In this episode of HR Heretics, Nolan talks to Immigration attorney Nicole Gunara (Manifest Law) who analyzes the new $100,000 H-1B policy that sparked rapid industry adaptation across Silicon Valley, breaking down how this strategic shift creates different advantages for big tech versus startups while driving companies to explore innovative alternative visa pathways.

Support our Sponsors:

Planful empowers teams just like yours to unlock the secrets of successful workforce planning. Use data-driven insights to develop accurate forecasts, close hiring gaps, and adjust talent acquisition plans collaboratively based on costs today and into the future. ✍️ Go to https://planful.com/heretics to see how you can transform your HR strategy.

Metaview is the AI platform built for recruiting. Check it out: https://www.metaview.ai/heretics

* Our suite of AI agents work across your hiring process to save time, boost decision quality, and elevate the candidate experience.

* Learn why team builders at 3,000+ cutting-edge companies like Brex, Deel, and Quora can’t live without Metaview.

* It only takes minutes to get up and running.

Ethena is the compliance training platform built for modern workplaces. Visit goethena.com/heretics and get 10% off your first year.

KEEP UP WITH NICOLE, NOLAN + KELLI ON LINKEDIN

Nicole: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ngunara10/

Nolan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nolan-church/

Kelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellidragovich/

—

LINKS:

Manifest Law: https://manifestlaw.com/

Gary Tan’s LinkedIn post: A $100K H1B fee won't bother big tech…

For coaching and advising inquire at https://kellidragovich.com/

—

TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(01:51) What Happened Friday Night: The $100K H-1B Bombshell

(02:53) Monday Reality Check: What We Actually Know

(04:16) Clear vs. Unclear: Exemptions and Renewal Definitions

(07:49) Sponsors: Ethena | Planful

(10:58) Crisis Response Strategy: Audit, Pause, and Pivot

(15:56) The Alphabet Soup: Alternative Visa Pathways

(21:19) Sponsor: Metaview

(23:08) The O-1 Opportunity: 94.5% Approval Rates Explained

(24:43) The Startup Dilemma: Gary Tan vs. Big Tech Advantage

(28:57) Strategic or Chaotic? The Department of Labor Clue

(30:13) America's STEM Pipeline Problem: The Real Policy Driver

(32:21) Wrap

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hrheretics.substack.com

$100K H-1B Fee? Analyzing Trump’s Policy with Nicole Gunara of Manifest Law

“HR Heretics” | How CPOs, CHROs, Founders, and Boards Build High Performing Companies