves. Key Topics Discussed Agencies involved in immigration worksite enforcement: ICE, HSI, FDNS, and USCIS.Differences between FDNS visits and ICE raids.Common industries targeted for worksite visits.How businesses can prepare for a worksite visit to ensure compliance.Importance of training for HR professionals and legal teams.Trends in immigration enforcement and compliance concerns.

    1h 2m
  7. New Executive Order Targets Immigration Lawyers and Rights Defenders

    MAR 31

    New Executive Order Targets Immigration Lawyers and Rights Defenders

    In this milestone episode of "Immigration Uncovered," host James Pittman chats with Rekha Sharma Crawford, partner at Sharma Crawford Law and treasurer of the American Immigration Lawyers Association. Together, they unpack the recent executive orders from the Trump administration that target immigration and public interest lawyers, exploring their implications, the chilling effect on legal representation, and the overarching threat to the integrity of the immigration system. Key Topics Discussed The implications of the executive orders titled "Abuses of the Legal System and the Federal Courts"Targeted threats towards immigration and public interest lawyersThe challenges posed by unfounded allegations against attorneys in the immigration sectorHistorical parallels of attacks on the legal professionNavigating the political climate in immigration enforcementThe future of immigration law and the potential chilling effect on legal representation

    59 min
  8. IU Episode 049: Transforming Online Translation - A Conversation with MotaWord Co-founder Oytun Tez

    MAR 7

    IU Episode 049: Transforming Online Translation - A Conversation with MotaWord Co-founder Oytun Tez

    Join James Pittman as he sits down with Oytun Tez, CTO of MotaWord, to explore the cutting-edge world of AI-powered translation and language services. Learn how MotaWord is revolutionizing the industry with lightning-fast certified translations, academic evaluations, and innovative AI solutions for immigration lawyers and beyond. Key Highlights: MotaWord's journey from startup to industry leaderHow AI is transforming the translation processThe future of real-time interpretation and instant document translationExclusive benefits for AILA membersTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction and MotaWord's inception05:00 - Evolution of translation technology10:00 - MotaWord's services and industry focus15:00 - AI integration in translation processes20:00 - Challenges in legal document translation25:00 - Future innovations in language services30:00 - Benefits for immigration law firms35:00 - AI trends in the legal industry40:00 - MotaWord's impact on the translation market Don't miss this insightful discussion on how technology is breaking down language barriers and streamlining immigration processes. Whether you're an immigration lawyer, business owner, or tech enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of language services. Like, subscribe, and leave a comment to share your thoughts on the future of AI in translation and interpretation!

    45 min
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About

Welcome to Immigration Uncovered: A 8am DocketWise Podcast Immigration Uncovered is all about helping immigration lawyers build successful practices and thrive. Brought to you by the team behind Docketwise—the top-rated software for immigration professionals—each episode is packed with practical tips, fresh ideas, and real stories from attorneys rethinking how they work. Through candid conversations with attorneys, marketing and management experts, tech founders, and other voices in the immigration space, we explore what it really takes to run a modern practice—from everyday challenges to big-picture shifts. We dive into: - Practice management and workflows that actually work - Marketing and branding that connect you with the right clients - Wellness and sustainability for lawyers doing demanding work - Tech tools and trends shaping the future of legal services - And of course, what’s changing in immigration policy New or seasoned, solo or scaling—you’re in the right place. This podcast is here to support you with insight, inspiration, and maybe even a little relief. Subscribe to get the latest episodes delivered, and tune in whenever it works for you.

Information

  • Creator
    James Pittman - Docketwise
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    56
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Docketwise, Corp.
  • Show Website
    Immigration Uncovered

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