Foreword
At NNU Immigration, we take great pride in fostering a culture that encourages learning, reflection and professional growth. Our team members regularly demonstrate a commitment not only to excellence in their work but also to engaging thoughtfully with the world around them.
This autumn one of our paralegals, Harriet Ross, attended An Evening with President Obama at the O2 Arena and was so inspired by the discussion that she wrote an essay reflecting on the principles discussed during the event and how they align with the work we do at NNU Immigration.
Harriet’s essay is a thoughtful exploration of globalism, inclusion, democracy and purpose-driven work. We are delighted to share it here as an example of the curiosity and insight that strengthen our team and our collective mission.
We are proud to bring colleagues to the team who value continuous learning and bring that spirit of growth into all they do.
Harriet Ross is a paralegal at NNU Immigration and a graduate of University of Sussex where she earned a first class law degree (LLB). She joined the NNU Immigration in 2024.
Reflections on: An Evening with President Obama
by Harriet Ross, Paralegal
This autumn I had the privilege of attending “An Evening with President Obama” in London alongside our Managing Partner, Nita Nicole Upadhye, and 15,000 rapt audience members.
The event, held at the O2 Arena, featured a compelling conversation between President Obama and historian David Olusoga on inclusion, globalism, and the future of moral democracy. I left the evening both inspired and, in light of today’s evolving immigration landscape, deeply reflective.
Below are my personal thoughts about the discussion, which reflect my own opinions and not those of the firm or anyone else’s
“We the People” — Not “We the Some People”
President Obama reaffirmed the inclusive vision embedded in the U.S. Constitution’s opening words: “We the People.” He warned against the growing tendency to interpret this as “We the Some People,” emphasizing that a nation’s prosperity depends on its ability to engage with and integrate talent, ideas, and entrepreneurship from across borders.
This message is particularly relevant today, as certain visa categories critical to diverse populations face increased scrutiny.
At NNU, we work with clients across a broad spectrum, from individuals facing inadmissibility due to criminal convictions to film producers and CEOs.
Obama’s words highlight the importance of fairness and equal opportunity. In our work, we help individuals navigate complex U.S. immigration pathways, ensuring access to the U.S. is not limited to a privileged few but fairly extended to all those who are eligible.
Inclusion and the H-1B Landscape
A central theme of President Obama’s message was inclusion— the belief that a nation prospers when it welcomes and values diverse talent.
Today, the H-1B visa program illustrates how inclusion is at risk.
Under the Trump administration, the program may face significant new restrictions, including a $100,000 fee for new petitions, designed to limit who can afford to apply and to place heavy financial burdens on businesses that rely on skilled foreign labor.
This directly echoes Obama’s warning about narrowing the definition of “We the People.”
For our firm, this raises critical questions:
How do we assist clients who lack the financial resources to navigate these changes?
Exploring Alternatives to the H-1B
Amid rising H-1B costs and proposed $100,000 fees, we must explore alternative visa routes that preserve inclusion and equal opportunity:
- O-1 Visa – rewards extraordinary ability with flexible terms and no annual cap.
- L-1 Visa – enables key international transfers to U.S. offices.
- E-1 / E-2 Visas – allow citizens of treaty countries to live and work in the U.S. through trade or investment.
These options ensure innovation and opportunity in the U.S. remain accessible — not just to the largest employers, but to all who bring exceptional skill and vision.
Visa Highlights
O-1 Visa: For individuals with extraordinary ability or achievements.
- Up to three years stay, renewable indefinitely.
- Dual intent allowed (can pursue permanent residency).
- No prevailing wage or annual cap.
L-1A & L-1B Visas: For executives, managers, and specialized knowledge employees of multinational firms.
- Enables intracompany transfers.
- Supports new U.S. office establishment.
- Blanket petitions streamline transfers for qualified employers.
- For citizens of treaty countries.
- E-1 for trade; E-2 for investment.
- No lottery or wage requirements.
- Flexible and often more attainable than H-1B.
With rising H-1B costs and the new $100,000 fee, these visas are vital for ensuring equal opportunity to the United States — quintessential to the meaning of “We the People,” not “We the Some People.”
Globalism and the Flow of Talent
President Obama emphasized that nations prosper when talent moves freely across borders.
The L-1 and E-2 visas exemplify this principle, enabling global companies and entrepreneurs to drive growth, create jobs, and spark innovation in the U.S.
Obama’s vision of globalism underscores why immigration pathways matter: they keep the U.S. competitive and enrich it with diverse enterprise and ideas.
Globalism Beyond Economics
Globalism, Obama reminded us, is also about the exchange of ideas and opportunity.
The O-1 visa embodies this — allowing exceptional individuals in business, science, and the arts to contribute to the United States and foster international collaboration.
By facilitating the movement of such talent, the O-1 visa turns Obama’s vision into reality: embracing global talent is not just policy — it’s a strategic gateway to innovation and excellence.
The Arc of Moral Justice
Obama paraphrased Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.:“The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice. Except it doesn’t bend on its own — it bends because we pull it in the direction of justice.” This reminds us that progress within U.S. immigration requires principled advocacy and commitment to justice.
The Trump administration’s Project 2025 proposes:
- Eliminating visa categories for victims of crime and human trafficking.
- Allocating $45 billion to ICE, prioritizing detention over humanitarian considerations.
These proposals threaten to dismantle critical pathways and separate families. At NNU, we remain deeply committed to protecting access to the U.S. and standing firm against efforts that seek to close its doors.
Reflections
Attending “An Evening with President Obama” reinforced the principles of inclusion, fairness, and opportunity. In today’s climate of rising costs and restrictive policies, these values are under pressure — yet more important than ever.
At NNU, we continue to:
- Help clients navigate complex challenges.
- Advocate for fairness and accessibility.
- Uphold the promise of “We the People” — broad, inclusive, and open to all.
Final Thoughts
The United States has long been a beacon of freedom and opportunity.
As immigration professionals, our work supports the truth that a diverse population united by shared ideals brings greater prosperity together than apart.
This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my thoughts.
Harriet Ross
Paralegal, NNU Immigration
Author
Founder & Principal Attorney Nita Nicole Upadhye is a recognized leader in the field of US business immigration law, (The Legal 500, Chambers & Partners, Who's Who Legal and AILA) and an experienced and trusted advisor to large multinational corporates through to SMEs. She provides strategic immigration advice and specialist application support to corporations and professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, artists, actors and athletes from across the globe to meet their US-bound talent mobility needs.
Nita is an active public speaker, thought leader, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals.