In this episode of Immigration Unpacked: Real Legal Help for Immigrants, immigration attorney Kevin Stewart explains the employment-based green card process, focusing on the PERM labor certification and EB visa categories (EB1, EB2, and EB3). He breaks down the steps employers must follow, common challenges applicants face, and the differences between PERM and self-petition options like the EB1A and EB2 National Interest Waiver (NIW). Kevin also discusses long wait times for certain countries, the impact of current delays, and what changes might be ahead for skilled workers.

00:00 – Overview of employment-based green cards and the PERM process. 02:00 – How the Program Electronic Review Management system works. 04:00 – Key steps for compliance and recruitment standards. 05:00 – Differences between EB1, EB2, and EB3 explained. 06:00 – How EB1A and EB2 National Interest Waiver work. 09:00 – RFE trends and how attorneys help avoid denials. 11:00 – Why fewer applicants are pursuing U.S. immigration routes. 13:00 – How green card approvals extend to spouses and dependents. 15:00 – Why wait times can stretch decades. 17:00 – Discussion on new proposals and global competition.

Immigration Unpacked: Real Legal Help for Immigrants helps individuals and employers navigate complex U.S. immigration laws with clarity and confidence. Hosted by Attorney Kevin Stewart, each episode breaks down real-world immigration topics—from visas and green cards to legal updates affecting families and businesses nationwide.

In this episode of Immigration Unpacked: Real Legal Help for Immigrants, immigration attorney Kevin Stewart breaks down everything employers and professionals need to know about the H1B visa. From who qualifies and how the lottery works, to compliance requirements, filing mistakes, and the recent proposed $100,000 fee—Kevin explains it all clearly. He also shares what companies should expect if the new fee rule is enforced and what alternatives are available for those who don’t make it through the lottery.

00:00 – Overview of the H1B visa and who qualifies. 02:00 – What it means and how it could impact employers. 04:00 – How the selection works and why timing matters. 06:00 – Why advanced degrees improve lottery chances. 08:00 – Compliance, wage levels, and documentation requirements. 10:00 – Paperwork errors that lead to denials or delays. 12:00 – How to switch employers while maintaining status. 14:00 – How H1B holders can transition to permanent residency. 16:00 – Pending rule changes and practical advice for both employers and workers.

Immigration Unpacked: Real Legal Help for Immigrants brings clarity to complex U.S. immigration laws. Each episode features immigration attorney Kevin Stewart, who helps individuals and employers navigate visas, green cards, and policy updates with real-world insight and experience.

Episode Summary: In this episode of Immigration Unpacked: Real Legal Help for Immigrants, immigration attorney Kevin J. Stewart discusses what happens after someone becomes a U.S. permanent resident. Kevin explains how to protect green card status, avoid mistakes that could be interpreted as abandoning residency, and decide when it’s time to pursue U.S. citizenship. From international travel rules to green card renewals, family sponsorships, and the tax implications of naturalization, this episode provides clear, practical guidance for anyone navigating the next steps in their immigration journey.

Key Timestamps: 00:01 – Show introduction 01:05 – First steps after receiving a green card: protecting permanent residence 04:30 – International travel: how long is too long and what triggers red flags 07:45 – Re-entry permits and breaking up long trips abroad 10:25 – Understanding conditional versus 10-year green cards 14:00 – When to file for naturalization instead of waiting for conditions to be removed 17:15 – Green card renewals, expiration, and what happens if the card lapses 20:40 – The importance of keeping valid ID and current proof of lawful status 23:15 – Why U.S. citizenship simplifies travel and re-entry 27:00 – Sponsoring relatives as a green card holder vs. as a citizen 30:20 – Common reasons some people never naturalize and remain permanent residents 34:00 – Tax implications and dual citizenship considerations 37:25 – Attorney guidance: why naturalization is usually the best long-term choice

About the Show: Immigration Unpacked: Real Legal Help for Immigrants is a podcast hosted by immigration attorney Kevin J. Stewart. The show provides clear, practical guidance on U.S. immigration law to help individuals and families make confident, informed decisions about their future in the United States.

Episode Summary: In this episode of Immigration Unpacked, Immigration attorney Kevin J. Stewart takes a deep dive into marriage-based green cards — one of the most common and most closely scrutinized paths to U.S. permanent residency. Kevin explains who qualifies, how to prove a bona fide marriage, the paperwork and interviews involved, and common mistakes couples should avoid. From conditional green cards to Stokes interviews, this discussion is a must-listen for couples navigating the U.S. immigration system.

Key Timestamps: 00:01 – Show introduction 01:30 – Who qualifies for a marriage-based green card and how the process works 04:15 – What USCIS means by a “bona fide” marriage 07:05 – Evidence that proves your marriage is legitimate 09:40 – Red flags that may trigger USCIS scrutiny 12:55 – Paperwork, petitions, and adjustment of status explained 16:25 – Preparing for the marriage-based green card interview 20:05 – Stokes interviews: what they are and when they happen 24:30 – Conditional green cards and removal of conditions 27:15 – How to handle nerves and prepare honestly for USCIS questions 31:50 – Key advice for fiancés, married couples, and correcting applications

About the Show: Immigration Unpacked: Real Legal Help for Immigrants is a podcast hosted by immigration attorney Kevin J. Stewart. The show provides practical guidance and expert insights on U.S. immigration law, helping individuals and families navigate complex legal processes with confidence and clarity.

Episode Summary:

In this informative episode, immigration attorney Kevin J. Stewart breaks down the fundamentals of deportation defense, explaining common reasons for deportation, legal processes, and various defense strategies. The discussion covers everything from notices to appear and expedited removal to asylum claims and cancellation of removal options, providing valuable insights into current immigration enforcement challenges.

Key Timestamps:

00:00 - Show Introduction

00:42 - Common reasons for facing deportation

02:45 - The Notice to Appear process

04:17 - Expedited removal explanation

05:39 - Asylum as a defense strategy

07:09 - Cancellation of removal explanation

08:26 - Voluntary departure options

09:41 - Criminal record defenses

13:10 - Current challenges in immigration enforcement

16:01 - Discussion on immigration reform needs

About the Show:

Immigration Unpacked provides real legal help for immigrants with host Kevin Rosenquist and immigration attorney Kevin J. Stewart. The show offers practical insights and expert guidance on various immigration-related topics, helping individuals and families across California and beyond navigate the complex immigration system.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Immigration Unpacked, host Kevin Rosenquist and immigration attorney Kevin J. Stewart discuss high-skilled immigration visas, specifically focusing on EB1A, O1A, and EB2 NIW categories. They explore the key differences between these visa types, eligibility requirements, and practical advice for potential applicants.

Key Timestamps:

00:00 - Show Introduction

00:34 - Overview of high-skilled immigration categories

00:47 - Explanation of self-petition benefits

03:07 - Differences between extraordinary vs. exceptional ability standards

06:19 - How to determine which visa category to apply for

10:03 - What makes a petition stand out

13:44 - First steps for evaluating eligibility

16:21 - When to seek legal counsel

About the Show:

Immigration Unpacked provides real legal help for immigrants, featuring experienced immigration attorney Kevin J. Stewart. The show offers practical insights and expert guidance on various immigration matters, helping individuals and families across California and beyond navigate the complex immigration system.

In this episode of Immigration Unpacked, host Kevin Rosenquist sits down with immigration attorney Kevin J. Stewart to explore the complexities of hiring foreign workers in the U.S. They discuss the intersection of immigration and employment law, the challenges businesses face when hiring foreign employees, and how to navigate visa requirements and legal risks. Whether you're an employer looking to hire international talent or an entrepreneur navigating the immigration system, this episode provides essential insights to ensure compliance and success.

00:00 – Introduction to Immigration Unpacked 00:06 – Meet Kevin J. Stewart, immigration attorney 00:35 – How immigration and employment law intersect 01:54 – Protections and benefits for employers and employees 03:24 – Challenges businesses face in hiring foreign workers 05:41 – Determining the right visa for a foreign worker 07:43 – How businesses can protect themselves from legal risks 10:59 – Consequences of non-compliance with immigration laws 12:35 – Common mistakes businesses make in hiring foreign employees 13:54 – Advice for entrepreneurs on maintaining immigration status 17:03 – Understanding visa transfers and status activation 18:28 – Closing remarks and where to connect with Kevin J. Stewart

Immigration Unpacked: Real Legal Help for Immigrants is a podcast dedicated to providing clear and practical guidance on immigration law. Hosted by Kevin Rosenquist and featuring expert insights from attorney Kevin J. Stewart, the show covers topics relevant to individuals, families, and businesses navigating the U.S. immigration system.

In this episode of Immigration Unpacked: Real Legal Help for Immigrants, host Kevin Rosenquist sits down with immigration attorney Kevin J. Stewart to discuss his journey into immigration law and how it intersects with the Bay Area's thriving startup culture. They explore the complexities of U.S. immigration policies, the challenges faced by immigrant entrepreneurs, and the evolving legal landscape under different administrations. Kevin Stewart provides expert insights on H-1B, O-1A, EB-1A, and EB-2 visas, as well as practical advice for startups looking to hire foreign talent.

00:00 – Introduction to Immigration Unpacked 00:06 – Meet Kevin J. Stewart, immigration attorney 00:34 – The mission of Kevin's immigration law firm 01:32 – Misinformation in immigration law and the importance of accurate resources 02:18 – Why Kevin chose to specialize in immigration law 03:19 – The emotional impact of immigration cases and client success stories 04:45 – The Bay Area's startup ecosystem and its connection to immigration law 05:16 – The rise of H-1B and other work visas 06:12 – The process for hiring international talent and common pitfalls 08:33 – How businesses can navigate immigration complexities 09:49 – Immigration law's impact on Bay Area startups and self-petitioning changes 11:54 – Entrepreneurial immigration pathways and recent policy changes 13:42 – The future of immigration law and its implications for tech and startups 15:57 – Conclusion and where to connect with Kevin J. Stewart

Immigration Unpacked: Real Legal Help for Immigrants is a podcast dedicated to providing practical legal guidance for individuals and businesses navigating the complex world of U.S. immigration. Hosted by Kevin Rosenquist and featuring expert guests, the show covers legal insights, policy updates, and real-world advice to help immigrants and employers make informed decisions