Understanding Immigration in the Workplace with Shiva Karimi

Charla interviews Shiva Karimi, an immigration attorney and law firm partner at McLean Middleton.

Shiva develops creative strategies for navigating the complex U.S. immigration system.  She advises businesses on hiring key personnel, structuring global entities to facilitate talent mobility, and addressing immigration compliance issues.  She creates immigration solutions for immigrant investors and entrepreneurs, as well as other specialized foreign nationals such as athletes and entertainers, religious workers, and expats.  She represents clients across a range of industries including staffing, technology, healthcare, independent schools, and start-ups. She has developed immigration solutions for immigrant investors and entrepreneurs, doctors and healthcare workers,  athletes and entertainers,  religious workers, and other specialized foreign nationals.  She advises businesses on hiring key personnel and structuring global entities to facilitate talent mobility. Shiva currently serves as Secretary of the Boston Bar Association.

The discussion with Charla covers current hot-button immigration issues including enforcement, border security, and ICE raids. Shiva provides an in-depth overview of the U.S. immigration system, breaking it down into categories of non-immigrants, immigrants, and citizens, as well as other statuses like temporary protected status and asylum seekers. The conversation also touches on the challenges businesses face with ICE audits, I-9 compliance, and difficulties in hiring both skilled and unskilled foreign workers. Throughout, Shiva emphasizes the importance of understanding one's immigration status and the legal procedures employers must follow to ensure compliance and support their employees.

 

More on Shiva at https://www.mclane.com/people/shiva-karimi/

 

Topics

00:44 Meet Today's Guest: Shiva Karimi

02:28 Understanding Immigration: An Overview

03:49 Non-Immigrant Visas Explained

05:32 Immigrant Visas and Green Cards

06:54 Citizenship and Other Statuses

08:33 Challenges and Legal Assistance in Immigration

09:28 Employer Concerns and ICE Encounters

17:06 Concerns About Employee Travel

17:46 Travel Documentation and Social Media Hygiene

18:55 Phone Privacy and Border Inspections

20:17 Non-Immigrant Intent and Entry Risks

21:35 Student Visa Revocations and Enhanced Vetting

25:13 I-9 Audits: What Employers Need to Know

27:32 Handling I-9 Audits and Compliance

32:11 Final Thoughts on Employer Responsibilities