Immigration Uncovered

In this episode of Immigration Uncovered, host James Pittman interviews Andrea Montavon-McKillip, founder of Montavon McKillop Law, about legal issues facing LGBTQ immigrants. They discuss challenges LGBTQ immigrants face, including prejudice within the immigration system, asylum claims based on persecution due to sexual orientation or gender identity, problems with identification documents for transgender immigrants, and ensuring an inclusive environment for LGBTQ clients in a law firm. Listeners will gain insight into the unique struggles this community faces and policy changes that could help achieve greater equality and justice.
Key Discussion Points:
  • Reasons why LGBTQ immigrants may face prejudice from immigration officers, including lack of understanding about societal pressures to conform and erasure of bisexual identities
  • Risks involved in seeking asylum based on persecution for being LGBTQ, and alternative options that may be available
  • New USCIS policy allowing transgender individuals to self-select gender markers on documents like green cards and work permits, but nonbinary gender option still lacking
  • Importance of cultural competence and avoiding stereotypical narratives when assisting LGBTQ asylum seekers and immigrants
  • Ways immigration attorneys can make their firms inclusive environments for LGBTQ clients through educated staff, inclusive language and images on websites, etc.

What is Immigration Uncovered?

Welcome to Immigration Uncovered: A 8am DocketWise Podcast

Immigration Uncovered is all about helping immigration lawyers build successful practices and thrive. Brought to you by the team behind Docketwise—the top-rated software for immigration professionals—each episode is packed with practical tips, fresh ideas, and real stories from attorneys rethinking how they work.

Through candid conversations with attorneys, marketing and management experts, tech founders, and other voices in the immigration space, we explore what it really takes to run a modern practice—from everyday challenges to big-picture shifts.

We dive into:
- Practice management and workflows that actually work
- Marketing and branding that connect you with the right clients
- Wellness and sustainability for lawyers doing demanding work
- Tech tools and trends shaping the future of legal services
- And of course, what’s changing in immigration policy

New or seasoned, solo or scaling—you’re in the right place. This podcast is here to support you with insight, inspiration, and maybe even a little relief. Subscribe to get the latest episodes delivered, and tune in whenever it works for you.