Peter Roberts, an immigration attorney specializing in working with Y Combinator and startup companies, hosted an "Ask Me Anything" (AMA) on Hacker News. He offered to answer questions related to visas for founders, employees, and investors, particularly focusing on the complexities of navigating U.S. immigration law for early-stage companies. He emphasized his experience with O-1A visas for individuals with extraordinary ability, H-1Bs for specialty occupations, and E-2 treaty investor visas, as well as green cards. Roberts also touched upon the challenges and nuances of immigration law, encouraging participants to ask specific questions to receive the most accurate and helpful advice.
Peter Roberts, an immigration attorney specializing in assisting Y Combinator (YC) companies and other startups, hosted an "Ask Me Anything" (AMA) session on Hacker News. He introduced himself, highlighting his extensive experience working with the unique immigration needs of the startup ecosystem. Roberts emphasized his focus on providing comprehensive immigration support to these companies, ranging from visa applications (including H-1Bs, O-1s, and J-1s) to green card processing (specifically EB-1A, EB-1B, and EB-2 NIW petitions). He explicitly stated his willingness to field inquiries on any immigration-related topic relevant to startups, encompassing a wide spectrum of questions about the processes, challenges, and strategies involved in navigating the complex landscape of U.S. immigration law for founders, employees, and investors. He positioned himself as a resource for both founders seeking to establish their businesses in the United States and foreign nationals aiming to contribute their talents to American startups. The stated goal of the AMA was to offer clarity and guidance to the Hacker News community on these often intricate and opaque legal matters.
Summary of Comments ( 397 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43363056
Commenters on the "Ask Me Anything" with immigration attorney Peter Roberts largely focus on practical questions related to visas, green cards, and startup-related immigration issues. Several ask about the specifics of the O-1 visa, its requirements, and success rates. Others inquire about the timelines and challenges associated with obtaining green cards through employment, particularly for those on H-1B visas. Some commenters express frustration with the current immigration system and its complexities, while others seek advice on navigating the process for specific scenarios, such as international founders or employees. There's significant interest in Roberts's experience with YC companies and the common immigration hurdles they face. A few commenters also touch upon the ethical considerations of immigration law and the impact of policy changes.
The Hacker News post titled "I'm Peter Roberts, immigration attorney who does work for YC and startups. AMA" has generated a substantial number of comments, many of which ask specific questions about immigration scenarios or broader policy issues. Several commenters express gratitude for the AMA and commend Roberts for offering his expertise.
A recurring theme in the comments is the complexity and frustration of navigating the US immigration system. Several users share personal anecdotes about their struggles with visas, green cards, and other immigration processes. Some of these stories highlight the lengthy waiting times, confusing regulations, and perceived inconsistencies in the application of immigration law. These comments often express a desire for simplification and reform of the system.
Specific questions cover a range of topics. Some users inquire about the viability of certain visa options for their particular situations, such as the O-1 visa for individuals with extraordinary abilities or the H-1B visa for specialty occupations. Others ask about the implications of changing jobs while on a visa, the process of obtaining a green card through employment, and the challenges faced by international founders looking to establish startups in the US. There are also questions about the impact of remote work on visa requirements and the potential for future changes to immigration policy.
Several comments delve into more nuanced legal and procedural aspects of immigration law. These discussions touch on topics such as the criteria for demonstrating "extraordinary ability," the intricacies of PERM labor certification, and the role of Request for Evidence (RFE) notices in the application process. These exchanges often involve back-and-forth between Roberts and commenters seeking clarification or further information.
Some of the most compelling comments include personal stories from individuals who have faced significant hurdles in their immigration journeys. These accounts offer a human perspective on the challenges and uncertainties inherent in the system, and they often resonate with other commenters who have had similar experiences. Other compelling comments raise important policy questions about the future of US immigration, particularly in the context of a rapidly changing global economy and the increasing demand for skilled workers in the tech industry. These comments spark discussions about the potential benefits and drawbacks of different policy approaches and the need for a more streamlined and efficient immigration system. Finally, Roberts' responses to the various questions are generally considered helpful and informative, offering valuable insights into the complexities of immigration law and providing practical advice to those navigating the system.