Important Updates
Important Updates
September 2, 2025 | ChinaMainland China: Policies Relaxed for Transiting Travelers
September 2, 2025 | Japan2025年8月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェスト
September 2, 2025 | United StatesFragomen Center for Strategy and Applied Insights Names Leah Rogal Senior Director
September 2, 2025 | IndonesiaIndonesia: Widespread Protests May Affect Mobility and Immigration Processing
September 2, 2025 | ChinaMainland China: More Nationals Eligible for Visa Exemption; Expanded Rights Under Exemption
September 2, 2025 | ChinaMainland China: Policies Relaxed for Transiting Travelers
September 2, 2025 | Japan2025年8月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェスト
September 2, 2025 | United StatesFragomen Center for Strategy and Applied Insights Names Leah Rogal Senior Director
September 2, 2025 | IndonesiaIndonesia: Widespread Protests May Affect Mobility and Immigration Processing
September 2, 2025 | ChinaMainland China: More Nationals Eligible for Visa Exemption; Expanded Rights Under Exemption
September 2, 2025 | ChinaMainland China: Policies Relaxed for Transiting Travelers
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Senior Associate

Elizabeth Cleveland Wakefield

  • People

Senior Associate

Elizabeth Cleveland Wakefield

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Spanish

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 281 605 3154

F:+1 281 605 3150

Houston, TX

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1415 Louisiana Street, Suite 2350

Houston TX 77002

United States

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Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Spanish

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 281 605 3154

F:+1 281 605 3150

Houston, TX

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1415 Louisiana Street, Suite 2350

Houston TX 77002

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Spanish

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 281 605 3154

F:+1 281 605 3150

Houston, TX

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1415 Louisiana Street, Suite 2350

Houston TX 77002

United States

Connect via Linkedin
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Elizabeth is a Senior Associate at Fragomen’s Houston office, where she primarily advises clients on employment-based immigration matters. She partners with in-house counsel, human resources and executives to implement and execute strategies to meet clients’ most pressing U.S. immigration challenges. Elizabeth provides immigration solutions to businesses regarding temporary work visas, immigrant petitions and naturalization, as well as compliance and corporate restructuring issues. She has advised companies of all sizes in mergers, acquisitions and other corporate reorganizations, ensuring successful immigration compliance efforts.

Elizabeth is a regular public speaker and author. Her thought leadership has been showcased in numerous forums and spans a variety of topics—from the green card process to the impact of COVID-19 on U.S. immigration. Additionally, Elizabeth prioritizes community outreach and pro bono work in her practice. She currently serves as Fragomen Houston’s pro bono ambassador, helping to funnel public service work to the Houston office and its staff.

Prior to joining Fragomen, Elizabeth worked for another full-service immigration firm, where she represented corporate clients ranging in size from Fortune Global 100 corporations to family businesses. She also served as a Legal Fellow with the Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores, where she researched and composed memoranda analyzing U.S. immigration law for the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During law school, Elizabeth served as a Student Attorney with the University of Houston Immigration Clinic, where she helped to win an appeal from the Board of Immigration Appeals and contributed to federal policy memoranda. Elizabeth was also selected as a Research Assistant for a professor in the clinic. In addition, Elizabeth served as a Fellow with Mosaic Family Services, where she assisted clients with asylum cases and T and U visas.

Elizabeth speaks English and is proficient in Spanish.

During law school, Elizabeth served as a Student Attorney with the University of Houston Immigration Clinic, where she helped to win an appeal from the Board of Immigration Appeals and contributed to federal policy memoranda. Elizabeth was also selected as a Research Assistant for a professor in the clinic. In addition, Elizabeth served as a Fellow with Mosaic Family Services, where she assisted clients with asylum cases and T and U visas.

Elizabeth speaks English and is proficient in Spanish.

Education

  • University of Houston Law Center, J.D., 2012
  • Sewanee: The University of the South, B.A., 2008

More from Elizabeth

Admissions

Bar Admissions: Texas

Practice Limited to Federal Immigration & Nationality Law

Awards

Named to Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch (Woodward/White, Inc.), 2024

Named to Houston Business Journal’s 2023 Women Who Mean Business Awards (American City Business Journals), 2023

Public Interest Fellowship Award, University of Houston Law Center, 2010

Wilkins Academic Merit Scholar, Sewanee: The University of the South, 2004-2008

Order of the Gownsmen, Sewanee: The University of the South, 2006 to 2008

Professional accomplishments

Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)

Member, Houston Bar Association

Member, Houston Young Lawyers Association

Member, Texas Bar Association

Member, Asia Society

Publications and lectures

Speaker, “GME Leaders Exchange | Houston.” Global Mobility Executive, Houston, TX, 5 June 2025.

Co-author, “Prepare your global energy workforce for the second Trump administration.” Energy Voice, 21 January 2025.

Co-author, “Work Within the Water.” World Pipelines, Volume 23, Number 8, Pages 35-38, August 2023.

Speaker, “Hiring Foreign Nationals in the U.S.: What HR Needs to Know.”  2023 Gulf Coast Symposium on HR Issues, Houston, Texas, 13 July 2023.

Speaker, “’Right on the Money’ by Alan Jackson: Wage issues and processing updates.” AILA Texas Spring Conference, Austin, Texas, 31 March 2023.

Speaker, “Global Mobility Executive Houston Roundtable.” Global Mobility Executive Leaders Exchange, Houston, Texas, 30 March 2023.

Co-author, “White Paper: Immigration in the Offshore Energy and Maritime Industry.” Fragomen, 15 March 2023.

Speaker, “T’Expat Panel – Everything An Expat Needs To Know.” British American Business Council Texas, Webinar, 28 February 2023.

Co-author, “Don’t Let a Lack of U.S. Immigration Due Diligence Derail Corporate Reorganization.” Texas Lawyer, 14 September 2022.

Speaker, “Career Planning and Immigration: What HR Professionals Need to Know.” SHRM Gulf Coast Symposium, Houston, Texas, 28 July 2022.

Speaker, “T’Expat Panel – Everything An Expat Needs To Know.” British American Business Council Texas, Webinar, 5 April 2022.

Speaker, “T’Expat Panel – Everything An Expat Needs To Know.” British American Business Council Texas, Webinar, 17 March 2022.

Speaker, “911! An HR Toolkit to Prevent and Address U.S. Immigration Emergencies.” SHRM Gulf Coast Symposium, Houston, Texas, 3 August 2021.

Speaker, “Immigration Family Planning: What HR Professionals Need to Know.” SHRM Gulf Coast Symposium, Houston, Texas, 3 August 2021.

Speaker, “The Impact of COVID-19 and Presidential Proclamations on U.S. Immigration.” Association of Corporate Counsel Houston, Houston, Texas, 18 June 2020.

Speaker, “COVID-19 and U.S. Immigration.” SHRM HR Houston June General Meeting, Houston, Texas, 18 June 2020.

Elizabeth’s insights

July 31, 2025 | Meeting

Gulf Coast Symposium on HR Issues: Managing Global Immigration in Mergers and AcquisitionsRead more

June 5, 2025 | Conference

GME Leaders Exchange | HoustonRead more

January 22, 2025 | Media mentions

Energy Voice: Prepare Your Global Energy Workforce for the Second Trump AdministrationRead more
More related insights

Elizabeth’s insights

July 31, 2025 | Meeting

Gulf Coast Symposium on HR Issues: Managing Global Immigration in Mergers and AcquisitionsRead more

June 5, 2025 | Conference

GME Leaders Exchange | HoustonRead more

January 22, 2025 | Media mentions

Energy Voice: Prepare Your Global Energy Workforce for the Second Trump AdministrationRead more
More related insights

Elizabeth’s insights

July 31, 2025 | Meeting

Gulf Coast Symposium on HR Issues: Managing Global Immigration in Mergers and AcquisitionsRead more

June 5, 2025 | Conference

GME Leaders Exchange | HoustonRead more

January 22, 2025 | Media mentions

Energy Voice: Prepare Your Global Energy Workforce for the Second Trump AdministrationRead more
More related insights

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Spanish

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 281 605 3154

F:+1 281 605 3150

Houston, TX

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1415 Louisiana Street, Suite 2350

Houston TX 77002

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Elizabeth’s insights

July 31, 2025 | Meeting

Gulf Coast Symposium on HR Issues: Managing Global Immigration in Mergers and AcquisitionsRead more

June 5, 2025 | Conference

GME Leaders Exchange | HoustonRead more

January 22, 2025 | Media mentions

Energy Voice: Prepare Your Global Energy Workforce for the Second Trump AdministrationRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Spanish

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 281 605 3154

F:+1 281 605 3150

Houston, TX

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1415 Louisiana Street, Suite 2350

Houston TX 77002

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Elizabeth’s insights

July 31, 2025 | Meeting

Gulf Coast Symposium on HR Issues: Managing Global Immigration in Mergers and AcquisitionsRead more

June 5, 2025 | Conference

GME Leaders Exchange | HoustonRead more

January 22, 2025 | Media mentions

Energy Voice: Prepare Your Global Energy Workforce for the Second Trump AdministrationRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Spanish

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 281 605 3154

F:+1 281 605 3150

Houston, TX

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1415 Louisiana Street, Suite 2350

Houston TX 77002

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Elizabeth’s insights

July 31, 2025 | Meeting

Gulf Coast Symposium on HR Issues: Managing Global Immigration in Mergers and AcquisitionsRead more

June 5, 2025 | Conference

GME Leaders Exchange | HoustonRead more

January 22, 2025 | Media mentions

Energy Voice: Prepare Your Global Energy Workforce for the Second Trump AdministrationRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Fragomen news

2025年8月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Center for Strategy and Applied Insights Names Leah Rogal Senior Director

Fragomen announces the appointment of Leah Rogal as Senior Director of its Center for Strategy and Applied Insights.

Learn more

Blog post

Exploring Self-Sponsored Visa Pathways in the UAE

Manager Olga Astapova outlines options for individuals to obtain residency without employer sponsorship, highlighting legal routes and strategic considerations.

Learn more

Video

Ireland 2025 Submission Period Opens for Consultation on Occupation Lists | #MobilityMinute

Senior Manager Fatima Aydin discusses Ireland's 2025 public consultation on the occupations lists, and how stakeholders such as employers can provide input.

Learn more

Blog post

Swiss Immigration Quotas 2025: Mid-Year Update

Manager Mihaela Dumitru outlines Switzerland's evolving immigration policies and quota adjustments for 2025.

Learn more

Video

German Citizenship by Descent Explained

Learn how to apply for German citizenship by descent. Discover eligibility under Article 116 and Section 15, benefits of EU citizenship and the step-by-step application process.

Learn more

Media mentions

Personnel Today: Immigration: Huge Fall in Health and Care Worker Visas

Partner Siobhan Owers discussed how visa reforms are reducing available international staff and creating workforce challenges in the UK care sector.

Learn more

Video

Dubai Introduces a ‘One Free Zone Passport’ – What It Is & How It’s Used | #MobilityMinute

Senior Corporate Services Manager Zak Hynes explores Dubai’s launch of the “One Freezone Passport."

Learn more

Video

Navigating Business Travel in Germany: Essential Insights | #MobilityMinute

Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler discusses how to navigate business travel in Germany.

Learn more

Awards

Partners Molly Carey and Catherine Macris Named 2025 New England Legal Awards Finalists

Partners Molly Carey and Catherine Macris are finalists for the 2025 New England Legal Awards in the Partner of the Year and Regional Managing Partner of the Year categories.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Advocate: Navigating the Complexities of Business Immigration Law

Matawan Managing Partner Rahul Shah reflects on his path in immigration law and shares his perspective on global mobility.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™

The 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America™ honors numerous Fragomen attorneys for excellence in immigration law, including Partner Sarah K. Peterson, who received the distinguished “Lawyer of the Year” award.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年8月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Center for Strategy and Applied Insights Names Leah Rogal Senior Director

Fragomen announces the appointment of Leah Rogal as Senior Director of its Center for Strategy and Applied Insights.

Learn more

Blog post

Exploring Self-Sponsored Visa Pathways in the UAE

Manager Olga Astapova outlines options for individuals to obtain residency without employer sponsorship, highlighting legal routes and strategic considerations.

Learn more

Video

Ireland 2025 Submission Period Opens for Consultation on Occupation Lists | #MobilityMinute

Senior Manager Fatima Aydin discusses Ireland's 2025 public consultation on the occupations lists, and how stakeholders such as employers can provide input.

Learn more

Blog post

Swiss Immigration Quotas 2025: Mid-Year Update

Manager Mihaela Dumitru outlines Switzerland's evolving immigration policies and quota adjustments for 2025.

Learn more

Video

German Citizenship by Descent Explained

Learn how to apply for German citizenship by descent. Discover eligibility under Article 116 and Section 15, benefits of EU citizenship and the step-by-step application process.

Learn more

Media mentions

Personnel Today: Immigration: Huge Fall in Health and Care Worker Visas

Partner Siobhan Owers discussed how visa reforms are reducing available international staff and creating workforce challenges in the UK care sector.

Learn more

Video

Dubai Introduces a ‘One Free Zone Passport’ – What It Is & How It’s Used | #MobilityMinute

Senior Corporate Services Manager Zak Hynes explores Dubai’s launch of the “One Freezone Passport."

Learn more

Video

Navigating Business Travel in Germany: Essential Insights | #MobilityMinute

Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler discusses how to navigate business travel in Germany.

Learn more

Awards

Partners Molly Carey and Catherine Macris Named 2025 New England Legal Awards Finalists

Partners Molly Carey and Catherine Macris are finalists for the 2025 New England Legal Awards in the Partner of the Year and Regional Managing Partner of the Year categories.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Advocate: Navigating the Complexities of Business Immigration Law

Matawan Managing Partner Rahul Shah reflects on his path in immigration law and shares his perspective on global mobility.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™

The 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America™ honors numerous Fragomen attorneys for excellence in immigration law, including Partner Sarah K. Peterson, who received the distinguished “Lawyer of the Year” award.

Learn more

Stay in touch

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