Donald Trump’s ongoing crackdown on illegal immigration has created an ongoing set of challenges for an unlikely group of individuals.
We’re not talking about illegals, nor are we talking about those impacted by the recent travel ban focused on Muslim-majority countries.
We’re talking about startups and entrepreneurs.
Tech-savvy immigrants who wish to enter the United States legally in pursuit of the American Dream are facing their own unique set of roadblocks. These individuals, hailing from thriving startup scenes such as Tel Aviv, have the skills and know-how to start businesses on U.S. soil but are being burdened by bureaucracy, paperwork and soaring legal fees.
As a result, two Israeli immigrants are looking to help entrepreneurs in their homeland and beyond in their quest to succeed in the land of opportunity.
The Side-Effects of Trump’s Legislation on Legal Immigrants
Although the Trump administration’s laser-focus on illegal activity has dominated headlines, legal immigrants are being impacted as a side effect of the President’s proposals, legislation and overall tone.
Perhaps this quote from the campaign trail best sums up the President’s feelings on those coming to the United States legally:
“It’s our right as a sovereign nation to choose immigrants that we think are the likeliest to thrive and flourish and love us.”
Immigrating entrepreneurs hoping to set up camp on American soil would therefore seem to tick the boxes of what Trump would consider “likeliest to thrive and flourish.” However, proposing legislation that would cut legal immigration by 50% year-over-year definitely sends mixed signals for those who want to enter the United States totally on the up-and-up.
Despite popular belief, immigrating to the country legally has never been as simple as filling out a couple of forms and setting up shop.
The time and money required for the necessary immigration applications and clearances is already a major headache. Coupled with the administration’s perceived anti-immigration sentiment, would-be immigrant entrepreneurs are facing an uphill battle.
Making Legal Immigration and Startup Success a Reality
In response to the woes that immigrating entrepreneurs face on a daily basis, an Israeli tech expert set out to create a solution.
Enter Gal Talmor, CTO of Shop Immigration, a one-stop resource and marketplace for startups hungry to make their way to the United States. Shop Immigration is the first of its kind, representing a nationwide brand for immigration services that stresses trust and transparency for an otherwise fear-driven and fragmented industry.
Recognizing the need to streamline the process of imigrating for overwhelmed entrepreneurs, Talmor’s immigration interface has already helped thousands of applicants successfully go through the immigration process for the fraction of the price of trying to do so on their own.
As a former senior software developer and team leader at global cybersecurity firms Indegy and AVG, Talmor understands firsthand that talent in tech shouldn’t be restricted by borders and bureaucracy. Given the seemingly million moving pieces of coming into the United States, access to an all-in-one resource is a game-changer for those who had otherwise given up on the process.
Turning Immigration Nightmares into American Dreams
Immigration has historically been difficult, time-consuming and expensive. This rings true even before the emergence of the Trump administration’s travel ban attempts and other measures to cut down on illegal immigration.
For example, consider the series of security-related hoops that immigrants must jump through. From pre-clearance to fly into the country to visa restrictions, the mere act of getting from Point A to Point B seems insurmountable for those who don’t understand the legwork involved with immigration clearance.
Plus, immigrants can’t get far along in the process without extensive help and guidance for their respective immigration lawyers. The costs and tacked-on fees of such attorneys, combined with unexpected paperwork snafus and waiting periods, puts hellish stress on immigrants who want nothing more than to work on their own terms.
That’s why Shop Immigration stresses both empathy and transparency on behalf of their base. Their platform prevents legal costs from spiralling out of control, meanwhile directing users to exactly what services they need based on their specific situation.
Shop Immigration strives to be, in their own words, a revolution in the same vein that AirBNB transformed the tourist industry. That is, users can safely and securely shop around for immigration services with peace of mind and a money-back guarantee. No hoops, no roadblocks: just a clear path toward immigration.
How Tech is Transforming the Immigration Landscape
Following Shop Immigration’s acceptance into the MuckerLab accelerator, the company is poised to do everything in their power to change the tone and uncertainty of the immigration.
At the end of the day, Shop Immigration CEO Liran Rosenfield notes that the core of their business is using tech as a force for good.
“It’s about helping people in the toughest period of their lives,” Rosenfield says.
Gloom and doom headlines and ever-changing immigration policy are undoubtedly daunting to those who don’t understand the in’s and out’s of the process. Coupled with the Trump administration’s intimidating tone towards immigrants, entrepreneurs and startups shouldn’t shy away from the United States.
With emerging networks such as Shop Immigration, perhaps immigrants are finally getting the helping hand that they need.