Adapt to Survive: How We Turned Immigration Bans into Opportunity

Lately, I’ve been thinking about the Prohibition-era wineries that survived a 13-year ban by switching to sacramental wine production for the church.Because of their ingenuity and adaptability, they’re still around today — for example, San Antonio Winery in Downtown LA — not because they resisted change, but because they evolved to survive.

Today, we face similar challenges in immigration law. Administrative bans, policy shifts, and market disruptions can change everything overnight.

“Everything you’ve worked for is now on hold.”

I had to deliver this devastating news to dozens of clients when a new administration implemented a 9-month travel ban on H and L visas back in 2020.

It was a defining moment — both for our firm and our clients. For some, we found creative alternative visa options.For others, we prepared urgent government requests to keep them moving forward.

And the moment those visas reopened, we were ready to file immediately. We used the same strategy this week when the FLAG online portal came back online after the longest-ever U.S. government shutdown.

While other firms struggled, we leaned into a lesson I first learned during the 2008 recession:

Never put all your eggs in one basket.

For years, we had maintained expertise across multiple practice areas. When immigration froze, we leaned on our employment law experience — helping companies manage furloughs, layoffs, and remote work policies.

That diversified approach wasn’t just good business — it was a lifeline for clients who still needed legal support in other ways.

When the ban finally lifted, we were stronger than ever, with:

• Zero denials on immigration cases

  
  

• Clients who survived the COVID era

  
  

• Deeper relationships with those who saw us stand by them through uncertainty

  
  

Now, we’re facing another crossroads — the rise of AI platforms, daily shifts in immigration law, and mass layoffs across industries.It might be time for yet another pivot.

As technology evolves, so must we.That’s why it’s crucial to always have a Plan B — and ideally, a Plan C. When one area slows down, the others keep you standing.

The lesson remains the same: adaptability creates resilience.

What unexpected pivot has your business made that turned out to be a blessing in disguise? And where do you see the greatest opportunity to adapt in the coming year?

Do you need help adapting your immigration or business strategy to new policies or market changes? Our team helps clients pivot successfully with tailored legal and strategic solutions. Call (949) 940-6725, or book a consultation online to speak with one of our experienced immigration attorneys.

DISCLAIMER: This post does not constitute legal advice, or make any guarantees as to a potential outcome. Consult with a qualified, licensed immigration attorney about the facts of your case before proceeding.