Erin Elliott, founder, Elliott Immigration Law LLC. Credit: Erin Elliott
Erin Elliott, founder, Elliott Immigration Law LLC. Credit: Erin Elliott

How Immigration Attorney Erin Elliott Works to Make Atlanta the Tech Capital of the South

When Erin Elliott first started her legal practice, she worried it would be all about ‘filing papers’ and lack excitement. Fortunately, she was wrong. Today, Erin is at the forefront of shaping immigration policies and driving Atlanta’s rise as a tech hub for international entrepreneurs.

By the time Erin Elliott, founder of Elliott Immigration Law, dedicated herself to helping international entrepreneurs, she had some personal experience as an immigrant. Erin spent six months in the UK with her husband, a Turkish national and startup founder.

“It was terrifying at times — realizing we had left home,” she said. She came to see that Atlanta actually offers just as many multicultural experiences as London, which made her appreciate the city in a whole new way.

The start of something big

With a finance law background, Erin wasn’t sure how to start her law firm, so she sought advice. Over lunch with the attorney who helped her husband switch from H1B to permanent resident, Erin was met with skepticism.

“She said, ‘Why would I help you? You’ll just be my competition,’” Erin recalls. Still, the attorney recommended starting with non-profits. Erin volunteered with Catholic Charities to gain experience, then used her business expertise to build her practice.

Erin launched her immigration practice, expecting her second child, all while her husband was starting a software business. “We were pretty naive about the risks, but we were confident we’d succeed. So, we just kept going.”

Years later, she’s grateful they made the decision together, noting it’s been great for their kids to have both parents as successful entrepreneurs.

“It was risky when we both decided to pursue our businesses simultaneously,” she admits. “But we’ve made it work.”

Every morning, Erin and her husband have a ritual of sharing a cup of coffee to debrief and motivate each other. “That’s just part of our relationship,” she said.

“Immigration allows for creativity”

Erin’s first real test came when a friend asked her to handle H1B visa applications for his startup. Initially, she was hesitant. “I told them, ‘I don’t know how to do that.’ But they said, ‘Erin, I’m sure you can figure these out and I trust you,’” she recalls. 

The startup she helped grew rapidly over the next eight years, eventually selling to a larger company. That first client became a key part of Erin’s practice and helped build her reputation as one of Atlanta’s go-to business immigration lawyers.

Left to right: Attorney Carrie Toth, managing attorney, Elliott Immigration Law, and Erin Elliott founder, Elliott Immigration Law

Over time, word spread, and more entrepreneurs — many referrals — began knocking on her door. Erin seeks to understand the goals and needs of each client, and uses that insight to tailor visa solutions.

“Immigration allows for creativity,” she explains. “You often have multiple options, and the key is understanding the client’s goals. What does the entrepreneur need? What are their family plans??”

Erin emphasizes a comprehensive approach, with contingency plans in place. “We always have a Plan A, Plan B, and maybe even a Plan C. Nothing is guaranteed in immigration, but having a well-rounded strategy allows us to be prepared,” she said. 

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The challenges of an emerging tech hub

As Erin’s practice grew, so did Atlanta’s tech scene. With a lower cost of living and a vibrant immigrant community, the city is becoming a top destination for international founders.

However, navigating the federal and state laws to start a business as an immigrant is complex. “There’s often a lack of understanding of what’s involved,” Erin said. 

She is working closely with local government officials to address these issues. Through her involvement with the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and interactions with the mayor’s office, she’s actively advocating for more awareness and resources for immigrant entrepreneurs. 

“I think there’s a general misunderstanding of what immigrant entrepreneurs go through, especially when it comes to the intersection of immigration law and business law,” she said.

The future of entrepreneurship

As Erin looks to the future, she remains hopeful about the growth of both her practice and the city’s tech scene. But she’s also aware of the obstacles in the immigration process.

“Immigration laws need revisions,” she says. “The laws are outdated, and there’s a real disconnect between the actual needs of U.S. companies and the immigration system. For example, we can increase visa availability for foreign entrepreneurs while still protecting U.S. workers.”

Erin is optimistic that the political climate will shift in a way that acknowledges the role immigrant workers and entrepreneurs play in the U.S. economy. The position of the new administration, however, is still uncertain, according to Elliott. 

While Trump had previously dismissed programs like H1B as a ‘cheap labor program‘, his more recent comments suggest a shift in perspective. Erin points out that his remarks, particularly in response to figures like Elon Musk, hint at a potential reevaluation of policies that hinder U.S. companies from attracting global talent. 

During his previous presidency, Trump imposed strict restrictions on legal immigration, especially through programs like H1B. Erin emphasizes that the H1B cap of 65,000, set back in 1990, no longer reflects the current demand for skilled foreign workers.

To address these challenges, Erin believes a crucial first step is changing the narrative around immigration. “We need to highlight the value that immigrant workers and entrepreneurs bring to the U.S. economy,” she says. By shifting the conversation, Erin hopes to foster a better understanding of how essential foreign talent is to the success of American businesses.

Disclaimer: Elliott Immigration Law is a supporter of The Vertical and a Recommended Service Provider.

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