2024 Regional Roundtable Update: Washington-USA
2024 Washington-USA Regional Update
Firm Name: Lane Powell PC
Author: Dustin O'Quinn
1. How is the political environment impacting business in or with your country?
The U.S. government is currently passing laws (or failing to pass them) that make it very difficult for businesses to keep up with regulatory requirements. Sometimes this failure to act incentivizes State to pass their own laws. This is especially true in employment law, for example. This creates even more requirements for employers. They are relying on us more.
2. Which countries have you previously collaborated with and do you see potential for future collaboration with on cross-border matters within the region?
I have worked with investors and employers in Canada, Mexico, Israel, Ireland, Portugal, and Japan. We see a lot more potential with all countries because recent AI-related laws and policies have been implemented to foster more business and investment in the U.S. Moreover, measures have been taken to counter some of the lengthy and difficult regulatory requirements. This means the USA will continue to be a potentially attractive target. Yet, legal experts will be necessary to help companies navigate the patchwork of laws and requirements to operate here successfully.
3. What legislation has recently changed or is changing that a potential international client should be aware of?
There has been a recent change in Immigration policy concerning AI. The President's Executive Order on AI is focused on "safety" with regard to AI, and there is one positive, immigration-related impact. The National Interest Waiver green card category has historically had hard-to-meet standards when proving whether or not the position is "in the national interest." However, we have seen a record-high number of approvals in the past year. Therefore, more employers are relying on this category to save the time and money spent on the usual green card process, which has longer wait times than ever. This category also allows for self-sponsorship. This means there are more opportunities for employees and founders to get to the USA more quickly than before.