Important Updates
Important Updates
July 1, 2025 | Republic of Korea (South Korea)South Korea: Update on In-Country Dependent Visa Applications
July 1, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
July 1, 2025 | PolandPoland: Single Permit Eligibility Limited  
July 1, 2025 | PortugalPortugal: Residence Permits Extended
July 1, 2025 | Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia: Visit Visa Entry and Exit Restrictions for Select Nationals
July 1, 2025 | Republic of Korea (South Korea)South Korea: Update on In-Country Dependent Visa Applications
July 1, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
July 1, 2025 | PolandPoland: Single Permit Eligibility Limited  
July 1, 2025 | PortugalPortugal: Residence Permits Extended
July 1, 2025 | Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia: Visit Visa Entry and Exit Restrictions for Select Nationals
July 1, 2025 | Republic of Korea (South Korea)South Korea: Update on In-Country Dependent Visa Applications
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationAustralian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
  • Insights

Imagine There’s No Countries

October 10, 2016

janis-bailey

Countries / Territories

  • 🌐

Related contacts

janis-bailey

Janis M. Bailey

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9134

Related offices

  • Atlanta, GA
  • Auckland
  • Beijing
  • Bengaluru
  • Bogotá
  • Boston, MA
  • Brisbane
  • Brussels (Benelux)
  • Chicago, IL
  • Miami, FL
  • Dallas, TX
  • Doha
  • Dubai (DIFC)
  • Frankfurt
  • Hong Kong
  • Houston, TX
  • Irvine, CA
  • Johannesburg
  • Kochi
  • Kuala Lumpur
  • Lima
  • London
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Matawan, NJ
  • Melbourne
  • Mexico City
  • Nairobi
  • New York, NY
  • Panama City
  • Perth
  • Phoenix, AZ
  • Rio de Janeiro
  • San Diego, CA
  • San Francisco, CA
  • San Jose
  • Santiago
  • São Paulo
  • Shanghai
  • Sheffield
  • Silicon Valley, CA
  • Singapore
  • Sydney
  • Toronto
  • Detroit, MI
  • Washington, DC
  • Zurich

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

janis-bailey

Janis M. Bailey

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9134

Related offices

  • Atlanta, GA
  • Auckland
  • Beijing
  • Bengaluru
  • Bogotá
  • Boston, MA
  • Brisbane
  • Brussels (Benelux)
  • Chicago, IL
  • Miami, FL
  • Dallas, TX
  • Doha
  • Dubai (DIFC)
  • Frankfurt
  • Hong Kong
  • Houston, TX
  • Irvine, CA
  • Johannesburg
  • Kochi
  • Kuala Lumpur
  • Lima
  • London
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Matawan, NJ
  • Melbourne
  • Mexico City
  • Nairobi
  • New York, NY
  • Panama City
  • Perth
  • Phoenix, AZ
  • Rio de Janeiro
  • San Diego, CA
  • San Francisco, CA
  • San Jose
  • Santiago
  • São Paulo
  • Shanghai
  • Sheffield
  • Silicon Valley, CA
  • Singapore
  • Sydney
  • Toronto
  • Detroit, MI
  • Washington, DC
  • Zurich

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

janis-bailey

Janis M. Bailey

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9134

Related offices

  • Atlanta, GA
  • Auckland
  • Beijing
  • Bengaluru
  • Bogotá
  • Boston, MA
  • Brisbane
  • Brussels (Benelux)
  • Chicago, IL
  • Miami, FL
  • Dallas, TX
  • Doha
  • Dubai (DIFC)
  • Frankfurt
  • Hong Kong
  • Houston, TX
  • Irvine, CA
  • Johannesburg
  • Kochi
  • Kuala Lumpur
  • Lima
  • London
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Matawan, NJ
  • Melbourne
  • Mexico City
  • Nairobi
  • New York, NY
  • Panama City
  • Perth
  • Phoenix, AZ
  • Rio de Janeiro
  • San Diego, CA
  • San Francisco, CA
  • San Jose
  • Santiago
  • São Paulo
  • Shanghai
  • Sheffield
  • Silicon Valley, CA
  • Singapore
  • Sydney
  • Toronto
  • Detroit, MI
  • Washington, DC
  • Zurich

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

By: Janis M. Bailey

Imagine there's no countries
It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion, too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace...

John Lennon, Imagine, 1971
 
In another blog I wrote on Why I Love Global Immigration, I expressed that one of the reasons I loved immigration was its politically charged nature.  I noted that no matter the country, immigration always seems to be a major issue in election campaign cycles and in party politics. Governments have a need to strike a balance between enacting immigration controls and attracting foreign investment and top talent into their economies.  It occurs to me that in this polarized world we live in, we often find ourselves painting the opposition into the extremes and this idea of “balance” is lost.
 
John Lennon’s idea of a world without borders where people are all people – not citizens of any country but rather citizens of the world – might be considered one extreme. Now imagine the opposite extreme. Imagine a world without any immigration, where borders are hard and fast and people do not move across them. All business and all work would be conducted internally regardless of resources available and everyone would stay put. Maybe some walls could be built, maybe some watch towers. This may not sound as poetic as John Lennon’s vision, but it’s a direction many would have us move toward.
 
All of us as individuals will usually fall somewhere on the spectrum of beliefs between these two extremes and yet when arguing with political opponents, we tend to posit that they have just espoused the most extreme version of immigration worldviews. The truth is that most of us, as will our governments, find that a balance of viewpoints is needed. Depending on our value system and our understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of immigration, we will find that balance differently. In truth, there are very few people who would ever suggest we end immigration entirely no more than there are people who would suggest we end it entirely by removing all our borders.
 
As a matter of personal disclosure, I am a dual citizen of the United States and the United Kingdom. I was born and raised in the U.S. and emigrated to the U.K. over a decade ago. I find it both fascinating and horrifying at once that both countries are mired in debates over immigration, with both countries’ political parties moving further and further to the extremes. My hope is that as we move past this moment in history where extremes seem to be pushing us apart that we will all find a way to move back to the table with ideas in mind that can bring us together. We need practical solutions that address people’s understandable fears about high levels of immigration and demands on resources. We also need solutions that would acknowledge that people coming together and moving across borders have been a major factor in making the world’s economies stronger and more balanced. I believe we need leaders who won’t pander to fear but will help to educate and bring people to the table.
 
Somewhere between the world where there’s no countries and a world where border walls dot our landscape, there’s a place for a reasonable immigration policy that most of us can accept.

 

Countries / Territories

  • 🌐

Related contacts

janis-bailey

Janis M. Bailey

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9134

Related offices

  • Atlanta, GA
  • Auckland
  • Beijing
  • Bengaluru
  • Bogotá
  • Boston, MA
  • Brisbane
  • Brussels (Benelux)
  • Chicago, IL
  • Miami, FL
  • Dallas, TX
  • Doha
  • Dubai (DIFC)
  • Frankfurt
  • Hong Kong
  • Houston, TX
  • Irvine, CA
  • Johannesburg
  • Kochi
  • Kuala Lumpur
  • Lima
  • London
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Matawan, NJ
  • Melbourne
  • Mexico City
  • Nairobi
  • New York, NY
  • Panama City
  • Perth
  • Phoenix, AZ
  • Rio de Janeiro
  • San Diego, CA
  • San Francisco, CA
  • San Jose
  • Santiago
  • São Paulo
  • Shanghai
  • Sheffield
  • Silicon Valley, CA
  • Singapore
  • Sydney
  • Toronto
  • Detroit, MI
  • Washington, DC
  • Zurich

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

janis-bailey

Janis M. Bailey

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9134

Related offices

  • Atlanta, GA
  • Auckland
  • Beijing
  • Bengaluru
  • Bogotá
  • Boston, MA
  • Brisbane
  • Brussels (Benelux)
  • Chicago, IL
  • Miami, FL
  • Dallas, TX
  • Doha
  • Dubai (DIFC)
  • Frankfurt
  • Hong Kong
  • Houston, TX
  • Irvine, CA
  • Johannesburg
  • Kochi
  • Kuala Lumpur
  • Lima
  • London
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Matawan, NJ
  • Melbourne
  • Mexico City
  • Nairobi
  • New York, NY
  • Panama City
  • Perth
  • Phoenix, AZ
  • Rio de Janeiro
  • San Diego, CA
  • San Francisco, CA
  • San Jose
  • Santiago
  • São Paulo
  • Shanghai
  • Sheffield
  • Silicon Valley, CA
  • Singapore
  • Sydney
  • Toronto
  • Detroit, MI
  • Washington, DC
  • Zurich

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

janis-bailey

Janis M. Bailey

Partner

London, United Kingdom

Email

[email protected]

T:+44 (0) 20 7090 9134

Related offices

  • Atlanta, GA
  • Auckland
  • Beijing
  • Bengaluru
  • Bogotá
  • Boston, MA
  • Brisbane
  • Brussels (Benelux)
  • Chicago, IL
  • Miami, FL
  • Dallas, TX
  • Doha
  • Dubai (DIFC)
  • Frankfurt
  • Hong Kong
  • Houston, TX
  • Irvine, CA
  • Johannesburg
  • Kochi
  • Kuala Lumpur
  • Lima
  • London
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Matawan, NJ
  • Melbourne
  • Mexico City
  • Nairobi
  • New York, NY
  • Panama City
  • Perth
  • Phoenix, AZ
  • Rio de Janeiro
  • San Diego, CA
  • San Francisco, CA
  • San Jose
  • Santiago
  • São Paulo
  • Shanghai
  • Sheffield
  • Silicon Valley, CA
  • Singapore
  • Sydney
  • Toronto
  • Detroit, MI
  • Washington, DC
  • Zurich

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Blog post

2025 Middle East and Africa Immigration Trends: Balancing Localization Concerns with Global Talent Attraction Efforts

This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping the Middle East and Africa in 2025, drawing from Fragomen’s upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews—available mid-July.

Learn more

Video

French Citizenship by Decree | Everything You Need to Know

Immigration Consultant Azela Hadia covers everything you need to know about French citizenship by decree, a legal process through which a foreign national can acquire French nationality.

Learn more

Blog post

Navigating the UAE Corporate Landscape: A Strategic Guide for Startups and Entrepreneurs

This blog provides an overview of the key factors to consider when deciding in which jurisdiction to set up a company in the UAE.

Learn more

Media mentions

TechRound: Experts Share: How Will The Global Talent Visa Help The Startup Industry?

Manager Alexander Hood explains how the UK’s Global Talent visa helps tech founders start and grow businesses without employer sponsorship.

Learn more

Blog post

The Future of Care Work in the UK: Understanding the Latest Immigration Announcements

Partner Siobhan Owers and Senior Associate Asif Hanif discuss the latest UK immigration announcements and their impact on the future of care work.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年6月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Media mentions

Arab News: Growing Saudi Film Industry Driving Job Creation, Economic Growth

Partner Abeer Al Husseini highlights how Saudi Arabia’s growing film industry is creating jobs, attracting global talent and supporting economic diversification.

Learn more

Awards

Silicon Valley Business Journal Recognizes Partner Cindy Jen Among 2025 Women of Influence

Partner Cindy Jen is recognized as a 2025 “Woman of Influence” by the Silicon Valley Business Journal.

Learn more

Blog post

2025 LAR and Canada Immigration Trends: Balancing Control and Opportunity

This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping Canada and Latin America in 2025. Drawing from Fragomen’s upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews—available mid-July—it provides actionable insights and strategic guidance to help businesses and individuals navigate the region’s dynamic immigration landscape.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: DOL Plans “Emergency Agency” to Approve H-2A Visas

Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how employment-based immigration supports the US agricultural sector amid labor shortages and evolving policies.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Middle East Tensions Show Importance of Caring for Mobile Talent

Partner Abeer Al Husseini shares how employers can support mobile talent through travel readiness, immigration awareness and a people-focused approach.

Learn more

Blog post

The EB-1C Green Card for Multinational Managers and Executives: Exploring Non-Traditional Pathways to Permanent Residency

Associate Whitney Luman discusses the EB-1C Green Card for multinational managers and executives, exploring non-traditional pathways to permanent residency.

Learn more

Blog post

2025 Middle East and Africa Immigration Trends: Balancing Localization Concerns with Global Talent Attraction Efforts

This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping the Middle East and Africa in 2025, drawing from Fragomen’s upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews—available mid-July.

Learn more

Video

French Citizenship by Decree | Everything You Need to Know

Immigration Consultant Azela Hadia covers everything you need to know about French citizenship by decree, a legal process through which a foreign national can acquire French nationality.

Learn more

Blog post

Navigating the UAE Corporate Landscape: A Strategic Guide for Startups and Entrepreneurs

This blog provides an overview of the key factors to consider when deciding in which jurisdiction to set up a company in the UAE.

Learn more

Media mentions

TechRound: Experts Share: How Will The Global Talent Visa Help The Startup Industry?

Manager Alexander Hood explains how the UK’s Global Talent visa helps tech founders start and grow businesses without employer sponsorship.

Learn more

Blog post

The Future of Care Work in the UK: Understanding the Latest Immigration Announcements

Partner Siobhan Owers and Senior Associate Asif Hanif discuss the latest UK immigration announcements and their impact on the future of care work.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年6月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Media mentions

Arab News: Growing Saudi Film Industry Driving Job Creation, Economic Growth

Partner Abeer Al Husseini highlights how Saudi Arabia’s growing film industry is creating jobs, attracting global talent and supporting economic diversification.

Learn more

Awards

Silicon Valley Business Journal Recognizes Partner Cindy Jen Among 2025 Women of Influence

Partner Cindy Jen is recognized as a 2025 “Woman of Influence” by the Silicon Valley Business Journal.

Learn more

Blog post

2025 LAR and Canada Immigration Trends: Balancing Control and Opportunity

This blog highlights the most significant immigration developments shaping Canada and Latin America in 2025. Drawing from Fragomen’s upcoming 2025 Regional Immigration Overviews—available mid-July—it provides actionable insights and strategic guidance to help businesses and individuals navigate the region’s dynamic immigration landscape.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: DOL Plans “Emergency Agency” to Approve H-2A Visas

Partner Rachel Beardsley highlights how employment-based immigration supports the US agricultural sector amid labor shortages and evolving policies.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Middle East Tensions Show Importance of Caring for Mobile Talent

Partner Abeer Al Husseini shares how employers can support mobile talent through travel readiness, immigration awareness and a people-focused approach.

Learn more

Blog post

The EB-1C Green Card for Multinational Managers and Executives: Exploring Non-Traditional Pathways to Permanent Residency

Associate Whitney Luman discusses the EB-1C Green Card for multinational managers and executives, exploring non-traditional pathways to permanent residency.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.