Navigating the H1B Minefield with Special Guest Nicole Forbes

In this episode, Pete and Julie welcome G-P’s Deputy General Counsel, Nicole Forbes, to the show to explore the controversial H-1B visa overhaul, its perceived "talent tariff” and what it means for business and HR professionals across sectors. They discuss the angst and impacts from the new executive order, the implications of the $100K filing fee, lottery reforms favoring higher wages, and ramped-up enforcement under ‘Project Firewall’. Nicole breaks down how these changes disrupt talent acquisition, especially in tech and engineering, and explores alternatives like Employer of Record (EOR) solutions for building global teams’ agility and risk avoidance. From legal challenges and worker anxieties to strategic advice for HR leaders navigating uncertainty, this discussion equips you with insights to rethink talent strategies and safeguard agility and innovation. Connect with Nicole & G-P: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicoleforbes-/ G-P: https://www.globalization-partners.com/ H1B Exec Order: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/09/restriction-on-entry-of-certain-nonimmigrant-workers/ Connect with the show: LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/hr-payroll-2-0 X: @HRPayroll2_0 @PeteTiliakos @JulieFer_HR BlueSky: @hrpayroll2o.bsky.social YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HRPAYROLL2_0