Important Updates
Important Updates
October 3, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: Supreme Court Again Permits DHS to Terminate 2023 TPS Designation for Venezuela While Litigation Continues
October 3, 2025 | ArgentinaArgentina: Provisional Certificate Policy Change Extends In-Country Work Authorization Timelines
October 3, 2025 | KazakhstanKazakhstan: New Work Permit Process Rules, Including Labor Market Test and New Online Portal
October 3, 2025 | United StatesThe American Lawyer: Proposed H-1B Changes Make Foreign Lawyers More Expensive, but Also More Accessible
October 3, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: Lawsuit Filed Challenging New H-1B Restrictions and $100,000 Fee
October 3, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: Supreme Court Again Permits DHS to Terminate 2023 TPS Designation for Venezuela While Litigation Continues
October 3, 2025 | ArgentinaArgentina: Provisional Certificate Policy Change Extends In-Country Work Authorization Timelines
October 3, 2025 | KazakhstanKazakhstan: New Work Permit Process Rules, Including Labor Market Test and New Online Portal
October 3, 2025 | United StatesThe American Lawyer: Proposed H-1B Changes Make Foreign Lawyers More Expensive, but Also More Accessible
October 3, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: Lawsuit Filed Challenging New H-1B Restrictions and $100,000 Fee
October 3, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: Supreme Court Again Permits DHS to Terminate 2023 TPS Designation for Venezuela While Litigation Continues
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
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 RoadmapCenter for Strategy and Applied InsightsVietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • 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
  • Center for Strategy and Applied Insights
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

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
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
  • 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

Video

Bangladesh: Security Clearances and Challenges

Senior Manager Corrine Tan and Assistant Business Immigration Manager Joycelyn Ang discuss Bangladesh’s work permit security clearance process.

Learn more

Media mentions

The American Lawyer: Proposed H-1B Changes Make Foreign Lawyers More Expensive, but Also More Accessible

Partner Bo Cooper outlines how the proposed H-1B changes could affect Big Law hiring for foreign lawyers.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年9月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Media mentions

Computer Weekly: How UK Immigration Must Evolve to Attract the Best Global Talent

Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev highlights how UK immigration must adapt to attract, retain and support the world’s top talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: Immigration Compliance: Is Your Firm Violating Visa Rules?

Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Amanda Ong highlight rising UK construction sponsor licence risks and how businesses can stay compliant.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Abeer Al Husseini Recognised at the Gulf Business Awards 2025

Partner Abeer Al Husseini is recognised on the shortlist for "Women Leader of the Year" at the Gulf Business Awards 2025.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Washington Post: How Companies Might Avoid Trump’s New $100K Visa

Co-Chair Enrique Gonzalez highlights approaches for companies navigating changes to the H-1B visa process.

Learn more

Video

How to Get Your French Work Visa After Graduation: Job Seeker / Company Creation Permit

Learn how international graduates can stay in France for one year to find work or start a business. Discover eligibility requirements, application steps and transition options for the Job Seeker/New Business Creator permit. 

Learn more

Awards

Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp Named 2025 National Law Journal Awards Finalist for "DC Managing Partner of the Year"

Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp is a finalist for the 2025 National Law Journal Awards category, "DC Managing Partner of the Year."

Learn more

Media mentions

Post Bulletin: Trump’s New $100K Fee on Certain Work Visas Could Impact Rochester’s Medical Staff

Partner Bo Cooper highlights that new $100K H-1B fees could affect US employers, with possible exemptions for critical roles.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Caterer: Businesses Need to Be Ready for Government Crackdown on Sponsor Licences

Partner Louise Senior highlights the impact of record-breaking UK sponsor licence revocations and the steps hospitality businesses can take to manage compliance.

Learn more

Media mentions

Folha de São Paulo: Taxa de US$ 100 mil para visto dos EUA muda planosde brasileiros; veja opções

Partner Bo Cooper explores the impact of H-1B visa changes on companies and their talent strategies.

Learn more

Video

Bangladesh: Security Clearances and Challenges

Senior Manager Corrine Tan and Assistant Business Immigration Manager Joycelyn Ang discuss Bangladesh’s work permit security clearance process.

Learn more

Media mentions

The American Lawyer: Proposed H-1B Changes Make Foreign Lawyers More Expensive, but Also More Accessible

Partner Bo Cooper outlines how the proposed H-1B changes could affect Big Law hiring for foreign lawyers.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年9月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Media mentions

Computer Weekly: How UK Immigration Must Evolve to Attract the Best Global Talent

Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev highlights how UK immigration must adapt to attract, retain and support the world’s top talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Construction Management: Immigration Compliance: Is Your Firm Violating Visa Rules?

Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Amanda Ong highlight rising UK construction sponsor licence risks and how businesses can stay compliant.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Abeer Al Husseini Recognised at the Gulf Business Awards 2025

Partner Abeer Al Husseini is recognised on the shortlist for "Women Leader of the Year" at the Gulf Business Awards 2025.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Washington Post: How Companies Might Avoid Trump’s New $100K Visa

Co-Chair Enrique Gonzalez highlights approaches for companies navigating changes to the H-1B visa process.

Learn more

Video

How to Get Your French Work Visa After Graduation: Job Seeker / Company Creation Permit

Learn how international graduates can stay in France for one year to find work or start a business. Discover eligibility requirements, application steps and transition options for the Job Seeker/New Business Creator permit. 

Learn more

Awards

Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp Named 2025 National Law Journal Awards Finalist for "DC Managing Partner of the Year"

Partner Priscilla Muhlenkamp is a finalist for the 2025 National Law Journal Awards category, "DC Managing Partner of the Year."

Learn more

Media mentions

Post Bulletin: Trump’s New $100K Fee on Certain Work Visas Could Impact Rochester’s Medical Staff

Partner Bo Cooper highlights that new $100K H-1B fees could affect US employers, with possible exemptions for critical roles.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Caterer: Businesses Need to Be Ready for Government Crackdown on Sponsor Licences

Partner Louise Senior highlights the impact of record-breaking UK sponsor licence revocations and the steps hospitality businesses can take to manage compliance.

Learn more

Media mentions

Folha de São Paulo: Taxa de US$ 100 mil para visto dos EUA muda planosde brasileiros; veja opções

Partner Bo Cooper explores the impact of H-1B visa changes on companies and their talent strategies.

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.