R. Blake Chisam

Partner

Blake Chisam

R. Blake Chisam
R. Blake Chisam
  • People

Partner

Blake Chisam

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

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

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
  • PrintPrint
  • SaveSave

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

Arabian Gulf Business Insight: Corporate Relocations to the Gulf Retain Appeal

Partner Abeer Al Husseini discusses evolving corporate relocation strategies and sustained demand for moves to the Gulf.

Learn more

Blog post

Business Immigration After the Midterms (Part 3): Four Scenarios and What Employers Should Do Now

Partner K. Edward Raleigh analyzes post‑midterm business immigration risks in Part 3 of this blog series, outlining four possible election outcomes and the practical steps employers should take to prepare for increased enforcement and scrutiny.

Learn more

Media mentions

People Management: Can the Government Stop Overseas Employees Visiting the UK?

Partner Natasha Catterson explains how the UK ETA scheme is changing business travel by requiring pre-travel digital approval for many visa-exempt visitors.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: Trump’s $100,000 H-1B fee ruled unlawful

Partner K. Edward Raleigh discusses the recent H-1B fee ruling and the potential for further appeals.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg Law: Congress’ Taxing Power Key to Trump Loss on $100,000 H-1B Fee

Partner Bo Cooper discussed a federal court decision vacating the $100,000 H-1B fee and noted that further legal proceedings are likely to shape the policy’s future.

Learn more

Blog post

Separating Fact and Fiction: Debunking Myths in German Immigration Law

Manager Adela Schmidt examines common misconceptions in German immigration law, including EU Blue Card mobility, short-term work permissions, residence permit extensions and communication with immigration authorities.

Learn more

Media mentions

Arbeit und Arbeitsrecht: § 45c AufenthG – Gut gemeint, aber lückenhaft?

Frankfurt Managing Partner Axel Boysen examines Germany's new Section 45c requirements and highlights key compliance considerations for employers recruiting talent from abroad.

Learn more

Video

Mexico Entry Requirements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup | #MobilityMinute

Senior Manager Sergio Flores discusses key immigration and travel considerations for individuals planning to visit Mexico during the FIFA World Cup 2026™, including visa waiver status, passport validity, FMM documentation and potential work-related visa requirements.

Learn more

Media mentions

PitchBook: Trump’s $100K H-1B Fee Was Meant to Slow Foreign Tech Hiring. It May Not Be Working.

Partner Audrea Golding discusses how top-funded startups may have greater flexibility in managing H-1B costs amid evolving hiring dynamics.

Learn more

Video

Swiss Naturalization: Understanding the Framework | #MobilityMinute

Manager Mihaela Dumitru discusses the Swiss citizenship process, including the authorities involved, key naturalization routes and why early planning is important.

Learn more

Video

UAE Hiring Update: Degree Equivalency | #MobilityMinute

In this Mobility Minute, Manager Minu Joseph discusses how academic qualification recognition is shaping hiring and workforce mobility in the United Arab Emirates and what employers should consider when planning international talent transfers.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026

Fragomen earned top national and regional rankings in Chambers USA 2026, including its 13th consecutive year in Band 1 nationwide.

Learn more

Media mentions

Arabian Gulf Business Insight: Corporate Relocations to the Gulf Retain Appeal

Partner Abeer Al Husseini discusses evolving corporate relocation strategies and sustained demand for moves to the Gulf.

Learn more

Blog post

Business Immigration After the Midterms (Part 3): Four Scenarios and What Employers Should Do Now

Partner K. Edward Raleigh analyzes post‑midterm business immigration risks in Part 3 of this blog series, outlining four possible election outcomes and the practical steps employers should take to prepare for increased enforcement and scrutiny.

Learn more

Media mentions

People Management: Can the Government Stop Overseas Employees Visiting the UK?

Partner Natasha Catterson explains how the UK ETA scheme is changing business travel by requiring pre-travel digital approval for many visa-exempt visitors.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: Trump’s $100,000 H-1B fee ruled unlawful

Partner K. Edward Raleigh discusses the recent H-1B fee ruling and the potential for further appeals.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg Law: Congress’ Taxing Power Key to Trump Loss on $100,000 H-1B Fee

Partner Bo Cooper discussed a federal court decision vacating the $100,000 H-1B fee and noted that further legal proceedings are likely to shape the policy’s future.

Learn more

Blog post

Separating Fact and Fiction: Debunking Myths in German Immigration Law

Manager Adela Schmidt examines common misconceptions in German immigration law, including EU Blue Card mobility, short-term work permissions, residence permit extensions and communication with immigration authorities.

Learn more

Media mentions

Arbeit und Arbeitsrecht: § 45c AufenthG – Gut gemeint, aber lückenhaft?

Frankfurt Managing Partner Axel Boysen examines Germany's new Section 45c requirements and highlights key compliance considerations for employers recruiting talent from abroad.

Learn more

Video

Mexico Entry Requirements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup | #MobilityMinute

Senior Manager Sergio Flores discusses key immigration and travel considerations for individuals planning to visit Mexico during the FIFA World Cup 2026™, including visa waiver status, passport validity, FMM documentation and potential work-related visa requirements.

Learn more

Media mentions

PitchBook: Trump’s $100K H-1B Fee Was Meant to Slow Foreign Tech Hiring. It May Not Be Working.

Partner Audrea Golding discusses how top-funded startups may have greater flexibility in managing H-1B costs amid evolving hiring dynamics.

Learn more

Video

Swiss Naturalization: Understanding the Framework | #MobilityMinute

Manager Mihaela Dumitru discusses the Swiss citizenship process, including the authorities involved, key naturalization routes and why early planning is important.

Learn more

Video

UAE Hiring Update: Degree Equivalency | #MobilityMinute

In this Mobility Minute, Manager Minu Joseph discusses how academic qualification recognition is shaping hiring and workforce mobility in the United Arab Emirates and what employers should consider when planning international talent transfers.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026

Fragomen earned top national and regional rankings in Chambers USA 2026, including its 13th consecutive year in Band 1 nationwide.

Learn more
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
    Travel and Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastNavigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationImmigration 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

  • Travel and Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • 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
Important Updates
Important Updates
June 10, 2026 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
June 10, 2026 | Saudi ArabiaArabian Gulf Business Insight: Corporate Relocations to the Gulf Retain Appeal
June 10, 2026 | Costa RicaCosta Rica: Special Permit for Colombian, Cuban, Nicaraguan and Venezuelan Nationals Introduced
June 10, 2026 | EstoniaEstonia: Significant Immigration Reforms Increase Foreign Worker Employment Flexibility
June 10, 2026 | KuwaitKuwait: Commercial Visit Visa Issuance Temporarily Suspended
June 10, 2026 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
June 10, 2026 | Saudi ArabiaArabian Gulf Business Insight: Corporate Relocations to the Gulf Retain Appeal
June 10, 2026 | Costa RicaCosta Rica: Special Permit for Colombian, Cuban, Nicaraguan and Venezuelan Nationals Introduced
June 10, 2026 | EstoniaEstonia: Significant Immigration Reforms Increase Foreign Worker Employment Flexibility
June 10, 2026 | KuwaitKuwait: Commercial Visit Visa Issuance Temporarily Suspended
June 10, 2026 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
Subscribe

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
  • AI Transparency Statement
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

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

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • AI Transparency Statement
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

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

© 2026 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.