R. Blake Chisam

Partner

Blake Chisam

R. Blake Chisam
R. Blake Chisam
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Partner

Blake Chisam

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

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  • English

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Email

[email protected]

T:+1 202 349 2060

F:+1 202 371 2898

Washington, DC

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1101 15th St NW STE 700

Washington DC 20005

United States

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Get in touch

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  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 202 349 2060

F:+1 202 371 2898

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

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 to 2027

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

August 20, 2026 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2027 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

May 27, 2026 | Conference

People 1st | USARead more

May 27, 2026 | Conference

GME Live | Americas 2026Read more
More related insights

Blake’s insights

August 20, 2026 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2027 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

May 27, 2026 | Conference

People 1st | USARead more

May 27, 2026 | Conference

GME Live | Americas 2026Read more
More related insights

Blake’s insights

August 20, 2026 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2027 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

May 27, 2026 | Conference

People 1st | USARead more

May 27, 2026 | Conference

GME Live | Americas 2026Read 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

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

August 20, 2026 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2027 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

May 27, 2026 | Conference

People 1st | USARead more

May 27, 2026 | Conference

GME Live | Americas 2026Read 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

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

August 20, 2026 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2027 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

May 27, 2026 | Conference

People 1st | USARead more

May 27, 2026 | Conference

GME Live | Americas 2026Read 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

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

August 20, 2026 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2027 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

May 27, 2026 | Conference

People 1st | USARead more

May 27, 2026 | Conference

GME Live | Americas 2026Read more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Podcast

Insight & Impact - Episode 2: Why Data Matters

Canada Managing Partner Cosmina Morariu and Senior Director Leah L. Rogal discuss how immigration, demographic, labor market and economic data can help organizations interpret policy developments, anticipate talent needs and make more strategic workforce and mobility decisions.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Opens Denver Office, Strengthening Support for Colorado Employers

Fragomen opens a Denver office to expand immigration support for Colorado employers and growing businesses.

Learn more

Video

Ordinary Naturalisation in Switzerland | #MobilityMinute

Manager Mihaela Dumitru discusses key requirements for ordinary naturalisation in Switzerland, including residence, integration, language skills and local knowledge assessments.

Learn more
Generic Insights

Blog post

Pre-Settled Status and Absences From the UK: When Could Status Be at Risk?

In this blog, Immigration Consultant Mirela Sartori explains when absences could place status at risk, how the Home Office assesses residence and what to do if you receive a “minded to curtail” notice, which generally requires a response within 28 days.

Learn more

Article

Foreign Birth Registration: Mistakes That Can Delay Irish Citizenship Applications

From documentation gaps and certification errors to missed deadlines, Senior Immigration Consultant Patricia Rezmives highlights 8 common FBR pitfalls and how applicants can avoid them.

Learn more

Blog post

Vous envisagez les États-Unis pour la rentrée prochaine ? C'est le moment de préparer votre visa E-2!

Entrepreneurs français : anticipez votre projet d’installation aux États-Unis avec un visa E-2. Découvrez les étapes clés pour préparer votre investissement, votre demande de visa et le déménagement familial avant la prochaine rentrée scolaire.

Learn more

Media mentions

Biometric Update: Fragomen-SICPA JV Adds IDEMIA Biometrics to Assemble End-to-End Identity Platform

Fragomen and SICPA expand their digital identity platform through a strategic collaboration with IDEMIA Public Security.

Learn more

Blog post

Document Legalization Is Becoming a Global Mobility Compliance Issue: Five Trends Employers Should Watch

In this blog, UAE Consular and Document Services Manager Minu Joseph examines five global legalization trends through a Middle East lens—and outlines how employers can prepare earlier to keep assignments on track.

Learn more

Blog post

Doing Business in Qatar: Growth and Workforce Mobility

In this blog, Corporate Services Manager Julia Ignatenko explores why businesses should coordinate company formation, regulatory compliance, leadership presence and workforce mobility from the outset.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Wins Immigration Provider of the Year: 2026 FEM APAC EMMAs

Fragomen won Immigration Provider of the Year at the 2026 FEM APAC EMMAs, and our Worldwide Immigration Trends Report 2026 received a Highly Commended recognition in the Thought Leadership category.

Learn more

Media mentions

Forbes: DHS Adds Immigration Rule Stopping H-1B Spouses From Working To Agenda

Partner Kevin Miner discusses DHS’ proposed rule to end employment authorization for certain H-4 spouses of H-1B professionals.

Learn more

Media mentions

Newsweek: Green Card Update: Major Change Announced for Sponsors

Counsel Brian Hunt discussed USCIS’ new ability to obtain credit information from green card sponsors and the potential implications for future regulatory actions.

Learn more

Podcast

Insight & Impact - Episode 2: Why Data Matters

Canada Managing Partner Cosmina Morariu and Senior Director Leah L. Rogal discuss how immigration, demographic, labor market and economic data can help organizations interpret policy developments, anticipate talent needs and make more strategic workforce and mobility decisions.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Opens Denver Office, Strengthening Support for Colorado Employers

Fragomen opens a Denver office to expand immigration support for Colorado employers and growing businesses.

Learn more

Video

Ordinary Naturalisation in Switzerland | #MobilityMinute

Manager Mihaela Dumitru discusses key requirements for ordinary naturalisation in Switzerland, including residence, integration, language skills and local knowledge assessments.

Learn more
Generic Insights

Blog post

Pre-Settled Status and Absences From the UK: When Could Status Be at Risk?

In this blog, Immigration Consultant Mirela Sartori explains when absences could place status at risk, how the Home Office assesses residence and what to do if you receive a “minded to curtail” notice, which generally requires a response within 28 days.

Learn more

Article

Foreign Birth Registration: Mistakes That Can Delay Irish Citizenship Applications

From documentation gaps and certification errors to missed deadlines, Senior Immigration Consultant Patricia Rezmives highlights 8 common FBR pitfalls and how applicants can avoid them.

Learn more

Blog post

Vous envisagez les États-Unis pour la rentrée prochaine ? C'est le moment de préparer votre visa E-2!

Entrepreneurs français : anticipez votre projet d’installation aux États-Unis avec un visa E-2. Découvrez les étapes clés pour préparer votre investissement, votre demande de visa et le déménagement familial avant la prochaine rentrée scolaire.

Learn more

Media mentions

Biometric Update: Fragomen-SICPA JV Adds IDEMIA Biometrics to Assemble End-to-End Identity Platform

Fragomen and SICPA expand their digital identity platform through a strategic collaboration with IDEMIA Public Security.

Learn more

Blog post

Document Legalization Is Becoming a Global Mobility Compliance Issue: Five Trends Employers Should Watch

In this blog, UAE Consular and Document Services Manager Minu Joseph examines five global legalization trends through a Middle East lens—and outlines how employers can prepare earlier to keep assignments on track.

Learn more

Blog post

Doing Business in Qatar: Growth and Workforce Mobility

In this blog, Corporate Services Manager Julia Ignatenko explores why businesses should coordinate company formation, regulatory compliance, leadership presence and workforce mobility from the outset.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Wins Immigration Provider of the Year: 2026 FEM APAC EMMAs

Fragomen won Immigration Provider of the Year at the 2026 FEM APAC EMMAs, and our Worldwide Immigration Trends Report 2026 received a Highly Commended recognition in the Thought Leadership category.

Learn more

Media mentions

Forbes: DHS Adds Immigration Rule Stopping H-1B Spouses From Working To Agenda

Partner Kevin Miner discusses DHS’ proposed rule to end employment authorization for certain H-4 spouses of H-1B professionals.

Learn more

Media mentions

Newsweek: Green Card Update: Major Change Announced for Sponsors

Counsel Brian Hunt discussed USCIS’ new ability to obtain credit information from green card sponsors and the potential implications for future regulatory actions.

Learn more
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Important Updates
Important Updates
September 4, 2026 | DenmarkDenmark: New Immigration Pathway for Certified Employers Hiring Foreign Nationals from Select Countries
September 8, 2026 | United StatesFragomen Opens Denver Office, Strengthening Support for Colorado Employers
September 8, 2026 | RussiaRussia: New Monitoring Application Requirements for Certain Nationals
September 8, 2026 | 🌐Worldwide/Ukraine: Temporary Protection Status - Country-Specific Updates
September 4, 2026 | 🌐Biometric Update: Fragomen-SICPA JV Adds IDEMIA Biometrics to Assemble End-to-End Identity Platform
September 4, 2026 | DenmarkDenmark: New Immigration Pathway for Certified Employers Hiring Foreign Nationals from Select Countries
September 8, 2026 | United StatesFragomen Opens Denver Office, Strengthening Support for Colorado Employers
September 8, 2026 | RussiaRussia: New Monitoring Application Requirements for Certain Nationals
September 8, 2026 | 🌐Worldwide/Ukraine: Temporary Protection Status - Country-Specific Updates
September 4, 2026 | 🌐Biometric Update: Fragomen-SICPA JV Adds IDEMIA Biometrics to Assemble End-to-End Identity Platform
September 4, 2026 | DenmarkDenmark: New Immigration Pathway for Certified Employers Hiring Foreign Nationals from Select Countries
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