Hugh Thistlewaite

Partner

Hugh Thistlethwaite

Hugh Thistlewaite
Hugh Thistlewaite
  • People

Partner

Hugh Thistlethwaite

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 230 2817

F:+1 212 202 4852

New York

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

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Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 230 2817

F:+1 212 202 4852

New York

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 230 2817

F:+1 212 202 4852

New York

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Connect via Linkedin
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Hugh represents corporate clients in the financial and insurance industries, including hedge funds and private equity firms, on immigration issues involving employment-based temporary and permanent visa categories. Working as a trusted partner to his clients, Hugh understands how his work in ensuring the swift movement of employees around the world is helping businesses meet their profitability and competitive goals. He is especially skilled at guiding companies through challenging times, such as the 2008 global financial crisis.

Hugh also provides counsel to private clients regarding family-based permanent residence applications and U.S. citizenship applications.

He has extensive experience with the H-1B, L-1, E-3, TN, and O-1 visas.

Immigration law gives Hugh the opportunity to help individuals achieve their personal and professional goals. As someone who grew up in a small town, Hugh appreciates being able to meet people from all over the world, working closely with them to help them build a new life. He believes in giving immigrant communities the representation they deserve. He finds deep satisfaction in being able to guide a client through the complex regulatory environment of immigration law from start to finish, achieving a positive result at the end.

A trained actor before becoming a lawyer, Hugh has been able to use many similar skills in his legal career—most importantly the ability to really read and understand people and adjust his approach to each case based on their needs. This perceptiveness serves him well in a business that requires empathy. He can easily adapt to the styles of different personalities and develop customized solutions to their problems. His clients appreciate his clear communication, responsiveness, and intuition.

Giving back to the community through pro bono is of great importance to Hugh, who has worked with detained migrant women and children on asylum cases as well as immigrant women who are victims of domestic violence. He also serves as a mentor to a number of younger lawyers and case managers at the firm.

Immigration law gives Hugh the opportunity to help individuals achieve their personal and professional goals. As someone who grew up in a small town, Hugh appreciates being able to meet people from all over the world, working closely with them to help them build a new life. He believes in giving immigrant communities the representation they deserve. He finds deep satisfaction in being able to guide a client through the complex regulatory environment of immigration law from start to finish, achieving a positive result at the end.

A trained actor before becoming a lawyer, Hugh has been able to use many similar skills in his legal career—most importantly the ability to really read and understand people and adjust his approach to each case based on their needs. This perceptiveness serves him well in a business that requires empathy. He can easily adapt to the styles of different personalities and develop customized solutions to their problems. His clients appreciate his clear communication, responsiveness, and intuition.

Giving back to the community through pro bono is of great importance to Hugh, who has worked with detained migrant women and children on asylum cases as well as immigrant women who are victims of domestic violence. He also serves as a mentor to a number of younger lawyers and case managers at the firm.

Education

  • New York Law School, J.D., summa cum laude , 2005
  • New York University, B.A., cum laude , 1999

More from Hugh

Admissions

Bar Admissions: New York

Practice Limited to Federal Immigration & Nationality Law

Professional accomplishments

Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association

Member, Association for the Bar of the City of New York

Experience

Successfully represented an insurance company during a Labor Condition Application/Public Access File investigation by the Department of Labor.

Regularly advises companies in the financial services sector on the immigration consequences of corporate mergers, acquisitions and divestitures.

Assists business executives within the financial services sector with successfully obtaining O-1 nonimmigrant status based upon their extraordinary ability.

Publications and lectures

Guest Lecturer on immigration and nationality law at New York Law School, Columbia University, and City University of New York.

Awards

Listed in Best Lawyers in America, 2023

Hugh’s insights

August 22, 2022 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 29th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

October 20, 2017 | Pro bono

Fragomen Sends Pro Bono Team to DilleyRead more

October 21, 2016 | Pro bono

Fragomen in Dilley for CARA Family Detention Pro Bono ProjectRead more
More related insights

Hugh’s insights

August 22, 2022 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 29th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

October 20, 2017 | Pro bono

Fragomen Sends Pro Bono Team to DilleyRead more

October 21, 2016 | Pro bono

Fragomen in Dilley for CARA Family Detention Pro Bono ProjectRead more
More related insights

Hugh’s insights

August 22, 2022 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 29th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

October 20, 2017 | Pro bono

Fragomen Sends Pro Bono Team to DilleyRead more

October 21, 2016 | Pro bono

Fragomen in Dilley for CARA Family Detention Pro Bono ProjectRead more
More related insights

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 230 2817

F:+1 212 202 4852

New York

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Hugh’s insights

August 22, 2022 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 29th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

October 20, 2017 | Pro bono

Fragomen Sends Pro Bono Team to DilleyRead more

October 21, 2016 | Pro bono

Fragomen in Dilley for CARA Family Detention Pro Bono ProjectRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 230 2817

F:+1 212 202 4852

New York

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Hugh’s insights

August 22, 2022 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 29th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

October 20, 2017 | Pro bono

Fragomen Sends Pro Bono Team to DilleyRead more

October 21, 2016 | Pro bono

Fragomen in Dilley for CARA Family Detention Pro Bono ProjectRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 230 2817

F:+1 212 202 4852

New York

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Hugh’s insights

August 22, 2022 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 29th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

October 20, 2017 | Pro bono

Fragomen Sends Pro Bono Team to DilleyRead more

October 21, 2016 | Pro bono

Fragomen in Dilley for CARA Family Detention Pro Bono ProjectRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

Business Insider: The Winners and Losers of the New H-1B Era

Partner Catherine Macris discusses how evolving H-1B policies are shaping employers’ ability to recruit foreign talent, particularly in highly specialized fields.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Professionals and Employee Network Shortlisted for 2027 TLC Lions Human Awards Europe

Two Fragomen professionals and our BeYou@Fragomen employee network have been shortlisted for the 2027 TLC Lions Human Awards Europe, recognising their contributions to inclusive leadership and a people-centred workplace culture.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen’s Worldwide Immigration Trends Report 2026 Wins at the FEM EMEA EMMAs

Fragomen is honored with the 2026 FEM EMEA EMMA in the "Thought Leadership - Best Survey or Research Study of the Year" category for its 2026 Worldwide Immigration Trends Report. 

Learn more

Media mentions

Law360: How A New Case Redefines The Birthright Citizenship Battle

Partner Daniel Pierce and Senior Associate Daniel D. Schaeffer examine US birthright citizenship challenges and the implications of recent court rulings for nationwide relief in immigration litigation.

Learn more

Video

What Is ESTA? Five Common Mistakes to Avoid When Traveling to the US

Los Angeles Partner Emily Allen explains what ESTA is, who may be eligible under the US Visa Waiver Program and five common mistakes travelers should avoid when visiting the United States for business or tourism.

Learn more
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Fragomen supported an Adult Dependent Relative applicant through a complex appeal, using coordinated medical and social care evidence to demonstrate his holistic care needs before the Home Office withdrew its refusal and indicated that the application would be granted.

Learn more

Blog post

Moving Talent, Moving Families: Navigating Family Reunification in Europe

Senior Manager Andreia Ghimis and Senior Immigration Consultant Louise Farren explore how family reunification rules across Europe can affect international moves and why employers should assess family eligibility, immigration requirements and likely timelines alongside an employee’s work authorization.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Insider: How Would the $70,000 Fee on International Students Working in the US Impact Schools and Grads? 2 Lawyers Break It Down.

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Learn more

Blog post

How to Qualify for Permanent Residence and Polish Citizenship

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Learn more

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Media mentions

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Senior Manager Louise Senior highlights how expanded UK right to work requirements will affect hospitality businesses using temporary and contingent workers.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Insider: The Winners and Losers of the New H-1B Era

Partner Catherine Macris discusses how evolving H-1B policies are shaping employers’ ability to recruit foreign talent, particularly in highly specialized fields.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Professionals and Employee Network Shortlisted for 2027 TLC Lions Human Awards Europe

Two Fragomen professionals and our BeYou@Fragomen employee network have been shortlisted for the 2027 TLC Lions Human Awards Europe, recognising their contributions to inclusive leadership and a people-centred workplace culture.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen’s Worldwide Immigration Trends Report 2026 Wins at the FEM EMEA EMMAs

Fragomen is honored with the 2026 FEM EMEA EMMA in the "Thought Leadership - Best Survey or Research Study of the Year" category for its 2026 Worldwide Immigration Trends Report. 

Learn more

Media mentions

Law360: How A New Case Redefines The Birthright Citizenship Battle

Partner Daniel Pierce and Senior Associate Daniel D. Schaeffer examine US birthright citizenship challenges and the implications of recent court rulings for nationwide relief in immigration litigation.

Learn more

Video

What Is ESTA? Five Common Mistakes to Avoid When Traveling to the US

Los Angeles Partner Emily Allen explains what ESTA is, who may be eligible under the US Visa Waiver Program and five common mistakes travelers should avoid when visiting the United States for business or tourism.

Learn more
Generic Insights

Fragomen news

Case Study: Securing a Positive Outcome in a Complex Adult Dependent Relative Appeal

Fragomen supported an Adult Dependent Relative applicant through a complex appeal, using coordinated medical and social care evidence to demonstrate his holistic care needs before the Home Office withdrew its refusal and indicated that the application would be granted.

Learn more

Blog post

Moving Talent, Moving Families: Navigating Family Reunification in Europe

Senior Manager Andreia Ghimis and Senior Immigration Consultant Louise Farren explore how family reunification rules across Europe can affect international moves and why employers should assess family eligibility, immigration requirements and likely timelines alongside an employee’s work authorization.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Insider: How Would the $70,000 Fee on International Students Working in the US Impact Schools and Grads? 2 Lawyers Break It Down.

Partner Aaron Blumberg discusses how a proposed $70,000 fee for international students seeking US work authorization could affect students, universities and employers.

Learn more

Blog post

How to Qualify for Permanent Residence and Polish Citizenship

Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala and Senior Associate Tomasz Rdzanek outline the principal pathways to permanent residence and Polish citizenship, including key residence, language and income considerations and potential future reforms.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Comment on USCIS Mandatory Electronic Filing RuleLearn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Collaboration Selected as 2026 European Labour Authority Good Practice

Fragomen, together with SICPA and Deutsche Rentenversicherung Bund, has been selected by the European Labour Authority as a 2026 Good Practice for an EU-funded WE BUILD use case exploring how digital identity solutions could help transform PD A1 processes and support cross-border labour mobility in Europe.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Caterer: Right to Work Scheme: Have You Carried Out Checks on Temporary Staff?

Senior Manager Louise Senior highlights how expanded UK right to work requirements will affect hospitality businesses using temporary and contingent workers.

Learn more
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October 16, 2026 | IndiaIndia: Minimum Salary Level for Employment Visas Significantly Increased
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October 16, 2026 | IndiaIndia: Minimum Salary Level for Employment Visas Significantly Increased
October 19, 2026 | European UnionEuropean Union/Schengen Area: Internal Schengen Border Checks Situation
October 16, 2026 | United StatesBusiness Insider: The Winners and Losers of the New H-1B Era
October 16, 2026 | CanadaCanada: Express Entry Changes to Prioritize High-Wage Occupations
October 16, 2026 | United Kingdom, IrelandFragomen Professionals and Employee Network Shortlisted for 2027 TLC Lions Human Awards Europe
October 16, 2026 | IndiaIndia: Minimum Salary Level for Employment Visas Significantly Increased
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