Important Updates
Important Updates
December 12, 2025 | ThailandThailand: New Work Permit Submission Options for Companies Eligible for the Rapid Process
December 12, 2025 | BelgiumBelgium: Shortage Occupation List Updates in Wallonia and Flanders
December 12, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
December 12, 2025 | United States, New ZealandNewstalk ZB: Explained: Do Prospective Kiwi Tourists to the US Need to Be Careful?
December 12, 2025 | PolandPoland: Extensive Reforms Include Digital-Only Rule for Residence Permits and Work Permit Exemption Restrictions
December 12, 2025 | ThailandThailand: New Work Permit Submission Options for Companies Eligible for the Rapid Process
December 12, 2025 | BelgiumBelgium: Shortage Occupation List Updates in Wallonia and Flanders
December 12, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
December 12, 2025 | United States, New ZealandNewstalk ZB: Explained: Do Prospective Kiwi Tourists to the US Need to Be Careful?
December 12, 2025 | PolandPoland: Extensive Reforms Include Digital-Only Rule for Residence Permits and Work Permit Exemption Restrictions
December 12, 2025 | ThailandThailand: New Work Permit Submission Options for Companies Eligible for the Rapid Process
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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, NY

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, NY

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, NY

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, NY

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, NY

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, NY

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

Newstalk ZB: Explained: Do Prospective Kiwi Tourists to the US Need to Be Careful?

Counsel Brian Hunt discussed US Customs and Border Protection's proposed changes to the ESTA application process regarding social media and additional personal information.

Learn more

Video

Apostille vs. Legalisation | #MobilityMinute

In this Mobility Minute, Manager Maja Sugui outlines key legalisation requirements when the Apostille Convention does not apply or when country-specific exceptions exist.

Learn more

Media mentions

Sports Illustrated: 2026 World Cup Visitors to US Set to Face Extreme Social Media Scrutiny

Partner Bo Cooper highlights that visitors to the US under the visa waiver program for the 2026 World Cup could face a more extensive ESTA application process.

Learn more

Media mentions

New India Abroad: Firms Ensuring H-1B Workers in US to Avoid New Fee, Says Top Immigration Lawyer

Partners Aaron Blumberg and K. Edward Raleigh outline how recent US visa policy changes affect H-1B and H-4 workers and how employers are adjusting compliance and work authorization processes.

Learn more

Media mentions

Tagesspiegel: Arbeitskräfte aus dem Nahen Osten: Neue Partnerschaft erleichtert Immigration

Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer emphasizes the importance of legal support in helping skilled professionals navigate work-based immigration to Germany.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Expands HPI Visa: What’s New in 2025

The UK expands its High Potential Individual (HPI) visa for 2025, broadening eligibility for global graduates and entrepreneurs while introducing new requirements and application caps

Learn more

Media mentions

The New York Times: US Plans to Scrutinize Foreign Tourists’ Social Media History

Partner Bo Cooper discusses the US proposal to expand social media screening for visitors from visa waiver countries and the broader shift it represents in travel vetting.

Learn more

Video

UK Widens Access to the High Potential Individual Visa to Attract the World’s Top Graduate Talent | #MobilityMinute

The latest Mobility Minute features Manager Alex Hood discussing recent updates to the UK’s High Potential Individual route, including expanded university eligibility, a new annual cap and modernized governance measures.

Learn more

Media mentions

International Organisation of Employers: The Gulf Experience: Building a Skilled Workforce in the UAE

Managing Partner for the Middle East and Africa Murtaza Khan discusses how the UAE’s flexible migration policies attract talent and support a competitive labour market.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times of India: US to Scan Social Media of All H-1B, H-4 Visa Applicants from December 15

Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler notes that the US expansion of social-media screening to H-1B and H-4 visa applicants will involve a more detailed review of their online activity.

Learn more

Media mentions

Forbes: Unprepared Companies At Risk In H-1B Visa Immigration Crackdown

Partner Edward Raleigh highlights the need for companies to prepare for increased H-1B enforcement and ensure compliance with US worker requirements.

Learn more

Video

United States: 2025 Holiday Travel Guidelines for Foreign Nationals | #MobilityMinute

In this Mobility Minute, Associate Rebeca Lafond outlines key considerations for international travel to the United States during the holiday season, including documentation requirements, visa processing expectations and enhanced screening on entry.

Learn more

Media mentions

Newstalk ZB: Explained: Do Prospective Kiwi Tourists to the US Need to Be Careful?

Counsel Brian Hunt discussed US Customs and Border Protection's proposed changes to the ESTA application process regarding social media and additional personal information.

Learn more

Video

Apostille vs. Legalisation | #MobilityMinute

In this Mobility Minute, Manager Maja Sugui outlines key legalisation requirements when the Apostille Convention does not apply or when country-specific exceptions exist.

Learn more

Media mentions

Sports Illustrated: 2026 World Cup Visitors to US Set to Face Extreme Social Media Scrutiny

Partner Bo Cooper highlights that visitors to the US under the visa waiver program for the 2026 World Cup could face a more extensive ESTA application process.

Learn more

Media mentions

New India Abroad: Firms Ensuring H-1B Workers in US to Avoid New Fee, Says Top Immigration Lawyer

Partners Aaron Blumberg and K. Edward Raleigh outline how recent US visa policy changes affect H-1B and H-4 workers and how employers are adjusting compliance and work authorization processes.

Learn more

Media mentions

Tagesspiegel: Arbeitskräfte aus dem Nahen Osten: Neue Partnerschaft erleichtert Immigration

Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer emphasizes the importance of legal support in helping skilled professionals navigate work-based immigration to Germany.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Expands HPI Visa: What’s New in 2025

The UK expands its High Potential Individual (HPI) visa for 2025, broadening eligibility for global graduates and entrepreneurs while introducing new requirements and application caps

Learn more

Media mentions

The New York Times: US Plans to Scrutinize Foreign Tourists’ Social Media History

Partner Bo Cooper discusses the US proposal to expand social media screening for visitors from visa waiver countries and the broader shift it represents in travel vetting.

Learn more

Video

UK Widens Access to the High Potential Individual Visa to Attract the World’s Top Graduate Talent | #MobilityMinute

The latest Mobility Minute features Manager Alex Hood discussing recent updates to the UK’s High Potential Individual route, including expanded university eligibility, a new annual cap and modernized governance measures.

Learn more

Media mentions

International Organisation of Employers: The Gulf Experience: Building a Skilled Workforce in the UAE

Managing Partner for the Middle East and Africa Murtaza Khan discusses how the UAE’s flexible migration policies attract talent and support a competitive labour market.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times of India: US to Scan Social Media of All H-1B, H-4 Visa Applicants from December 15

Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler notes that the US expansion of social-media screening to H-1B and H-4 visa applicants will involve a more detailed review of their online activity.

Learn more

Media mentions

Forbes: Unprepared Companies At Risk In H-1B Visa Immigration Crackdown

Partner Edward Raleigh highlights the need for companies to prepare for increased H-1B enforcement and ensure compliance with US worker requirements.

Learn more

Video

United States: 2025 Holiday Travel Guidelines for Foreign Nationals | #MobilityMinute

In this Mobility Minute, Associate Rebeca Lafond outlines key considerations for international travel to the United States during the holiday season, including documentation requirements, visa processing expectations and enhanced screening on entry.

Learn more

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