R. Blake Chisam

Partner

Blake Chisam

R. Blake Chisam
R. Blake Chisam
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Partner

Blake Chisam

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  • United StatesUnited States

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  • English

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[email protected]

T:+1 202 349 2060

F:+1 202 371 2898

Fragomen in Washington, DC

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1101 15th St NW STE 700

Washington DC 20005

United States

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  • English

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[email protected]

T:+1 202 349 2060

F:+1 202 371 2898

Fragomen in Washington, DC

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1101 15th St NW STE 700

Washington DC 20005

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 202 349 2060

F:+1 202 371 2898

Fragomen in Washington, DC

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1101 15th St NW STE 700

Washington DC 20005

United States

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Blake is a Partner at Fragomen’s Washington, DC office, where he focuses on risk management and compliance, along with government strategies.

Blake was previously senior counsel to the immigration subcommittee for the U.S. House Committee on the Judiciary, where he worked on policy and oversight issues related to employment-based immigration, international law, border security, immigration enforcement, refugee issues, naturalization and citizenship. In addition to his former role with the House Judiciary Committee, Blake served as Staff Director and Chief Counsel for the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct (Ethics Committee) from 2009-2011, and counsel to the Ethics Committee Chair and Senior Policy Advisor to Representative Zoe Lofgren in 2009. During his tenure, Blake directed an unprecedented number of complex Congressional ethics investigations and served as lead counsel in high-profile House ethics disciplinary hearings.

Prior to his government service, Blake practiced immigration and nationality law in the private sector. His practice focused on advising organizations with respect to immigration-related policy, employment issues and other related matters. Blake is a sought-after speaker and guest lecturer and has published many commentaries on immigration law including a book, Immigration Practice, which he co-authored. In 2000, he was awarded the Meritorious Public Service Award by former Attorney General Janet Reno.

Education

  • Temple University School of Law, J.D., 1994
  • Auburn University, B.A., summa cum laude , 1991
  • University of Alabama, Bachelor of Arts Studies, 1988

More from Blake

Admissions

Bar admissions: New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland

Court Admissions: U.S. Supreme Court; U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit; U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York; U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York; U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania; U.S. District Court, Middle District of Pennsylvania; U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit; U.S. District Court, Western District of Oklahoma

Practice Limited to Federal Immigration & Nationality Law

Awards

Listed in Best Lawyers in America, 2024-2026

Named to "Crisis Leadership Trailblazers," The National Law Journal, 2020

Director’s Award for Meritorious Public Service, U.S. Department of Justice, Executive Office for Immigration Review (2001)

Professional accomplishments

Member, American Bar Association

Experience

Directed scores of Congressional investigations and oversight hearings on wide range of topics, including employment-based immigration, global immigration, federal claims processes, and ethics

Negotiated and drafted complex legislation

Advised Members of Congress on immigration and other policy matters

Litigated complex cases before state, federal and administrative tribunals

Publications and lectures

Speaker, “Roundtable 2: Beyond Compliance: Rethinking Talent Mobility Risk in a More Complex Workforce Era.” People 1st| USA, Jersey City, NJ, 27 May 2026.

Speaker, “Roundtable: Are You as Compliant as You Think? Rethinking LCA and PERM as Enterprise Risk.” GME Live | Americas 2026, 27 May 2026.

Quoted, “DHS proposes sweeping expansion of biometric data collection.” Global Mobility Lawyer, 6 November 2025.

Co-author, “Cos. Should Prepare For Harsher H-1B Program Enforcement.” Law360, 7 October 2020.

Co-author, “The Blunt H-1B Instrument Hidden in Trump Orders.” Law360, 26 August 2020.

Guest Lecturer, Temple University Beasley School of Law (2011).

Contributing Editor, Immigration Practice (Juris Publishing 2008, 2009, 2010).

Author (with Robert C. Divine), Immigration Practice (Juris Publishing 2005, 2006).

Author, “BALCA’s Health America Decision Doesn’t Go Far Enough” (2006).

Author, “Ethics: What Do You Do When A Qualified U.S. Worker Applies?” (2006).

Author (with Ana Avendano), Immigration Issues in the Workplace, Section of Labor and Employment Law, Labor Law Series (2005).

Author, “Civil & Criminal Federal Case Update” (2005).

Author, “Writing and the REAL ID” (2005).

Author, “H-1B Myths and Realities,” American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) 2004-2005 Annual Handbook (2004).

Author, “PERM Practice Advisory” (2004).

Author, DSN Retailing Today, “The Time is Right to Reform Immigration” (2004).

Author, PHJW Client Alerts, including “Key Immigration Compliance Decisions” (2002) and “The New Anti-Terrorism Act: Consequences for U.S. and Foreign Corporations” (2001).

Author, “The Right to Asylum and Need for Legal Representation of People with Mental Disabilities in Immigration Proceedings,” Mental & Physical Disability Law Reporter, Vol. 25, No. 4, pp. 511-516 (July/Aug. 2001).

Author, ALI-ABA Study Materials, “Temporary Work Authorization for Specialty Occupation Workers (H-1B),” “L-1 Intracompany Transfers of Managers, Executives and Employees with Specialized Knowledge,” and “Admission of Professionals Under NAFTA” (2001).

Presenter, Center on the Administration of Criminal Law and NYU Annual Survey of American Law Spring 2011 Symposium, “Policing, Regulating and Prosecuting Corruption” (2011).

Presenter, 41st Annual Immigration & Naturalization Institute, Practicing Law Institute (2008).

Presenter, 25th Annual Legislative & Regulatory Roundtable, Electronic Industries Alliance (2007).

Presenter, AILA Teleconference, “Help Me Help Myself: Why Managing your Practice Well is the ‘Right’ Thing as Well as the ‘Smart’ Thing To Do” (2007).

Presenter, AILA Teleconference, “Employment Law for Immigration Lawyers” (2007).

Presenter, American Bar Association, “Immigration Issues in the Workplace” (2005).

Presenter, American Bar Association, “On the Fulcrum: Managing Migration and Protecting ‘U.S. Workers’ in the Real World Under Immigration and Employment Laws” (2005).

Moderator and Presenter, Immigration Lawyers on the Web, “The REAL ID Act of 2005” (2005).

Presenter, Immigration Lawyers on the Web, “PERM: An Up-to-the-Minute Course” (2005).

Presenter, AILA Annual Conference, “Labor & Employment Law FAQs” (2005).

Presenter, AILA Annual Conference, “H-1B Myths and Realities” (2004).

Presenter, Human Resources Professionals Update, “Immigration Compliance Issues” (2004).

Presenter, Nuts and Bolts of Immigration Law, “Nonimmigrant Visa Classifications” and “Removal Proceedings and Defense” (2004).

Presenter, Society for Philosophy and Geography, “Sentries at the Gates: The Politics of Global Migration Control” (2004).

Presenter, Alabama Self Insurers Association, “Immigration Issues in the Workplace” (2004).

Presenter, State of Georgia, Department of Human Resources, Refugee Program Conference, “Immigration Compliance: Exploring the Intersections of Immigration and Employment Law” (2003).

Presenter, Emerging Issues in Immigration & Employment Law, “Is There Life After INS?” (2003).

Presenter, Emerging Issues in Immigration & Employment Law, “Intersections of Immigration and Employment Law” (2003).

Presenter, Emerging Issues in Immigration & Employment Law, “Impact of 9/11/2001” (2002).

Presenter, National Alliance for Multicultural Mental Health Annual Conference, “Immigration Proceedings & the Mentally Disabled” (2002).

Presenter, AILA Teleconference, “H-1Bs - Documenting Degree and Degree Equivalency and Specialty Occupations” (2002).

Presenter, ABA Annual Conference, “Immigration Detention: Perversities and Prospects” (2001).

Presenter, ALI/ABA Conference on Immigration Law, “Nonimmigrant Visa Classifications” (2001).

Presenter, Detention Watch Network Conference, “Advanced Topics on Immigration Relief” and “New Developments in Asylum Law” (2001).

Presenter, York County Bar Association CLE Program, “At the Intersection of Criminal and Immigration Law: Issues, Developments & Strategies” (1998).

Blake’s insights

May 27, 2026 | Conference

People 1st | USARead more

May 27, 2026 | Conference

GME Live | Americas 2026Read more

November 12, 2025 | Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: DHS proposes sweeping expansion of biometric data collectionRead more
More related insights

Blake’s insights

May 27, 2026 | Conference

People 1st | USARead more

May 27, 2026 | Conference

GME Live | Americas 2026Read more

November 12, 2025 | Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: DHS proposes sweeping expansion of biometric data collectionRead more
More related insights

Blake’s insights

May 27, 2026 | Conference

People 1st | USARead more

May 27, 2026 | Conference

GME Live | Americas 2026Read more

November 12, 2025 | Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: DHS proposes sweeping expansion of biometric data collectionRead more
More related insights

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 202 349 2060

F:+1 202 371 2898

Fragomen in Washington, DC

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1101 15th St NW STE 700

Washington DC 20005

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Blake’s insights

May 27, 2026 | Conference

People 1st | USARead more

May 27, 2026 | Conference

GME Live | Americas 2026Read more

November 12, 2025 | Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: DHS proposes sweeping expansion of biometric data collectionRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 202 349 2060

F:+1 202 371 2898

Fragomen in Washington, DC

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1101 15th St NW STE 700

Washington DC 20005

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Blake’s insights

May 27, 2026 | Conference

People 1st | USARead more

May 27, 2026 | Conference

GME Live | Americas 2026Read more

November 12, 2025 | Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: DHS proposes sweeping expansion of biometric data collectionRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 202 349 2060

F:+1 202 371 2898

Fragomen in Washington, DC

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1101 15th St NW STE 700

Washington DC 20005

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Blake’s insights

May 27, 2026 | Conference

People 1st | USARead more

May 27, 2026 | Conference

GME Live | Americas 2026Read more

November 12, 2025 | Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: DHS proposes sweeping expansion of biometric data collectionRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

Bloomberg Law: Justices’ Migrant TPS Ruling Undercuts Pending Court Challenges

Partner Daniel Pierce discussed the implications of the US Supreme Court's latest Temporary Protected Status ruling.

Learn more

Blog post

The EU Pay Transparency Directive: What Global Mobility Leaders Need to Know

In this blog, Senior Counsel Jo Antoon explores what multinational employers need to know about pay transparency, cross-border workers and mobility-related compensation differences as implementation unfolds across the EU. 

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: UK Unis Must Treat Compliance as “Strategic Institutional Risk”

Immigration Supervisor Sanjay Parmar discussed how recent UK Basic Compliance Assessment changes are driving universities toward more data-led, proactive compliance management.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Immigration Reforms and Their Impact on the Engineering Talent Pipeline

In this blog, Fragomen’s Nadine Barnole, Jonathan Hill, Anastasia Vasiljeva and Nicole Williams examine how higher Skilled Worker salary thresholds, rising sponsorship costs and proposed Graduate Route changes are making it harder for employers to attract and retain international engineering talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Irish Examiner: Updates to Non-EU Work Permits Will Help Firms Fill Critical Roles

Practice Leader Colm Collins explains how Ireland's employment permit updates can help employers address workforce shortages while strengthening the country's ability to attract global talent.

Learn more

Blog post

Understanding EU-Turkey Association Rights for Workers and Families in Germany

Senior Associate Arta Djahanschiri and Associate Iris Barthel discuss how EU-Turkey Association Law, including Association Council Decision No. 1/80, can provide Turkish employees and their family members in Germany with residence and labor market rights that may extend beyond protections available under the German Residence Act.

Learn more

Media mentions

Konfederacja Lewiatan: Ekspertyza przedstawiająca skutki zmian legislacyjnych oraz ich praktyczne konsekwencje dla osób objętych ochroną czasową

Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala and Senior Associate Tomasz Rdzanek explain Polish legislative changes affecting residence rights, employment authorization and long-term immigration pathways.

Learn more
Generic Insights

Media mentions

Deutscher AnwaltSpiegel: Internationale Rekrutierung ist eine Compliancefrage

Partner Marius Tollenaere and Associate Jamela Sharrock examine how employers in Germany can strengthen immigration compliance by embedding it into every stage of the employment lifecycle.

Learn more

Podcast

EB5: What Prospective Applicants Need to Know NOW!

In this episode of The Immigration Conversation, Partner Chad Blocker, Senior Counsel Mitchell Wexler and Associate Alex Kim discuss what prospective EB-5 applicants should know now, including source-of-funds documentation, project selection, concurrent filing, retrogression and upcoming program deadlines.

Learn more

Blog post

New EU Social Security Coordination Rules: What Employers Need to Know

In this blog, Partner Jo Antoons and Senior Manager Marina Ocariz discuss the EU’s provisional agreement on revised social security coordination rules and what employers should know about the expected changes to A1 certificate requirements, posted worker rules and short-term cross-border work compliance.

Learn more

Blog post

Approaching EB-5 Grandfathering Deadline: What Investors Need to Know Before September 30, 2026

In this blog, Partner Rahul Soni explains the EB-5 grandfathering provisions under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 and why prospective investors should consider filing before the September 30, 2026 deadline to help preserve statutory protections and reduce exposure to future program uncertainty.

Learn more

Video

Do You Need a Visa for Thailand? Tourist Visa Rules Explained

In this video, Practice Leader Kate Praphakornphiphat explains the key requirements, documents, fees and processing time for a Thailand tourist visa, as well as stay duration and extension options for short-term travel. 

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg Law: Justices’ Migrant TPS Ruling Undercuts Pending Court Challenges

Partner Daniel Pierce discussed the implications of the US Supreme Court's latest Temporary Protected Status ruling.

Learn more

Blog post

The EU Pay Transparency Directive: What Global Mobility Leaders Need to Know

In this blog, Senior Counsel Jo Antoon explores what multinational employers need to know about pay transparency, cross-border workers and mobility-related compensation differences as implementation unfolds across the EU. 

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: UK Unis Must Treat Compliance as “Strategic Institutional Risk”

Immigration Supervisor Sanjay Parmar discussed how recent UK Basic Compliance Assessment changes are driving universities toward more data-led, proactive compliance management.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Immigration Reforms and Their Impact on the Engineering Talent Pipeline

In this blog, Fragomen’s Nadine Barnole, Jonathan Hill, Anastasia Vasiljeva and Nicole Williams examine how higher Skilled Worker salary thresholds, rising sponsorship costs and proposed Graduate Route changes are making it harder for employers to attract and retain international engineering talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Irish Examiner: Updates to Non-EU Work Permits Will Help Firms Fill Critical Roles

Practice Leader Colm Collins explains how Ireland's employment permit updates can help employers address workforce shortages while strengthening the country's ability to attract global talent.

Learn more

Blog post

Understanding EU-Turkey Association Rights for Workers and Families in Germany

Senior Associate Arta Djahanschiri and Associate Iris Barthel discuss how EU-Turkey Association Law, including Association Council Decision No. 1/80, can provide Turkish employees and their family members in Germany with residence and labor market rights that may extend beyond protections available under the German Residence Act.

Learn more

Media mentions

Konfederacja Lewiatan: Ekspertyza przedstawiająca skutki zmian legislacyjnych oraz ich praktyczne konsekwencje dla osób objętych ochroną czasową

Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala and Senior Associate Tomasz Rdzanek explain Polish legislative changes affecting residence rights, employment authorization and long-term immigration pathways.

Learn more
Generic Insights

Media mentions

Deutscher AnwaltSpiegel: Internationale Rekrutierung ist eine Compliancefrage

Partner Marius Tollenaere and Associate Jamela Sharrock examine how employers in Germany can strengthen immigration compliance by embedding it into every stage of the employment lifecycle.

Learn more

Podcast

EB5: What Prospective Applicants Need to Know NOW!

In this episode of The Immigration Conversation, Partner Chad Blocker, Senior Counsel Mitchell Wexler and Associate Alex Kim discuss what prospective EB-5 applicants should know now, including source-of-funds documentation, project selection, concurrent filing, retrogression and upcoming program deadlines.

Learn more

Blog post

New EU Social Security Coordination Rules: What Employers Need to Know

In this blog, Partner Jo Antoons and Senior Manager Marina Ocariz discuss the EU’s provisional agreement on revised social security coordination rules and what employers should know about the expected changes to A1 certificate requirements, posted worker rules and short-term cross-border work compliance.

Learn more

Blog post

Approaching EB-5 Grandfathering Deadline: What Investors Need to Know Before September 30, 2026

In this blog, Partner Rahul Soni explains the EB-5 grandfathering provisions under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 and why prospective investors should consider filing before the September 30, 2026 deadline to help preserve statutory protections and reduce exposure to future program uncertainty.

Learn more

Video

Do You Need a Visa for Thailand? Tourist Visa Rules Explained

In this video, Practice Leader Kate Praphakornphiphat explains the key requirements, documents, fees and processing time for a Thailand tourist visa, as well as stay duration and extension options for short-term travel. 

Learn more
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Important Updates
Important Updates
July 1, 2026 | South AfricaSouth Africa: Increased Immigration Enforcement Actions Targeting Undocumented Foreign Workers
July 1, 2026 | India India: Electronic Overseas Citizen of India Card Launch to Reduce Administrative Hurdles and Streamline Entry
July 1, 2026 | United StatesBloomberg Law: Justices’ Migrant TPS Ruling Undercuts Pending Court Challenges
July 1, 2026 | IndonesiaIndonesia: Processing Delays Following Ongoing Anti-Corruption Investigations
July 1, 2026 | PanamaPanama: Visa-Free Entry Introduced for Dominican Nationals
July 1, 2026 | South AfricaSouth Africa: Increased Immigration Enforcement Actions Targeting Undocumented Foreign Workers
July 1, 2026 | India India: Electronic Overseas Citizen of India Card Launch to Reduce Administrative Hurdles and Streamline Entry
July 1, 2026 | United StatesBloomberg Law: Justices’ Migrant TPS Ruling Undercuts Pending Court Challenges
July 1, 2026 | IndonesiaIndonesia: Processing Delays Following Ongoing Anti-Corruption Investigations
July 1, 2026 | PanamaPanama: Visa-Free Entry Introduced for Dominican Nationals
July 1, 2026 | South AfricaSouth Africa: Increased Immigration Enforcement Actions Targeting Undocumented Foreign Workers
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