Hi [FORMATTED_FIRST_NAME GOES HERE],
Happy Wednesday ✨
Soundarya here, founder of unshackled.club. :)
BIG NEWS: It's confirmed. We have almost 20 lawyers joining us from Deel, Boundless, Manifest, Alma, PassRight, Lighthouse, Fakhoury and more to offer free consults at the Open Atlas Summit 2025.
It took months of backend work to make this happen. Now, you can save hundreds of $$$ in consultation fees and come meet 20 lawyers for just $99 through our "Conference Pass" (yep, we also dropped our prices to make it affordable for all).
Tickets will close in one week.
If you’re an immigrant in tech looking to start your company, apply for a talent visa, or get your PR, this will be the most important weekend of your year.
Now, onto the newsletter.
You're receiving this email, alongside 36,000+ immigrants, as part of the Unshackled weekly newsletter. Immigration is a complex world. So every Wednesday, I simplify that by sharing breaking news, free webinar invites, & latest trends. If you find value in reading it, share your unique referral code with a lucky friend. If this was forwarded to you, get your own here! Read all the past editions here. 💃 |
This week's TL;DR
📌 UNfold: Breaking news
Trump administration to impose new tariffs on India
The Trump administration plans to impose 25% tariffs on Indian imports, citing high Indian tariffs and ongoing energy ties with Russia. President Trump criticized India’s trade policies as overly protectionist and accused the country of limiting access to U.S. goods. The proposed tariffs would exceed those placed on the EU and Japan and come just below those on China. India’s government has acknowledged the remarks and said it will review the implications. The move could disrupt ongoing U.S.-India trade negotiations.
New U.S. visa rules to end interview waivers, affect Indian talent & travel
Starting September 2, 2025, the U.S. will roll back interview waivers for nonimmigrant visa renewals, including H-1B, L-1, F-1, and B-1/B-2 categories. Age-based exemptions for minors under 14 and seniors over 79 will also be eliminated. Most applicants will now be required to appear in person at consulates, increasing wait times and complicating business travel and hiring timelines. Experts warn the change will hit Indian professionals and U.S. companies relying on global talent the hardest. A new $250 visa fee and longer processing times signal a broader shift toward more restrictive immigration policies.
India opens 8 new consular centers across the U.S.
India has launched eight new Indian Consular Application Centres in Boston, Columbus, Dallas, Detroit, Addison, Orlando, Raleigh, and San Jose (effective from August 1, 2025). The move aims to improve access to consular services for the Indian diaspora. All centers will now also operate on Saturdays to handle increased demand. An additional centre in Los Angeles is expected to open soon. Officials say the expansion will streamline service delivery and strengthen India-U.S. people-to-people ties.
🎁 UNlock: Relevant resources
[Free webinar: TODAY 6:00 PM PT] Rise In RFEs & What You Can About It with Manifest Law
RFEs (Requests for Evidence) are on the rise again. Whether you’re applying for a NIW, EB-1A, or H-1B, understanding how to navigate this trend is critical. In 2018, H-1B RFE rates hit nearly 70%, and recent signs suggest history may be repeating itself. Join a free webinar with me and Principal Immigration Attorney Nicole Gunara from Manifest Law. RSVP now, spots are limited.
[In-person event] Meet 20 lawyers for free consults at Open Atlas Summit
If you’re an immigrant in tech looking to start your company, file a talent visa, or get your PR - this will be the most important weekend of your year. Open Atlas Summit 2025 is a 2-day event for 750+ ambitious immigrants. You’ll meet 20 lawyers at the summit - all of whom will offer free consults that you can pre-book. Instead of spending hundreds of $$$ on lawyer consultation, spend just $99 to attend this summit and meet 20 lawyers in one room, and a lot more. RSVP now and get your spot.
[Free resource] Applying to Harvard, Yale, or Princeton? Here’s how to stand out
Getting into an Ivy League school takes more than just high test scores, it takes a standout profile. Open Admit's free strategy call helps U.S. students uncover what top schools are really looking for and how to craft an application that gets noticed. If you're aiming for Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, or Penn, check it out. Book your free Ivy League strategy session here.
💫 UNcover: Latest trends
🪄 UNveil: This week’s partner
Abound is a super money app built exclusively for Indian expatriates in the U.S.,enabling them to send, spend, save, and invest with ease. Backed by The Times of India Group, The platform provides competitive exchange rates for transfers to India, automated cash back at 4,000+ Indian grocery stores across the U.S., and special deals from leading global brands. First-time users can get ₹100 for every $1 on their first $100 transfer with Abound. Avail the offer now.
👉 Want to put yourself in front of 36,000+ high-skilled immigrants? Just hit reply to start a conversation.
⚖️ UNshackle: A celebration of & for skilled immigrants
Open Atlas Summit 2025 is the largest and most influential event for skilled immigrants in the U.S. Come meet 750+ ambitious immigrants, tech leaders, founders, investors, and lawyers over 2 days in August 15-16, 2025.
Top 5 reasons to not miss the biggest party of the year:
- Get free consult from 20+ lawyers who will spend all day (Aug 16th) answering your questions - saving you hundreds of dollars in consultation fees
- Meet 40+ expert speakers. This includes former White House staff, Forbes 30U30 founders, EB-1 recipients, top investors, and influencers you follow on social media
- Join the extraordinary lounge to meet 50+ EB1/O1 recipients in one room for exclusive connections and opportunities.
- ...and relax with a stand-up comedy show by one of your favorite immigrant comedians :)
This is only the beginning.
We will continue adding ways to make this uniquely valuable for you.
Use code "NEWSLETTER10" for 10% off.
Are you an EB-1/NIW/O-1 aspirant? Join our flagship course for $299 taught by an attorney.
We've launched three flagship courses consisting of 60+ in-depth modules that walk through every step of filing and getting an EB-1A, NIW, and O-1A. Don't worry though—there's little legal jargon. This is for you if you want to escape the H-1B lottery or the 100-year green card backlog and secure your future in America based on merit. Click here to join for $299 today. 🚀
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Until next week, stay lovely.
Yours truly,
Soundarya 💚
💡 None of the information shared in this newsletter is meant to be legal advice. If you're looking for legal advice, speak to a lawyer or visit the Unshackled lawyer directory with vetted lawyer recommendations.
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