Organizational Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives and their Impact on Visa/Work Permit Sponsorship
As companies roll out diversity and inclusion initiatives in the U.S. and abroad, what are the impacts on immigration programs—specifically an organization's ability to sponsor individuals for visas or work permits? Join this lively panel discussion as they look at D&I initiatives and focused recruiting at several large international companies; discuss minority and gender representation in the tech industry, including how more diverse recruiters can lead to more D&I in the overall workforce; and an evaluation of initiatives such as how degree requirement elimination will impact visa and work permit sponsorship in the U.S. and across the globe.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand best practices:s and principles from the tech industry on D&I and minority representation and how this can translate to all industries.
- Understand how more D&I among recruiters can lead to more D&I in the overall workforce.
- Understand how elimination of degree requirements can impact visa processes and recruitment in the United States.
- Understand how elimination of degree requirements can impact visa processes and recruitment in other countries around the world.
Hiba M. Anver
Hiba M. Anver is a Managing Director/Attorney for Erickson Immigration Group. Her practice focus is primarily on the employment-based green card process. Hiba has extensive experience in all aspects of PERM, I-140s, and I-485s. Whether a Fortune 500 company or a start-up, Hiba works with clients in various industries, including tech, fintech, e-commerce, retail, medicine/oncology, investment, and education. She also advises corporate clients on complex immigration matters that result from corporate restructuring, including mergers, acquisitions, and reductions-in-force. She has briefed congressional staffers on Capitol Hill and has provided commentary to television/publication media outlets such as PBS’ Nightly Business Report, CNBC, The SF Chronicle, Bloomberg Law, and Politico Pro. Hiba has also lectured at the George Washington University School of Law, American University Washington College of Law and the University of Texas at Arlington. Her past experience includes Appeals/Oral Argument before the Fifth Court of Appeals.
Veronica Raygoza, GMS-T
Veronica Raygoza brings over 23 years of Human Resources experience in fast-paced, innovative environments. She spent most of her career at Genentech, Roche Pharmaceuticals’ US headquarters, where she was instrumental in building their Global Mobility function. She currently works at Square and has spent the past two years implementing governance and compliance around the function. Veronica brings with her a unique lens with her experience working with talent in pharma and fintech industries. She is a past Board member for BAMM and is currently serving as the Professional Development Chair for Square’s LatinX employee group.
Justin Parsons
Justin D. Parsons is a Managing Attorney at Erickson Immigration Group’s office in Arlington, VA. Justin has been practicing immigration law for 15+ years – both in New York City and Washington, D.C. While well versed in non-immigrant visa processing, his current practice focuses on PERM, I-140s, I-485s, and I-9 worksite compliance issues. He has been quoted in the San Francisco Chronicle and lectured on immigration law topics at George Washington University School of Law, George Mason School of Law, and the City University of New York. Justin earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Sarah Lawrence College and his Juris Doctor degree from Brooklyn Law School.
