The ImmiGreat Podcast by Wilner & O'Reilly

From Ecuador to the UFC: ChIto Vera on Family, Immigration & the Immigrant Mentality

Tue, 26 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In Episode 14 of the ImmiGreat Podcast, Richard Wilner sits down with Chito Vera, UFC Bantamweight contender, ranked in the UFC's top 10, and the fighter with the most finishes in UFC Bantamweight history. But this conversation isn't about the highlights or the submissions. It's about the story behind the fighter.

Chito left Ecuador not because of a dream to become a professional athlete, but because his daughter needed a doctor who was in Los Angeles. What followed was one of the most honest and moving accounts of the immigrant experience you'll hear: sacrifice, uncertainty, longing, and ultimately, a family built in a new country the right way.
In this episode, Chito and Richard discuss:
👉 Growing up in Chone, Ecuador
👉 Becoming a young father and husband, and the moment everything changed with his daughter Anna's diagnosis of Moebius Syndrome
👉 Leaving his family behind in Ecuador to train in the U.S. and the doubt that came with those lonely weekends
👉 How the UFC's P-1 athlete visa works
👉 Why his team made the switch from a P-1 to an O-1 visa for extraordinary ability
👉 Moving his entire family to California with $6,000, no social security, and no plan
👉 How he ultimately obtained his green card based on extraordinary ability as an athlete
👉 What permanent residency has meant for his family, his daughter's education and medical care, and his peace of mind
👉 The immigrant mentality
👉 Walking Paris Fashion Week, Stone Island campaigns, and how one organic relationship led to another
👉 What becoming a U.S. citizen would mean to him and why he's working toward it

Chito's story is a reminder that doing things the right way is rarely the easiest way. But it is the way that lasts.

Have immigration questions? Contact Wilner & O'Reilly:
Website: www.wilneroreilly.com/contact
Blog: www.wilneroreilly.com/blog

The ImmiGreat Podcast, hosted by Richard Wilner, brings you real conversations about the real immigration experience from the legal process to the human story behind it. Each episode is designed to inform, inspire, and remind you that you are not alone in this journey.

Should You Apply for U.S. Citizenship Right Now?

Wed, 20 May 2026 22:00:00 -0400

In Episode 13 of the ImmiGreat Podcast, Richard Wilner addresses one of the most common questions he receives right now: Is this the right time to apply for U.S. citizenship?

As a Founding Shareholder of Wilner & O'Reilly and a Board-Certified Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law, Richard's answer is clear — if you're eligible, the answer is an absolute yes.

In this episode, Richard walks through everything you need to know about the naturalization process, including:
• Who qualifies for naturalization and when you can apply
• The 5-year and 3-year paths to citizenship (including the 90-day early filing rule)
• Physical presence requirements and what "continuous residence" actually means
• Good moral character, English, and civics exam requirements
• Step-by-step breakdown of the N-400 application process
• What happens at your USCIS interview — and how to prepare
• The Oath of Allegiance ceremony and what it means to walk out a U.S. citizen

If you've built your life in the United States, met every requirement this country has asked of you, and earned the right to apply... don't let fear or uncertainty hold you back. Citizenship is the most powerful legal protection available to you as a permanent resident, and this episode explains exactly how to get there.

Contact Wilner & O'Reilly: https://www.wilneroreilly.com/contact/

For more insights, visit our Immigration Blog: https://www.wilneroreilly.com/blog

The ImmiGreat Podcast, hosted by Richard Wilner, provides practical, real-world insight into complex immigration topics affecting individuals, families, and employers. Each episode is designed to help listeners better understand their options and next steps.

USCIS Is Delaying Your Application | Here's Why & What To Do

Wed, 13 May 2026 20:00:00 -0400

On April 27, 2026, something significant happened that is impacting immigration applications across the country; and if you have a pending case, this is essential listening.

In this episode, Richard Wilner, Board Certified by the State Bar of California as a Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law and Founding Shareholder of Wilner & O'Reilly, breaks down the new USCIS vetting procedures tied to expanded FBI criminal database access and what it means for your pending application.

Key Topics Covered in This Episode:

What Changed on April 27, 2026: Why immigration lawyers across the country began receiving notifications about widespread adjudication delays.
The FBI Database Connection: How Executive Order 12385 expanded the FBI's criminal history sharing with the Department of Homeland Security and what that means for your case.
Who Is Affected: Naturalization, adjustment of status, and asylum applicants and the one exception to the new fingerprint re-vetting requirement.
Your Rights Under the Law: How the Administrative Procedures Act protects applicants from unreasonable government delays.
The Writ of Mandamus: The federal legal tool that can compel the government to act on your case and what it really takes to fight it today.

A delay is not a denial. But waiting indefinitely is not your only option. As Richard Wilner explains, if your case is clean and the delay is unreasonable, you have rights and you have options.

For more information or to discuss your case, visit us at www.wilneroreilly.com.

From Brazil to Huntington Beach: How MMA Legend Rafael Cordeiro Built King's MMA

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

In Episode 11 of the ImmiGreat Podcast, Richard Wilner sits down with Master Rafael Cordeiro — founder of King's MMA in Huntington Beach, three-time Brazilian Muay Thai champion, black belt in both Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and the coach behind some of the biggest names in MMA, including Mike Tyson.

But this episode isn't just about fighting. It's about what it really takes to build a life in America the right way.

Rafael came to the United States on an O-1 visa, a classification reserved for individuals of extraordinary ability, and went on to complete one of the most demanding immigration pathways: the EB-1A Extraordinary Ability Green Card petition. Years later, he and his entire family became United States citizens.

In this conversation, Rafael and Richard discuss:

Growing up in Curitiba, Brazil, and training at the legendary Chute Boxe gym
Traveling to Japan 52 times to compete in PRIDE FC
The moment he fell in love with Huntington Beach and decided to bet everything on America
How the O-1 visa works for athletes and coaches
Starting from zero in the U.S. — no credit, no social security, no students
Building King's MMA from the ground up during the 2008 financial crisis
Training world champions, including Fabricio Werdum, Chris Cyborg, and Mike Tyson
What becoming a U.S. citizen meant to him and his family
His advice for anyone dreaming of building a life in America

Rafael's story is a powerful reminder that the American dream is still real, but it requires vision, discipline, and the courage to follow the process, even when it's hard.

🔗 Follow Rafael Cordeiro & King's MMA!

Have immigration questions? Contact us!

https://www.wilneroreilly.com/contact/

The ImmiGreat Podcast, hosted by Richard Wilner, provides practical, real-world insight into complex immigration topics affecting individuals, families, and employers. Each episode is designed to help listeners better understand their options and next steps.

How to Get a Green Card Through Employment

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Think you understand employment-based immigration? In this episode, Richard Wilner, Board Certified by the State Bar of California as a Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law and Founding Shareholder of Wilner & O'Reilly, breaks down all five employment-based green card categories (EB-1 through EB-5), including who qualifies, what the PERM/labor certification process is, and how long each path actually takes.

You’ll learn:
➡️ EB-1: Extraordinary ability, outstanding researchers, and multinational executives
➡️ EB-2: Exceptional ability and the National Interest Waiver (NIW)
➡️ EB-3: Skilled and unskilled workers
➡️ EB-4: The "catch-all" category (special immigrants, Afghan/Iraqi nationals, and more)
➡️ EB-5: Investor visas — direct investment vs. regional centers
➡️ The Gold Card: What is it and could it replace EB-5?

Whether you're a foreign national navigating the system or an employer sponsoring workers this episode gives you the real picture.

Learn more at www.wilneroreilly.com

Family-Based Immigration Explained: Green Card Paths & Preference Categories

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Are you confused about how family-based immigration actually works? In this episode, Richard Wilner, Board Certified by the State Bar of California as a Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law and Founding Shareholder of Wilner & O'Reilly, breaks down the only two paths to permanent residency in the U.S.

While politicians often discuss "chain migration," the reality of the law is much more complex, involving strict categories and long waiting periods.In this video, you’ll learn:

Immediate Relatives: Who qualifies for the "fast lane" with no annual visa caps.
The "Minor" Distinction: Why being under 21 years old changes your legal status.
Preference Categories (F1-F4): A breakdown of sponsorship for adult children, spouses of green card holders, and siblings.
Realistic Timelines: Why some sponsorships can take 10, 15, or even 20 years to complete.
Maintaining Status: The risks of falling out of status while waiting for a priority date.

Visit www.wilneroreilly.com to learn more!

Government Delaying Your Immigration Case? How a Writ of Mandamus Can Help

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Is your immigration application stuck in a "black hole"? Whether it's an asylum application, a green card through marriage, or a naturalization case, excessive government delays can be devastating.

In this episode of "Immigrate," Richard Wilner, Board Certified by the State Bar of California as a Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law and Founding Shareholder of Wilner & O'Reilly, breaks down a powerful legal tool: the Writ of Mandamus.

In this video, you will learn:

What a Writ of Mandamus is and how it functions as a federal lawsuit.
Why it is most commonly used for asylum applications pending over 5 years.
The step-by-step process of filing a complaint in U.S. District Court.
How the government typically responds and the role of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Why the goal is getting an interview, not necessarily an immediate approval from the judge.

If your case is pending well beyond normal processing times, a Writ of Mandamus might be the key to moving your life forward. For more information or to discuss your specific immigration matter, visit us at www.wilneroreilly.com.

Fighting Deportation: Guide to Relief in Removal Proceedings

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 16:00:00 -0400

Are you or a loved one facing a notice to appear in immigration court?

In this episode Richard Wilner, Board Certified by the State Bar of California as a Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law and Founding Shareholder of Wilner & O'Reilly, breaks down the essential forms of legal relief available in removal proceedings. "Removal" is the legal term for deportation, and being in court means your case is heard by a judge rather than an immigration officer.
We dive into the critical details of:
- Asylum & Withholding of Removal: The difference between affirmative and defensive applications.
- The One-Year Deadline: Why missing this deadline may change your case to "withholding of removal."
- Cancellation of Removal: How permanent residents and non-residents can qualify to stay in the U.S.
- The Hardship Standard: Proving "extreme and exceptionally unusual hardship" to qualifying relatives.

Facing deportation is serious, but there are legal pathways to fight your case. Contact us at www.wilneroreilly.com

Untitled Episode

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0400

If a friend or family member has been detained by ICE, the process of getting them released can be overwhelming and stressful. In this episode of the Immigrate Podcast, Richard Wilner—a certified specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law—breaks down the essential steps for navigating custody and bond hearings. In this episode, we cover:

Locating a Detainee: How to use the ICE Inmate Locator and why it usually takes 48 hours for the system to update.
Determining Eligibility: Understanding how arrival methods and specific criminal convictions can impact bond eligibility.
Mandatory Detention: What it means and alternative "custody mechanisms" like ankle monitors.
The Bond Hearing: How a custody redetermination hearing works separately from removal proceedings.
Proving "Flight Risk": Why showing up to court is the key factor and how to demonstrate significant community and family ties.
Next Steps: What happens to an immigration case after someone is released on the non-detained docket.

Resources:
Find a detained individual: https://locator.ice.gov/odls/
Work with us: www.wilneroreilly.com

The Truth About Removal Proceedings and What to Expect in Immigration Court

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Navigating the U.S. immigration system requires more than just luck, it requires a proven legal strategy

In this episode, Richard Wilner, Board Certified by the State Bar of California as a Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law and Founding Shareholder of Wilner & O'Reilly, pulls back the curtain on the reality of removal proceedings.

Many people assume that receiving a court date means automatic deportation. In reality, the immigration court process is an opportunity to present your case and fight for your right to stay in the United States.

Key Topics Covered in This Episode:

The Notice to Appear (NTA): Deep dive into the legal document that officially initiates the removal process and why it matters.
The Risk of Absence: Understanding the severe consequences of being deported in absentia (in your absence).
Pleadings and Allegations: How the court reviews your country of origin, entry dates, and the specific reasons for the proceedings.
Forms of Relief: We explore pathways to stay in the U.S., including Green Cards through marriage, Asylum, and Cancellation of Removal.
The Merits Hearing: Understanding the difference between preliminary hearings and the final stage where your case is won or lost.

Removal proceedings are stressful and filled with anxiety. However, as Richard Wilner explains, it is not the end of the world if you have the right advocacy. Whether you are facing a charge of removability or looking to change your status, having an expert ensures your rights are protected every step of the way

For more information or to discuss your case, visit us at www.wilneroreilly.com.

What Is the L-1 Visa? L-1A vs L-1B Explained (Requirements & Process)

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 14:00:00 -0500

In this episode of ImmiGreat, Richard Wilner, Board Certified by the State Bar of California as a Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law and Founding Shareholder of Wilner & O’Reilly, explains the L-1A and L-1B visa categories for multinational companies transferring employees to the United States.

This video provides a clear overview of how the L-1 visa works for executives, managers, and employees with specialized knowledge who are being transferred from a foreign company to a U.S. branch, subsidiary, or affiliate. Unlike treaty-based visas such as the E-1 and E-2, the L-1 visa does not require treaty nationality and is available to qualifying companies and workers from most countries.

You’ll learn:

The difference between L-1A and L-1B
The one-year overseas employment requirement
How company-to-company transfers work under the L-1 visa
Requirements for transferring to a U.S. branch, subsidiary, or affiliate
What qualifies as executive, managerial, and specialized knowledge roles
L-1 new office visas vs established office transfers
How long L-1A and L-1B visas are valid (7-year vs 5-year maximums)
How to apply from inside the U.S. vs through a U.S. consulate abroad
L-2 dependent visas for spouses and children
Work authorization for spouses on L-2 status
School options for children on L-2 visas
How L-1 visas can later lead to green card options

This episode is ideal for business owners, international companies expanding to the U.S., executives, managers, specialized knowledge workers, and families exploring U.S. work visa options.

This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and fact-specific.

Visit www.wilneroreilly.com for more information!

E-1 vs E-2 Visa Explained (Entrepreneur & Investor Visas for the U.S.)

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 13:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Richard Wilner, Board Certified by the State Bar of California as a Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law and Founding Shareholder of Wilner & O’Reilly, provides a clear and practical overview of the E-1 and E-2 visas. These visa categories are designed for entrepreneurs, investors, and foreign companies seeking to start or expand a business in the United States.

In this video, you will learn:
- Treaty Country Requirements: What it means to be a national of a treaty country and why treaties of friendship, commerce, and navigation (FCN treaties) determine eligibility.
- E-1 Visa Overview: How trade-based businesses qualify and what “substantial trade” means between the U.S. and your home country.
- E-2 Visa Overview: How investment-based businesses qualify and how “substantial investment” is evaluated depending on the type of business.
- Nationality of Companies: How ownership structure and stock exchange location impact eligibility for privately held and publicly traded companies.
- Employee Eligibility: The executive, managerial, and essential employee categories and how individuals qualify under each.
- Key Advantage of E Visas: Why E-1 and E-2 visas do not require prior overseas employment, unlike L-1 visas.

Visit www.wilneroreilly.com for more information!

How to Get a TN or E-3 Visa: A Guide for Professionals from Canada, Mexico, and Australia

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Richard Wilner, Board Certified by the State Bar of California as a Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law and Founding Shareholder of Wilner & O'Reilly, provides a detailed overview of TN and E-3 visas. These visa categories are essential for professional workers from specific countries who wish to work in the United States in specialty occupations.

In this video, you will learn:
- Nationality Requirements: Key details for nationals of Canada and Mexico (TN) and Australia (E-3).
- What is a Specialty Occupation? The requirement for a bachelor’s degree or higher and how the Department of Labor defines these roles.
- TN Visa Application Paths: The differences in processing for Canadian and Mexican nationals, including port of entry applications and visa-exempt status.
- Management Consultant Category: Why this TN category is highly scrutinized and how to navigate it properly.
- E-3 Visa Insights: Specific rules for Australian nationals, including self-employment options and the evaluation of three-year degrees.

Visit www.wilneroreilly.com for more information!

H-1B Visa Explained | The $100k Fee, Lottery Dates & Tips for Success

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500

Navigating the U.S. immigration system requires more than just luck—it requires a strategy.

In this episode, Richard Wilner, Board Certified by the State Bar of California as a Specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law and Founding Shareholder of Wilner & O'Reilly, breaks down everything you need to know about the H-1B visa process for the 2027 fiscal year. With over two decades of experience, Richard simplifies the "lottery" system, explains the critical March deadlines, and highlights significant new legal changes that every employer and employee must know.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

The Timeline: Why March is the most important month for your registration.
The Numbers: Breaking down the 65,000 cap and the 20,000 Master’s degree exemption.
Specialty Occupations: What actually qualifies as a "bachelor's level" position?
The $100,000 Fee: A deep dive into the new doctrine for overseas applicants and how it impacts your filing.
Exceptions to the Rule: How nationals of Chile and Singapore, or those working for non-profits, can bypass the lottery entirely.

Whether you are a student on OPT or a U.S. employer looking to hire international talent, this episode provides a clear roadmap for the year ahead.

Contact Wilner & O'Reilly: Visit us at wilneroreilly.com to schedule a consultation!