Compliance doesn’t have to slow you down. We sat with immigration attorney and founder Matthew Hellrung to map out how smart teams turn visas, I‑9s, and global mobility into a talent advantage while staying out of audit crosshairs. If you’re recruiting engineers, data scientists, or AI specialists, the numbers are clear: a huge share of the best graduates need sponsorship. We walk through the policy choices that keep your funnel open, your people informed, and your risk controlled.
Matthew explains what the latest enforcement push really means for companies, including ICE’s expanded I‑9 audits and how fines stack up. You’ll hear when E‑Verify helps, when it hurts, and how to decide based on your workforce and contracts. We dig into the biggest “oops” moments that burn startups—like inconsistent sponsorship decisions that look discriminatory, sloppy document storage, and untracked location moves that break H‑1B terms. Then we offer practical fixes: a simple, public immigration policy; internal ownership with HR enablement; and direct access to counsel to cut anxiety and speed decisions.
We also hit the realities of a borderless workplace. From social media vetting at consulates to stricter travel screening, we flag issues leaders should address before trips and transfers. If you send U.S. employees abroad, we outline visitor vs. work activities, the rise of digital nomad visas, and how to avoid triggering substantial presence and tax exposure. To close, Matthew shares a founder lesson—delegate and elevate—so you can focus on the few moves only you can make for the business.
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