elona-dunehew

Senior Associate

Elona Dunehew

elona-dunehew
elona-dunehew
  • People

Senior Associate

Elona Dunehew

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

Languages

  • Albanian
  • English
  • Spanish

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 858 793 1600

F:+1 858 793 1686

San Diego

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

5355 Mira Sorrento Place, Suite 750

San Diego CA 92121

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Get in touch

Languages

  • Albanian
  • English
  • Spanish

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 858 793 1600

F:+1 858 793 1686

San Diego

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

5355 Mira Sorrento Place, Suite 750

San Diego CA 92121

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Get in touch

Languages

  • Albanian
  • English
  • Spanish

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 858 793 1600

F:+1 858 793 1686

San Diego

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

5355 Mira Sorrento Place, Suite 750

San Diego CA 92121

United States

Connect via Linkedin
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Elona joined Fragomen in 2015 and is a Senior Associate in the firm’s San Diego office. She represents corporate and individual clients across a broad range of complex U.S. immigration matters, with an emphasis on employment- and family-based immigration. Elona also leads the San Diego office’s Sports and Entertainment practice, working closely with athletes, entertainers and related organizations on tailored immigrant and nonimmigrant visa strategies aligned with their professional goals.

Elona’s practice focuses on employment-based immigration matters, including EB-1 immigrant petitions in the extraordinary ability and outstanding researcher categories, National Interest Waivers (NIW) and O-1 petitions. She also handles complex Requests for Evidence and advises clients on nonimmigrant visa petitions, adjustment of status applications and naturalization matters. In addition, Elona has significant experience handling family-based immigrant visa matters, guiding clients and their families through the permanent residence process with care and strategic insight.

Elona's committment to immigration law is deeply personal. She immigrated to the United States from Albania at the age of 13 and has firsthand insight into the challenges of relocating and integrating into a new country. This experience informs her empathetic, client-centered approach and fuels her dedication to helping individuals and families navigate the immigration process successfully.

During law school and throughout her career, Elona worked with various legal organizations in San Diego as well as a family-based immigration practice in San Francisco. Thorugh these experiences, she discovered that immigration law offered the most meaningful opportunity to combine technical legal advocacy with tangible, life-changing impact for her clients.

Elona speaks Albanian and English and is conversational in Spanish.

During law school and throughout her career, Elona worked with various legal organizations in San Diego as well as a family-based immigration practice in San Francisco. Thorugh these experiences, she discovered that immigration law offered the most meaningful opportunity to combine technical legal advocacy with tangible, life-changing impact for her clients.

Elona speaks Albanian and English and is conversational in Spanish.

Education

  • California Western School of Law, J.D., 2011
  • University of California, Los Angeles, B.A., cum laude, 2008

More from Elona

Admissions

Bar Admissions: California

Practice Limited to Federal Immigration & Nationality Law

Awards

Named to Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch, 2023 to 2026

Pro Bono Honor Society, California Western School of Law

Dean’s List, California Western School of Law, (Spring 2010 & Spring 2011)

Professional accomplishments

Member, California State Bar Association

Member, Lawyers Club of San Diego

Publications and lectures

Speaker, “Immigration Policies, Trends & Risks.” Staffing Industry Analysts Risk Management & Compliance Workshop Series, Webinar, 10 June 2026.

Elona’s insights

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

August 19, 2024 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 31st Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

August 17, 2023 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 30th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more
More related insights

Elona’s insights

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

August 19, 2024 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 31st Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

August 17, 2023 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 30th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more
More related insights

Elona’s insights

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

August 19, 2024 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 31st Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

August 17, 2023 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 30th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more
More related insights

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

Languages

  • Albanian
  • English
  • Spanish

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 858 793 1600

F:+1 858 793 1686

San Diego

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

5355 Mira Sorrento Place, Suite 750

San Diego CA 92121

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Elona’s insights

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

August 19, 2024 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 31st Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

August 17, 2023 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 30th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • Albanian
  • English
  • Spanish

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 858 793 1600

F:+1 858 793 1686

San Diego

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

5355 Mira Sorrento Place, Suite 750

San Diego CA 92121

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Elona’s insights

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

August 19, 2024 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 31st Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

August 17, 2023 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 30th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • Albanian
  • English
  • Spanish

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 858 793 1600

F:+1 858 793 1686

San Diego

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

5355 Mira Sorrento Place, Suite 750

San Diego CA 92121

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Elona’s insights

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

August 19, 2024 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 31st Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

August 17, 2023 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 30th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Awards

Partner Karolina Schiffter Recognised in Lexology Index: Thought Leaders Global Elite 2027

Partner Karolina Schiffter is recognised in the Lexology Index: Thought Leaders Global Elite 2027 report.

Learn more

Blog post

Canada’s Immigration Dual Reality: Narrower Access, Persistent Demand

Partner Jack Kim discusses how Canada’s increasingly selective and complex immigration system is affecting talent access, retention and long-term workforce planning for employers.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Temporary Shortage List Review: What the Migration Advisory Committee's Recommendations Mean for Employers

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit explores what the recommendations mean, what’s still uncertain and what employers should be watching next

Learn more

Blog post

A1-Bescheinigung für Geschäftsreisen und Entsendungen: Was Arbeitgeber wissen müssen

In this blog, Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer explains when employers need an A1 certificate for employees traveling or working temporarily within Europe, the application process and how timely planning can help manage social security compliance risks.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Retains Band 1 Ranking & Receives Four Individual Rankings in Chambers High Net Worth 2026 Guide

Fragomen and UK team members are ranked in the “Immigration: High Net Worth Individuals – UK-wide” category of the Chambers High Net Worth 2026 Guide.

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

Awards

Partner Karolina Schiffter Recognised in Lexology Index: Thought Leaders Global Elite 2027

Partner Karolina Schiffter is recognised in the Lexology Index: Thought Leaders Global Elite 2027 report.

Learn more

Blog post

Canada’s Immigration Dual Reality: Narrower Access, Persistent Demand

Partner Jack Kim discusses how Canada’s increasingly selective and complex immigration system is affecting talent access, retention and long-term workforce planning for employers.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Temporary Shortage List Review: What the Migration Advisory Committee's Recommendations Mean for Employers

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit explores what the recommendations mean, what’s still uncertain and what employers should be watching next

Learn more

Blog post

A1-Bescheinigung für Geschäftsreisen und Entsendungen: Was Arbeitgeber wissen müssen

In this blog, Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer explains when employers need an A1 certificate for employees traveling or working temporarily within Europe, the application process and how timely planning can help manage social security compliance risks.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Retains Band 1 Ranking & Receives Four Individual Rankings in Chambers High Net Worth 2026 Guide

Fragomen and UK team members are ranked in the “Immigration: High Net Worth Individuals – UK-wide” category of the Chambers High Net Worth 2026 Guide.

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
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Important Updates
Important Updates
July 30, 2026 | CanadaCanada: Reciprocal Employment Category Eligibility Narrowed by New Existing Employment Abroad Requirement
July 31, 2026 | MozambiqueMozambique: Pre-Travel Authorization for Visa-Exempt Travelers Temporarily Suspended
July 31, 2026 | PolandPartner Karolina Schiffter Recognised in Lexology Index: Thought Leaders Global Elite 2027
July 31, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: State Department Makes Permanent B-1/B-2 Visa Bond Program for Certain Countries and Increases Bond Amounts
July 31, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: TPS Employment Authorization for Ethiopia and South Sudan Extended Through August 6
July 30, 2026 | CanadaCanada: Reciprocal Employment Category Eligibility Narrowed by New Existing Employment Abroad Requirement
July 31, 2026 | MozambiqueMozambique: Pre-Travel Authorization for Visa-Exempt Travelers Temporarily Suspended
July 31, 2026 | PolandPartner Karolina Schiffter Recognised in Lexology Index: Thought Leaders Global Elite 2027
July 31, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: State Department Makes Permanent B-1/B-2 Visa Bond Program for Certain Countries and Increases Bond Amounts
July 31, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: TPS Employment Authorization for Ethiopia and South Sudan Extended Through August 6
July 30, 2026 | CanadaCanada: Reciprocal Employment Category Eligibility Narrowed by New Existing Employment Abroad Requirement
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