brian hunt porthole

Counsel

Brian J. Hunt

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brian hunt porthole
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Counsel

Brian J. Hunt

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

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  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 571 202 8614

F:+1 202 371 2898

Washington, DC

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1101 15th St NW STE 700

Washington DC 20005

United States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 571 202 8614

F:+1 202 371 2898

Washington, DC

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1101 15th St NW STE 700

Washington DC 20005

United States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 571 202 8614

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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Brian is Counsel in the firm’s Government Strategies and Compliance Group. Drawing on a career that spans immigration policy, law and operations, Brian offers a rare, 360-degree perspective on how U.S. immigration truly works—from Congress to the front lines of enforcement. With more than two decades of government experience, Brian has shaped legislation and directed key immigration programs. Combining policy insight with practical experience, Brian helps organizations navigate complex regulations, manage risk and achieve their business goals in a rapidly changing environment.

Brian’s government and policy experience provides him with a deep understanding of how immigration decisions are made and how policy translates into practice. This insight allows him to anticipate regulatory developments, design compliant workforce strategies and resolve complex immigration issues efficiently. His blend of legal, policy and leadership experience strengthens Fragomen’s ability to deliver strategic, practical solutions that help clients navigate an increasingly complex global immigration landscape.

Education

  • Pepperdine University School of Law, J.D., 2001
  • University of Toledo, B.B.A., 1989

Bar Admissions

  • California, 2002
  • Washington D.C., 2024

More from Brian

Admissions

Bar Admissions: California, Washington D.C.

Practice Limited to Federal Immigration & Nationality Law

Awards

State Department Meritorious Honor Award, 2014

USCIS Director’s Commendation, 2025

Experience

Leveraged his background as a software engineer to negotiate international immigration data-sharing agreements while working for the U.S. Department of State.

Served as Deputy Chief of the Legal Advisory Opinions Division in the Bureau of Consular Affairs and led a team that provided legal guidance to U.S. consular officers worldwide.

Taught immigration law to new consular officers.

Completed an economic assignment at the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria.

Undertook a consular tour in Abu Dhabi.

Served as Senior Advisor in the USCIS Office of the Director, where he helped guide strategic initiatives and policy development impacting employment-based immigration and agency operations, supporting the oversight of a 20,000-member global workforce and a $6 billion budget dedicated to maintaining the integrity and efficiency of the U.S. immigration system.

After joining USCIS Office of Chief Counsel, completed a detail to the Senate Judiciary Committee and served as Division Chief in the Office of Policy and Strategy where he led a team responsible for drafting employment-based immigration regulations.

Publications and lectures

Adjunct faculty, Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law, 2023

Quoted, “Trump's green card memo dropped before a holiday weekend. Immigration lawyers say clients panicked.” Business Insider, 26 May 2026.

Speaker, Central Florida AILA Annual Conference, 2025

Quoted, “What we know about U.S. proposal to demand 5 years of social media history from certain visitors.” CBC, 11 December 2025.

Quoted, “Explained: Do prospective Kiwi tourists to the US need to be careful?” Newstalk ZB, 11 December 2025.

Speaker, DC Bar Business Immigration Seminar, 2019

Brian’s insights

July 22, 2026 | Media mentions

Business Insider: 3 Lawyers React to Trump's New Limits on Student VisasRead more

May 28, 2026 | Media mentions

Business Insider: Trump’s Green Card Memo Dropped Before a Holiday Weekend. Immigration Lawyers Say Clients Panicked.Read more

May 27, 2026 | Webinar

Fragomen Webcast | USCIS Adjustment of Status Policy Update: Workforce Planning and Immigration Strategy Considerations for EmployersRead more
More related insights

Brian’s insights

July 22, 2026 | Media mentions

Business Insider: 3 Lawyers React to Trump's New Limits on Student VisasRead more

May 28, 2026 | Media mentions

Business Insider: Trump’s Green Card Memo Dropped Before a Holiday Weekend. Immigration Lawyers Say Clients Panicked.Read more

May 27, 2026 | Webinar

Fragomen Webcast | USCIS Adjustment of Status Policy Update: Workforce Planning and Immigration Strategy Considerations for EmployersRead more
More related insights

Brian’s insights

July 22, 2026 | Media mentions

Business Insider: 3 Lawyers React to Trump's New Limits on Student VisasRead more

May 28, 2026 | Media mentions

Business Insider: Trump’s Green Card Memo Dropped Before a Holiday Weekend. Immigration Lawyers Say Clients Panicked.Read more

May 27, 2026 | Webinar

Fragomen Webcast | USCIS Adjustment of Status Policy Update: Workforce Planning and Immigration Strategy Considerations for EmployersRead more
More related insights

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 571 202 8614

F:+1 202 371 2898

Washington, DC

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1101 15th St NW STE 700

Washington DC 20005

United States

Brian’s insights

July 22, 2026 | Media mentions

Business Insider: 3 Lawyers React to Trump's New Limits on Student VisasRead more

May 28, 2026 | Media mentions

Business Insider: Trump’s Green Card Memo Dropped Before a Holiday Weekend. Immigration Lawyers Say Clients Panicked.Read more

May 27, 2026 | Webinar

Fragomen Webcast | USCIS Adjustment of Status Policy Update: Workforce Planning and Immigration Strategy Considerations for EmployersRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 571 202 8614

F:+1 202 371 2898

Washington, DC

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1101 15th St NW STE 700

Washington DC 20005

United States

Brian’s insights

July 22, 2026 | Media mentions

Business Insider: 3 Lawyers React to Trump's New Limits on Student VisasRead more

May 28, 2026 | Media mentions

Business Insider: Trump’s Green Card Memo Dropped Before a Holiday Weekend. Immigration Lawyers Say Clients Panicked.Read more

May 27, 2026 | Webinar

Fragomen Webcast | USCIS Adjustment of Status Policy Update: Workforce Planning and Immigration Strategy Considerations for EmployersRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 571 202 8614

F:+1 202 371 2898

Washington, DC

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1101 15th St NW STE 700

Washington DC 20005

United States

Brian’s insights

July 22, 2026 | Media mentions

Business Insider: 3 Lawyers React to Trump's New Limits on Student VisasRead more

May 28, 2026 | Media mentions

Business Insider: Trump’s Green Card Memo Dropped Before a Holiday Weekend. Immigration Lawyers Say Clients Panicked.Read more

May 27, 2026 | Webinar

Fragomen Webcast | USCIS Adjustment of Status Policy Update: Workforce Planning and Immigration Strategy Considerations for EmployersRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

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Establishing a Business Presence in Switzerland: Key Considerations for Employers

In this blog, Director Ana Bessa Santos explores what Swiss authorities expect from employers when assessing work permit applications—including why a well-developed business plan, realistic growth projections and evidence of a genuine operational presence are critical to supporting both initial applications and future permit renewals.

Learn more

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Personnel Today: Migration Committee Proposes to Cut 24 Occupations From New Shortage List

Partner Louise Haycock discussed the Migration Advisory Committee’s Temporary Shortage List recommendations and the need for clear workforce plans and transitional arrangements.

Learn more

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Counsel Brian Hunt discusses how proposed changes to F-1 student visas could create uncertainty for international students transitioning to the US workforce.

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Learn more

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Learn more

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Twenty Years Forward: What the Middle East Reveals About the Future of Global Mobility

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Learn more

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In this blog, Associate Halil Kaya outlines the UK Visa Fees Reimbursement Scheme for Scale Ups, including eligibility requirements, available funding and key considerations for high-growth businesses recruiting international talent.

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Media mentions

The PIE: Canada Fraud Case Exposes “Acute” Sector Integrity Issues

Partner Jack Kim discusses how fraud has shaped Canada's international student reforms and ongoing integrity efforts.

Learn more

Blog post

Establishing a Business Presence in Switzerland: Key Considerations for Employers

In this blog, Director Ana Bessa Santos explores what Swiss authorities expect from employers when assessing work permit applications—including why a well-developed business plan, realistic growth projections and evidence of a genuine operational presence are critical to supporting both initial applications and future permit renewals.

Learn more

Media mentions

Personnel Today: Migration Committee Proposes to Cut 24 Occupations From New Shortage List

Partner Louise Haycock discussed the Migration Advisory Committee’s Temporary Shortage List recommendations and the need for clear workforce plans and transitional arrangements.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Insider: 3 Lawyers React to Trump's New Limits on Student Visas

Counsel Brian Hunt discusses how proposed changes to F-1 student visas could create uncertainty for international students transitioning to the US workforce.

Learn more

Media mentions

Deutscher AnwaltSpiegel: Rechtliche Risiken bei Mitarbeitereinsätzen aus dem Ausland

Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer explains how employers and clients can reduce legal risks during cross-border employee assignments in Germany.

Learn more

Blog post

Mainland vs. Free Zone in the UAE: Choosing the Right Company Structure in 2026

Senior Manager Zak Hynes explores the key factors businesses should consider when establishing a presence in the UAE—from operating model and visa requirements to banking, office needs and long-term growth plans—in our new blog. The right structure is the one that best supports your business strategy, not simply the lowest upfront cost.

Learn more

Video

2026 Regional Immigration Overviews | #MobilityMinute

Partner Catherine Macris highlights key findings from Fragomen’s 2026 regional immigration overviews, including tighter compliance controls, digital border transformation and emerging pathways for global talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gazeta Prawna: Unijny parasol nad pracownikami z Ukrainy rozpięty do 2028 r. Polscy pracodawcy mogą spać spokojnie, ale czas ucieka

Partner Karolina Schiffter discusses how the EU's extension of temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens through 2028 will affect employers in Poland.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen's Immigration Guide for the UK Tech Sector

Fragomen’s "Immigration Guide for the UK Tech Sector" introduces visa options available for those working and recruiting in the tech sector.

Learn more

Blog post

The J-1 Research Scholar Visa: An Underutilized Pathway for Employers to Retain Global Research Talent

Center for Strategy and Applied Insights Senior Director Leah Rogal examines how employers can use the J-1 Research Scholar visa to retain eligible global research talent, support long-term research initiatives and strengthen workforce and immigration planning.

Learn more

Blog post

Twenty Years Forward: What the Middle East Reveals About the Future of Global Mobility

In this blog, Middle East and Africa Private Client Practice Director Nofi Mojidi-Bayna explores how evolving residency frameworks across the region are reshaping long-term mobility planning and examines the three global forces transforming immigration strategy for businesses, investors and internationally mobile families.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Launches Visa Fees Reimbursement Scheme for Scale Ups Hiring Global Talent

In this blog, Associate Halil Kaya outlines the UK Visa Fees Reimbursement Scheme for Scale Ups, including eligibility requirements, available funding and key considerations for high-growth businesses recruiting international talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: Canada Fraud Case Exposes “Acute” Sector Integrity Issues

Partner Jack Kim discusses how fraud has shaped Canada's international student reforms and ongoing integrity efforts.

Learn more
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Important Updates
Important Updates
July 24, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: Federal Appeals Court Declines to Stay Lower Court Order Vacating $100,000 H-1B Fee
July 24, 2026 | 🌐Middle East - The Latest News on Mobility and Travel Considerations
July 24, 2026 | United KingdomPersonnel Today: Migration Committee Proposes to Cut 24 Occupations From New Shortage List
July 24, 2026 | Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia: New Payment Methods for GOSI Social Security Contributions
July 24, 2026 | Republic of Korea (South Korea)South Korea: Digital Nomad Visa Trial Program Introduced
July 24, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: Federal Appeals Court Declines to Stay Lower Court Order Vacating $100,000 H-1B Fee
July 24, 2026 | 🌐Middle East - The Latest News on Mobility and Travel Considerations
July 24, 2026 | United KingdomPersonnel Today: Migration Committee Proposes to Cut 24 Occupations From New Shortage List
July 24, 2026 | Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia: New Payment Methods for GOSI Social Security Contributions
July 24, 2026 | Republic of Korea (South Korea)South Korea: Digital Nomad Visa Trial Program Introduced
July 24, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: Federal Appeals Court Declines to Stay Lower Court Order Vacating $100,000 H-1B Fee
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