Renato "Babalu" Sobral: From Brazilian Wrestling Champion to UFC Fighter to American Citizen

Renato "Babalu" Sobral: From Brazilian Wrestling Champion to UFC Fighter to American Citizen

On this episode, Richard M. Wilner, Board Certified Specialist in Immigration Law by the State Bar of California and Shareholder of Wilner & O'Reilly, sits down with Renato "Babalu" Sobral, former Brazilian wrestling champion, Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion, two-time UFC title challenger, and owner of Babalu's Iron Gym in Cerritos, CA. Babalu shares his journey from wrestling in Brazil at age nine to fighting some of MMA's biggest names, and how he built a life in America — from his P-1 athlete visa, to earning a green card through extraordinary ability, to becoming a U.S. citizen. Richard and Babalu talk about the rivalry between Luta Livre and Jiu-Jitsu in Brazil, his transition from fighter to business owner and teacher, raising two daughters between two cultures, the immigrant mindset, and his advice for anyone planning their own path to America. Topics covered: * Babalu's wrestling roots in Brazil * Crossing over from Luta Livre to Jiu-Jitsu * Fighting in the UFC and Strikeforce * Getting a P-1 visa and green card through extraordinary ability * Becoming a U.S. citizen * Raising his daughters between Brazilian and American culture * Transitioning from fighter to gym owner at Babalu's Iron Gym * Teaching kids confidence through martial arts * Advice for immigrants planning their move to the U.S. 🔗 Follow Renato "Babalu" Sobral:  https://www.instagram.com/babalusirongym/ [https://www.instagram.com/babalusirongym/] 🔗 Follow Babalu's Iron Gym: https://www.instagram.com/babalubjj/ [https://www.instagram.com/babalubjj/] https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbThJMzQ3am5MZEI0Sl9NQVpuelNhYnV0Mmw1UXxBQ3Jtc0ttSHpNRW84Zkx3OXFpWGllc2owYVd1cFRPMDcyZTctR1NfNnNEUlpXNi1FQUtvYjBuQWpVUHNlMXp4X3NIc2x1d3FnVjNFbXZaRlhFZXFuOHZBdzZmLWhTd0VydmZma1B5dEkyUkp4QklwXzIzdjJzbw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fkingsmmaacademy%2F&v=TCPQDzJn5O8 Have immigration questions? Contact us! https://www.wilneroreilly.com/contact/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbVoya29aTExKeC1zSzlnbkV2c0o5SU16Q2tNQXxBQ3Jtc0tuQ3dxbERiaE1yTzVqZzhBYlFsWDlxdHFLT3poQ0kwcXpmVFctRHROYnlpSExxcjhNTElzTU1Fb2MyR2RqWVNldnFreElZTG9HRmJoU19IOTZrOWJ3T3AtX3FjUW5BcjJqS0ZZdDB0LU92WnBidHBOZw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wilneroreilly.com%2Fcontact%2F&v=TCPQDzJn5O8] The ImmiGreat Podcast, hosted by Richard Wilner, provides practical, real-world insight into complex immigration topics affecting individuals, families, and employers. Each episode is designed to help listeners better understand their options and next steps.

Adjustment of Status "Extraordinary Relief" Memo Explained

Attorney Richard Wilner breaks down the May 21st USCIS memorandum (PM 602-0199) that's caused confusion and panic in the immigration community regarding adjustment of status. Does this memo mean you have to leave the U.S. to get your green card? Is adjustment of status now "extraordinary relief" instead of a normal process? Richard clears up the misinformation and explains what the law actually says. In this episode, we cover: - What adjustment of status is and how it works - The truth behind the "extraordinary relief" language in the memo - Why adjustment of status has always been discretionary — not new - How immigration officers use discretion (and its limits) - What to expect in interviews post-memo - Unlawful employment forgiveness for immediate relatives - Why preparation matters more than ever Adjustment of status remains a valid path to a green card. The law hasn't changed — but agency practices have shifted, and preparation is key. For a consultation on your immigration case, visit https://www.wilneroreilly.com #AdjustmentOfStatus #ImmigrationLaw #GreenCard #USCIS #ImmigrationAttorney DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every immigration case is unique — consult a licensed immigration attorney about your specific situation.

World Cup & US Immigration Law: Visas, Bans, and Border Denials Explained

The World Cup is here and so are some fascinating immigration stories! In this episode, Immigration Attorney and Board Certified Specialist of the State Bar of California, Richard Wilner, breaks down the real-world US immigration issues playing out on the world's biggest soccer stage. Topics covered: * How the US expanded visitor visas for World Cup players and referees (and why most players don't have athlete visas) * The Somali referee Omar Tons — why a valid visa didn't guarantee entry into the US * The difference between a visa (Dept. of State) and admission (Customs & Border Protection) * A Ghana player denied entry into Canada due to pending UK criminal charges — and why the same charges wouldn't bar him from the US * Why Canada's border rules are stricter than the US (including DUI convictions) * What happens to your visa if you're arrested for a DUI while already in the US * Argentina's child support notifications to FIFA and the US government — and what that means for travelers For more information on US immigration law, visit: www.wilneroreilly.com

From Ecuador to the UFC: ChIto Vera on Family, Immigration & the Immigrant Mentality

In Episode 14 of the ImmiGreat Podcast, Richard Wilner sits down with Chito Vera, UFC Bantamweight contender, ranked in the UFC's top 10, and the fighter with the most finishes in UFC Bantamweight history. But this conversation isn't about the highlights or the submissions. It's about the story behind the fighter. Chito left Ecuador not because of a dream to become a professional athlete, but because his daughter needed a doctor who was in Los Angeles. What followed was one of the most honest and moving accounts of the immigrant experience you'll hear: sacrifice, uncertainty, longing, and ultimately, a family built in a new country the right way. In this episode, Chito and Richard discuss: 👉 Growing up in Chone, Ecuador 👉 Becoming a young father and husband, and the moment everything changed with his daughter Anna's diagnosis of Moebius Syndrome 👉 Leaving his family behind in Ecuador to train in the U.S. and the doubt that came with those lonely weekends 👉 How the UFC's P-1 athlete visa works 👉 Why his team made the switch from a P-1 to an O-1 visa for extraordinary ability  👉 Moving his entire family to California with $6,000, no social security, and no plan  👉 How he ultimately obtained his green card based on extraordinary ability as an athlete 👉 What permanent residency has meant for his family, his daughter's education and medical care, and his peace of mind 👉 The immigrant mentality  👉 Walking Paris Fashion Week, Stone Island campaigns, and how one organic relationship led to another 👉 What becoming a U.S. citizen would mean to him and why he's working toward it Chito's story is a reminder that doing things the right way is rarely the easiest way. But it is the way that lasts. Have immigration questions? Contact Wilner & O'Reilly: Website: www.wilneroreilly.com/contact Blog: www.wilneroreilly.com/blog The ImmiGreat Podcast, hosted by Richard Wilner, brings you real conversations about the real immigration experience from the legal process to the human story behind it. Each episode is designed to inform, inspire, and remind you that you are not alone in this journey.

Should You Apply for U.S. Citizenship Right Now?

In Episode 13 of the ImmiGreat Podcast, Richard Wilner addresses one of the most common questions he receives right now: Is this the right time to apply for U.S. citizenship?  As a Founding Shareholder of Wilner & O'Reilly and a Board-Certified Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law, Richard's answer is clear — if you're eligible, the answer is an absolute yes. In this episode, Richard walks through everything you need to know about the naturalization process, including: • Who qualifies for naturalization and when you can apply • The 5-year and 3-year paths to citizenship (including the 90-day early filing rule) • Physical presence requirements and what "continuous residence" actually means • Good moral character, English, and civics exam requirements • Step-by-step breakdown of the N-400 application process • What happens at your USCIS interview — and how to prepare • The Oath of Allegiance ceremony and what it means to walk out a U.S. citizen If you've built your life in the United States, met every requirement this country has asked of you, and earned the right to apply... don't let fear or uncertainty hold you back. Citizenship is the most powerful legal protection available to you as a permanent resident, and this episode explains exactly how to get there. Contact Wilner & O'Reilly: https://www.wilneroreilly.com/contact/ For more insights, visit our Immigration Blog: https://www.wilneroreilly.com/blog The ImmiGreat Podcast, hosted by Richard Wilner, provides practical, real-world insight into complex immigration topics affecting individuals, families, and employers. Each episode is designed to help listeners better understand their options and next steps.