Area 51
It's just immigration, it's not rocket science, or is it? If you're a visa / “temporary” status holder in the US and have often found that it was easier navigating through the politics of Game of Thrones than understand the US immigration system, you're not alone. In this podcast, we aim to talk about the problems we face as immigrants here. The way we see it, we're all in for a long 20+ year long (some even up to 436 years!) rollercoaster ride waiting for our Green Cards, dealing with the dizzying highs of getting approved visas to the stomach-dropping lows of dealing with government bureaucracy and 221g’s. Add in a few more flavors such as Trump, COVID-19, layoffs and recessions to this quagmire of a maze, and we may as well be living the Hunger Games in pursuit of permanent residency in the US. We realized early on that whining about this situation can only get us so far. The more we educate ourselves and others about the system, the better armed we are to beat the system. And if we can all have a few laughs along the way, we might just be able to make process a little more fun.
Episodes
23 episodes
Build Fellowship and Cap-Exempt H-1B
In this essential episode of the Area 51 podcast, we dive deep into an innovative solution for the thousands of skilled immigrants whose dreams are crushed annually by the H-1B lottery system. Join us as we welcome Danielle Goldman, the dynamic...
To H-1B or Not To H-1B
In this compelling episode of the Area 51 podcast, we tackle the controversial topic of H-1B visas and confront the growing wave of misinformation surrounding immigrant workers in America. Join us as we welcome Sam Peak, Labor and Mobility Poli...
Immigration Voice
In today's episode we dive deep into the world of immigration advocacy with Adnan Zafar from Immigration Voice. Ever since it was created 19 years ago, IV has been leading from the front and standing up for issues faced by immigrants in America...
Improve The Dream... or Nightmare?
Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Dip Patel, the visionary founder of Improve the Dream, as he unveils the untold story of America's "Documented Dreamers"—children who grew up legally in the United States but face deportation upon tu...
Unshackling Soundarya
Soundarya Balasubramani arrived in the United States like many others, armed with ambition and a visa. But that's where the similarities end. Rather than following the well trodden path of climbing the corporate ladder, she's carved out a very ...
O Canada, Can You Let Me Work?
One of the biggest impediments in moving to Canada is the stress of finding a new job. What if you could have the best of both worlds? What if you could work for your US employer and still enjoy the immigration freedom Canada has to offer? Soun...
O Canada, Can You Let Me In?
Often considered a consolation prize for those facing immigration issues, Canada has always been a topic of discussion for visa holders in America. In today's episode, we are joined by Sindhu Mahadevan to better understand the Canadian immigrat...
The Brooklyn Curry Project
As an Indian immigrant in America, one thing we all miss is the food back home. We've felt it and we're sure all of you have as well. Have we done anything about it? Probably not! In today's episode, we are joined by the founders o...
No Suits
In today's episode, we are joined by John Moye, one of the founders of Pro Se Pro to talk about their game changing tool in the fight against immigration delays. Developed by attorney Brad Banias and technologists John Moye and Andrew Steinmeye...
Dandi March: The Backlog Edition
The immigration backlog is something that has deeply impacted every Indian immigrant’s life in America. We have all complained about it numerous times and have pretty much given up hope for any change. That’s what makes Anuj different. In today...
With Love, Atal
IIT Alumnus. Ironman. Immigration Activist. Startup Founder. In today's episode we are joined by Atal Agarwal who has been wearing each of these hats with ease. Atal is an inspirational figure whose journey embodies resilience, inno...
The Pursuit of H1Bness
For the first time since the 60s, there has been a huge proposed change to the American immigration system. DHS has proposed sweeping reforms to the H-1B visa system. While there are many positives that will enrich the lives of immigrants, ther...
iNRI- The Wolf of Dalal Street
In today’s episode, we welcome Hemant Gangolia the founder of iNRI. Hemant is an immigrant entrepreneur who has faced his fair share of obstacles on the path to success. Rather than give in to these setbacks, he used them as stepping stones to ...
$66,000
Jaahnavi Kandula. Aishwarya Thatikonda. Sai Charan Nakka. Vamsi Reddy Mamidala. Saiesh Veera. Sharath Koppu. 6 Indian graduate students. 6 tragic stories. 6 unfulfilled dreams. In this somber episode, we delve into their heart wrenching stories...
The Terminal
A month ago, around 21 Indian students were detained on arrival, interrogated and deported back to India. What started off as a journey filled with hope, excitement and an opportunity to chase the coveted American dream ended as a nightma...
The Phantom H-1B Menace
In a galaxy not so far away, the stories of Indian immigrants in America intersect with a pressing issue that could be straight out of a Star Wars plotline. Join us in Area 51's latest episode as we delve into the intricate web of work visas, F...
The Rice of Patel Brothers
Join us on an extraordinary journey through time where culture, community and commerce beautifully collide. In today’s episode, we unveil the inspiring tale behind one of America’s most beloved Indian grocery stories- Patel Brothers! For many d...
Simon Don't Go Back!
Every year the annual immigration hunger games that is the 'H-1B Lottery' leaves thousands disappointed and disheartened. Applicants on their third and final attempt have to pick up their broken dreams and figure out what their options are to c...
Move over RRR, 'Alien' has landed
The term alien is used to describe any person not a citizen or national of the United States. Very welcoming right. We have all felt outrage being called an alien at some point during our stay here. One person actually decided to do something a...
Immigration Updates- The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
USCIS has been busy since the start of 2023. We have seen more activity in the first two months than the whole of 2022. So we thought it would be helpful to discuss some of the updates for our listeners. In this episode we cover the proposed fe...
The one where we ALMOST won!
Let's face it, immigration backlogs are a pain. The current green card wait time for an Indian national is almost 20-30 years. An immigration system where there are no country based restrictions sounds like a dream come true. Do you want to kno...
Indian Immigrant Crimes - Part 2
Murder, Slavery, Hitmen, Riots and Racism. You name it and we've pretty much got it in this episode! Part 2 of the Indian Immigrant Crimes series where Rahul and Sanjay discuss more crimes committed by Indian immigrants in America.
Indian Immigrant Crimes - Part 1
Have you ever wondered if there were crimes committed by Indian immigrants in America? In this two part episode, we've done a deep dive into crimes committed by Indian immigrants in US. Initially we thought we wouldn't find that many, but we we...