Immigration Nerds

Canada's immigration landscape is undergoing a significant shift. But what does this mean for students, skilled workers, and families hoping to build their lives there? Immigration Nerds Host, Lauren Clarke, delves into the significant policy changes affecting thousands of temporary and permanent residents, joined by international practice experts Justin Storch and Jesse Root. From stricter student visa requirements to reduced provincial nomination quotas, discover how these changes may impact an individual's or employer's immigration strategy and whether Canada remains a viable alternative to U.S. immigration pathways. This episode is essential listening for anyone navigating the evolving Canadian immigration system. GUESTS: Justin Storch, Associate Attorney, EIG International Practice; Jesse Root, International Practice Project Manager   NEWS NERD: Rob Taylor, EIG Partner HOST: Lauren Clarke, EIG Senior Managing Attorney PRODUCER: Adam Belmar

In this newest episode of the Immigration Nerds podcast, we explore what it truly means to become an American. Host Lauren Clarke talks to author Rajani LaRocca, whose latest children's book "Some of Us: A Story of Citizenship and the United States," offers a poignant look at the immigration and naturalization process. Through beautiful prose and captivating illustrations, LaRocca guides readers through this deeply personal yet universally significant journey that defines so much of our nation's character. GUEST: Rajani LaRocca, Author, Physician, Naturalized Citizen HOST: Lauren Clarke NEWS NERD: Rob Taylor PRODUCER: Adam Belmar Show Links: Some of Us: A Story of Citizenship and the United States [https://www.rajanilarocca.com/picture-books/some-of-us/]

America faces a critical shortage in its care workforce, the millions of workers who provide childcare, elder care, and support for people with disabilities. With 9 million job openings expected in direct care over the next decade and an aging population that will see 89 million Americans over 65 by 2060, this crisis affects every family.  In this episode, host Lauren Clarke sits down with Amanda Bergson-Shilcock, Senior Fellow at the National Skills Coalition, to explore how immigration policy intersects with America's growing demand for care workers. You'll discover that immigrants already comprise one in four direct care workers and one in three home care workers. Yet, policy barriers often prevent talented caregivers from filling these essential roles. Plus, immigration news from Erickson Immigration Group partner Rob Taylor, covering the latest developments affecting F-1 students from China and Hong Kong, new restrictions on Harvard exchange programs, and the implementation of a new travel ban affecting 19 countries. Show Links: Workforce Advisory Council to Address Urgent Care Workforce Needs: https://nationalskillscoalition.org/news/press-releases/nsc-launches-care-workforce-advisory-council/

Discover the hidden culinary history of Asian heritage chefs who've served U.S. presidents. Host Lauren Clarke welcomes food historian Adrian Miller and chef Deborah Chang, co-authors of "Asian Heritage Chefs in White House History: Cooking to the President's Taste." From Lee Ping Quan's presidential yacht service in the 1920s to Chef Cristeta Comerford's 19-year tenure as White House Executive Chef, learn how these talented cooks navigated anti-Asian immigration policies while introducing authentic dishes to America's first families. The episode explores how military service provided a pathway to citizenship, reveals surprising fusion recipes from presidential kitchens, and demonstrates food's power as cultural diplomacy. Plus, the latest immigration news with EIG partner Rob Taylor. This episode is part of our ongoing "Food of Immigrants" series, this month featuring stories that highlight Asian American, Hawaiian, and Native Pacific Islander heritage during their heritage month. GUESTS: Co-Authors of "Asian Heritage Chefs in White House History: Cooking to the President's Taste [https://issuu.com/whhapubl/docs/live_cookbook_jan7?fr=sOTI4ZDYyODEwMjg]" Adrian Miller, Author, Food Historian, James Beard Award Winner Deborah Chang, Chef, Recipe Developer, Attorney HOST: LAUREN CLARKE NEWS NERD: ROB TAYLOR PRODUCER: ADAM BELMAR Show Links: Asian Heritage Chefs in White House History: Cooking to the President’s Taste [https://shop.whitehousehistory.org/products/asian-heritage-chefs-in-white-house-history-cooking-to-the-president-s-taste]

In this episode of the Immigration Nerds Podcast, we explore how immigration directly impacts the solvency and sustainability of Social Security with economist Dr. Tara Watson [https://www.brookings.edu/people/tara-watson/], Director of the Center for Economic Security and Opportunity at the Brookings Institution. As America faces an aging population and declining birth rates, Dr. Watson explains how immigrants serve as economic contributors to our retirement systems, often paying far more into Social Security than they'll ever receive in benefits. She breaks down the demographic math behind our current crisis, presents evidence-based solutions that could extend Social Security's viability, and discusses how immigration policies might help. This episode will examine the data-driven relationship between immigration and one of America's most essential safety net programs. GUEST:  Dr. Tara Watson [https://www.brookings.edu/people/tara-watson/], Director, Center for Economic Security and Opportunity, Brookings Institution HOST: Lauren Clarke NEWS NERD: Rob Taylor PRODUCER: Adam Belmar