Important Updates
Important Updates
October 17, 2025 | ThailandThailand: Mandatory Online Work Permit and Foreign Worker Registration System Forthcoming
October 20, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: USCIS Issues Guidelines on the New H-1B Fee
October 17, 2025 | European UnionEuropean Union/Schengen Area: Internal Schengen Border Checks Situation
October 17, 2025 | NigeriaNigeria: New Mandatory Insurance for Foreign Employees
October 17, 2025 | NigeriaNigeria: New Online Temporary Work Permit Submission Process
October 17, 2025 | ThailandThailand: Mandatory Online Work Permit and Foreign Worker Registration System Forthcoming
October 20, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: USCIS Issues Guidelines on the New H-1B Fee
October 17, 2025 | European UnionEuropean Union/Schengen Area: Internal Schengen Border Checks Situation
October 17, 2025 | NigeriaNigeria: New Mandatory Insurance for Foreign Employees
October 17, 2025 | NigeriaNigeria: New Online Temporary Work Permit Submission Process
October 17, 2025 | ThailandThailand: Mandatory Online Work Permit and Foreign Worker Registration System Forthcoming
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationFragomen Consulting EuropeImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapCenter for Strategy and Applied InsightsVietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Fragomen Consulting Europe
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Center for Strategy and Applied Insights
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
  • Insights

A Q&A with Ruth Spillane

February 8, 2021

insight-news-default

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Related contacts

Porthole Headshot image of Fragomen [SanDiego][Associate][RuthSpillane]

Ruth Spillane

Partner

San Diego, CA, United States

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 858 793 1600

Related offices

  • San Diego, CA

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Porthole Headshot image of Fragomen [SanDiego][Associate][RuthSpillane]

Ruth Spillane

Partner

San Diego, CA, United States

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 858 793 1600

Related offices

  • San Diego, CA

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Porthole Headshot image of Fragomen [SanDiego][Associate][RuthSpillane]

Ruth Spillane

Partner

San Diego, CA, United States

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 858 793 1600

Related offices

  • San Diego, CA

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Senior Associate Ruth Spillane has been selected to join the board of directors for the San Diego County Bar Foundation (SDCBF), the charitable arm of the San Diego County Bar Association. Through this partnership with the San Diego legal community, SDCBF strives to provide access to justice by investing in sustainable results and advocacy for people and communities in the San Diego region that are impacted by poverty, abuse and discrimination. We asked Ruth about this exciting opportunity during a recent Q&A. 

Q: What made you decide on immigration law as a career?

My father emigrated from Ireland to the US and although it was well before my time, growing up I was keenly aware of people from other places, travel, and what sort of logistics and emotions were behind that journey. During my first year of law school I interned with a Legal Aid immigration attorney and was immediately drawn into a world where I was meeting and helping people from all around the globe. It was deeply rewarding and exciting, even though I was just scratching the surface of our practice area.

Q: What do you find most rewarding about being an immigration attorney?

Like most of my colleagues, it is hands down the one-on-one impact we experience each day supporting clients through their immigration journey. It is so easy to take for granted the many comforts and conveniences we as Americans experience on a daily basis. To support someone navigating a new country, a new culture, new employment or education opportunities – all while trying to jump through the hoops of a complex and sometimes unforgiving immigration system – is extremely rewarding.

Q: How has COVID-19 impacted your clients?

COVID-19 certainly did not discriminate in its far-reaching impact on people and industries worldwide and our clients and industry reflected the same. A lot of ubiquitous changes triggered by COVID-19, like remote work, had an impact not only on how our clients do business, but also raised compliance issues for their employees navigating the immigration process. In our new reality of a remote working environment, there were inherent challenges for those immigration requirements involving physical components, including original signatures, physical filings, and in-person document review. There were many times throughout the pandemic where we had to pivot and employ distinctive strategies to ensure clients remained in compliance.

Q: How will the immigration landscape be different in 2021, if at all?

With the change in administration I am very hopeful that some of the stricter immigration policies and changes we previously experienced will be relaxed. While I recognize there will still be challenges and issues to face, I do think we can expect a bit more stability and foresight before proposed changes are implemented. Between the pandemic and numerous regulatory changes in 2020, I think those practicing immigration really hope 2021 will bring more fairness and stability to the immigration landscape.   

Q: What do you hope to accomplish as a member of the San Diego County Bar Foundation Board of Directors?

I have always been passionate about giving back and making a difference in my community. For several years I delivered meals to seniors every Saturday through the Meals on Wheels America program here in San Diego. I also support various local charities and engage in pro bono efforts with Casa Cornelia Law Center. I am hopeful that my experience as a board member with the SDCBF will enable me to continue these efforts of giving back and making a difference in my community.

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Related contacts

Porthole Headshot image of Fragomen [SanDiego][Associate][RuthSpillane]

Ruth Spillane

Partner

San Diego, CA, United States

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 858 793 1600

Related offices

  • San Diego, CA

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Porthole Headshot image of Fragomen [SanDiego][Associate][RuthSpillane]

Ruth Spillane

Partner

San Diego, CA, United States

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 858 793 1600

Related offices

  • San Diego, CA

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Porthole Headshot image of Fragomen [SanDiego][Associate][RuthSpillane]

Ruth Spillane

Partner

San Diego, CA, United States

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 858 793 1600

Related offices

  • San Diego, CA

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Video

Oman Introduces a Golden Visa Program | #MobilityMinute

Manager David Makau discusses Oman's recent introduction of a Golden Visa program.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Stage: Actors, Dancers and Writers Set to Escape Visa Ban

Partner Louise Haycock highlights the inclusion of performing arts occupations on the temporary shortage list and what it means for international talent in the sector.

Learn more

Media mentions

Arts Professional: Creative Sector Must ‘Come Together’ to Give Artists Easier Access to Visas

Partner Louise Haycock highlights opportunities for easier access to overseas talent for the UK creative sector while guiding businesses through evolving visa rules.

Learn more

Blog post

British Citizenship for Adopted and Surrogate Children: What Families Should Know

Associate Amelia Haynes and Paralegal Clare Macmillan Bell discuss the legal considerations surrounding British citizenship for children born through adoption or surrogacy.

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times: Boom Time for Immigration Lawyers as US and UK Tighten Restrictions

Partner Bo Cooper provides insight on how evolving US and UK immigration policies, including recent H-1B changes, are shaping corporate mobility and compliance strategies.

Learn more

Video

Atividades Técnicas sob Status de Visitante | #MobilityMinute

O Diretor Executivo da Fragomen Brasil, Diogo Kloper, destaca uma atualização importante na política migratória brasileira, que muda significativamente o que estrangeiros podem fazer no país sob o status de visitante.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Founders Without Frontiers: Navigating Immigration Rules for Start-Ups

Partner Rajiv Naik provides insight on how immigration frameworks across the UK, Europe and EMEA are evolving to support start-ups and entrepreneurial talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

The New York Times: Visiting the European Union? Expect to Give Your Biometric Data.

Partner Jo Antoons discusses the rollout of the EU's new Entry/Exit System.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Times: Bye bye, Dubai: why families are heading for Abu Dhabi

Fragomen is featured in The Times as a key immigration adviser highlighting Abu Dhabi’s rising demand for golden visas, especially among UK nationals seeking long-term, self-sponsored residency.

Learn more

Video

Important Update for Brazil-Bound Visitors | #MobilityMinute

Brazil Managing Partner Diana Quintas highlights Brazil’s visitor visa rules and what travelers should know.

Learn more

Blog post

Changes to Skilled Worker Dependants: How UK Government’s July 2025 Rules Affect Tech Talent

Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev and Paralegal Emily Whalley discuss how upcoming UK visa changes will affect skilled worker dependants and reshape tech sector mobility.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Partner Marius Tollenaere Contributes to Third Edition of Einwanderungsrecht

Partner Marius Tollenaere provides key insights on labour migration, procedures and employer obligations in the latest edition of "Einwanderungsrecht".

Learn more

Video

Oman Introduces a Golden Visa Program | #MobilityMinute

Manager David Makau discusses Oman's recent introduction of a Golden Visa program.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Stage: Actors, Dancers and Writers Set to Escape Visa Ban

Partner Louise Haycock highlights the inclusion of performing arts occupations on the temporary shortage list and what it means for international talent in the sector.

Learn more

Media mentions

Arts Professional: Creative Sector Must ‘Come Together’ to Give Artists Easier Access to Visas

Partner Louise Haycock highlights opportunities for easier access to overseas talent for the UK creative sector while guiding businesses through evolving visa rules.

Learn more

Blog post

British Citizenship for Adopted and Surrogate Children: What Families Should Know

Associate Amelia Haynes and Paralegal Clare Macmillan Bell discuss the legal considerations surrounding British citizenship for children born through adoption or surrogacy.

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times: Boom Time for Immigration Lawyers as US and UK Tighten Restrictions

Partner Bo Cooper provides insight on how evolving US and UK immigration policies, including recent H-1B changes, are shaping corporate mobility and compliance strategies.

Learn more

Video

Atividades Técnicas sob Status de Visitante | #MobilityMinute

O Diretor Executivo da Fragomen Brasil, Diogo Kloper, destaca uma atualização importante na política migratória brasileira, que muda significativamente o que estrangeiros podem fazer no país sob o status de visitante.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Founders Without Frontiers: Navigating Immigration Rules for Start-Ups

Partner Rajiv Naik provides insight on how immigration frameworks across the UK, Europe and EMEA are evolving to support start-ups and entrepreneurial talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

The New York Times: Visiting the European Union? Expect to Give Your Biometric Data.

Partner Jo Antoons discusses the rollout of the EU's new Entry/Exit System.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Times: Bye bye, Dubai: why families are heading for Abu Dhabi

Fragomen is featured in The Times as a key immigration adviser highlighting Abu Dhabi’s rising demand for golden visas, especially among UK nationals seeking long-term, self-sponsored residency.

Learn more

Video

Important Update for Brazil-Bound Visitors | #MobilityMinute

Brazil Managing Partner Diana Quintas highlights Brazil’s visitor visa rules and what travelers should know.

Learn more

Blog post

Changes to Skilled Worker Dependants: How UK Government’s July 2025 Rules Affect Tech Talent

Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev and Paralegal Emily Whalley discuss how upcoming UK visa changes will affect skilled worker dependants and reshape tech sector mobility.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Partner Marius Tollenaere Contributes to Third Edition of Einwanderungsrecht

Partner Marius Tollenaere provides key insights on labour migration, procedures and employer obligations in the latest edition of "Einwanderungsrecht".

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.