Hugh Thistlewaite

Partner

Hugh Thistlethwaite

Hugh Thistlewaite
Hugh Thistlewaite
  • People

Partner

Hugh Thistlethwaite

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

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  • English

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[email protected]

T:+1 212 230 2817

F:+1 212 202 4852

Fragomen in New York, NY

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

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T:+1 212 230 2817

F:+1 212 202 4852

Fragomen in New York, NY

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

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T:+1 212 230 2817

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New York NY 10018

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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

Fragomen in 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

Fragomen in 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

Fragomen in 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

Hong Kong Business Magazine: Employers Seek Broader Immigration Reforms

In this Hong Kong Business article, Managing Director Magdalene Tennant discusses Hong Kong’s recent decision to allow employment and dependent visa renewal applications to be filed up to three months before expiry, a change intended to reduce the risk of work disruptions and provide employers with greater flexibility in managing foreign talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Professional Engineering: How to Access International Engineering Talent in a Changing Immigration System

In this article published by Professional Engineering, Senior Manager Nadine Barnole examines how UK engineering employers can continue to access international talent amid growing skills shortages and a rapidly evolving immigration landscape.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times Brasil CNBC: How Technology is Reshaping Identity Verification Systems

In this Times Brasil CNBC Real Tech interview, Partner Diana Quintas discusses Brazil’s recent visa exemption for Chinese nationals, what it signals for Brazil-China mobility and how technology is helping support more efficient cross-border movement.

Learn more

Podcast

World Refugee Day 2026

In this episode of The Immigration Conversation, Business Immigration Manager Ayana Ibrahimi is joined by Lara Dyer, Chief Solutions Officer (Americas) at Talent Beyond Boundaries; Stuart Szabo, CEO and Co-founder of Beacon; and Jessica Turner, Co-founder and CEO of ThriveON, to discuss refugee labour mobility and employment-based pathways for displaced talent.

Learn more

Video

Business Travel to China | #MobilityMinute

In this Mobility Minute, Manager Maja Sugui provides an overview of key visa and compliance considerations for business travelers planning trips to China.

Learn more

Media mentions

Michigan Law’s Law Quadrangle: Christopher Wendt, ’98: At the Intersection of Immigration and Health Care Workers

In this profile published in Michigan Law’s Law Quadrangle, Counsel Christopher Wendt discusses the role of immigration in supporting the US healthcare workforce and expanding access to civil legal aid in Minnesota.

Learn more

Media mentions

WealthBriefing: The End of the Golden Visa?

Director Isobel Neilson discusses how investment migration programs are evolving amid political scrutiny, regulatory reform and shifting priorities, with governments moving toward pathways that emphasise economic contribution, talent and stronger ties to host countries.

Learn more

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Fragomen Welcomes Christopher Wendt as Counsel

Fragomen welcomes Counsel Christopher Wendt in Minnesota, bringing nearly three decades of immigration law experience, including more than 20 years supporting workforce immigration programs for Mayo Clinic.

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Media mentions

The ABC: Switzerland is Set to Vote on a Population Cap. Here's Why it's Divided the Nation

Senior Counsel Dr. Anna Boucher discusses Switzerland’s rejected population cap referendum and the role of immigration in supporting workforce and economic stability.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Featured in Global Mobility Lawyer’s 2026 GML Elite

Fragomen has been featured in the 2026 GML Elite, Global Mobility Lawyer’s inaugural guide to leading global mobility teams, highlighting the firm’s global immigration capabilities, international footprint and work supporting multinational clients.

Learn more

Media mentions

Deutscher AnwaltSpiegel: Die Blaue Karte EU 2026

Partner Marius Tollenaere outlines the key 2026 EU Blue Card changes employers must understand to stay compliant and competitive.

Learn more

Media mentions

STV News: What Can Scots Fans Do if Their US Travel Permits Have Been Revoked?

Partner Charlotte Slocombe explained options available to Scotland fans whose US ESTAs have been denied or revoked ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

Learn more

Media mentions

Hong Kong Business Magazine: Employers Seek Broader Immigration Reforms

In this Hong Kong Business article, Managing Director Magdalene Tennant discusses Hong Kong’s recent decision to allow employment and dependent visa renewal applications to be filed up to three months before expiry, a change intended to reduce the risk of work disruptions and provide employers with greater flexibility in managing foreign talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Professional Engineering: How to Access International Engineering Talent in a Changing Immigration System

In this article published by Professional Engineering, Senior Manager Nadine Barnole examines how UK engineering employers can continue to access international talent amid growing skills shortages and a rapidly evolving immigration landscape.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times Brasil CNBC: How Technology is Reshaping Identity Verification Systems

In this Times Brasil CNBC Real Tech interview, Partner Diana Quintas discusses Brazil’s recent visa exemption for Chinese nationals, what it signals for Brazil-China mobility and how technology is helping support more efficient cross-border movement.

Learn more

Podcast

World Refugee Day 2026

In this episode of The Immigration Conversation, Business Immigration Manager Ayana Ibrahimi is joined by Lara Dyer, Chief Solutions Officer (Americas) at Talent Beyond Boundaries; Stuart Szabo, CEO and Co-founder of Beacon; and Jessica Turner, Co-founder and CEO of ThriveON, to discuss refugee labour mobility and employment-based pathways for displaced talent.

Learn more

Video

Business Travel to China | #MobilityMinute

In this Mobility Minute, Manager Maja Sugui provides an overview of key visa and compliance considerations for business travelers planning trips to China.

Learn more

Media mentions

Michigan Law’s Law Quadrangle: Christopher Wendt, ’98: At the Intersection of Immigration and Health Care Workers

In this profile published in Michigan Law’s Law Quadrangle, Counsel Christopher Wendt discusses the role of immigration in supporting the US healthcare workforce and expanding access to civil legal aid in Minnesota.

Learn more

Media mentions

WealthBriefing: The End of the Golden Visa?

Director Isobel Neilson discusses how investment migration programs are evolving amid political scrutiny, regulatory reform and shifting priorities, with governments moving toward pathways that emphasise economic contribution, talent and stronger ties to host countries.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Welcomes Christopher Wendt as Counsel

Fragomen welcomes Counsel Christopher Wendt in Minnesota, bringing nearly three decades of immigration law experience, including more than 20 years supporting workforce immigration programs for Mayo Clinic.

Learn more

Media mentions

The ABC: Switzerland is Set to Vote on a Population Cap. Here's Why it's Divided the Nation

Senior Counsel Dr. Anna Boucher discusses Switzerland’s rejected population cap referendum and the role of immigration in supporting workforce and economic stability.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Featured in Global Mobility Lawyer’s 2026 GML Elite

Fragomen has been featured in the 2026 GML Elite, Global Mobility Lawyer’s inaugural guide to leading global mobility teams, highlighting the firm’s global immigration capabilities, international footprint and work supporting multinational clients.

Learn more

Media mentions

Deutscher AnwaltSpiegel: Die Blaue Karte EU 2026

Partner Marius Tollenaere outlines the key 2026 EU Blue Card changes employers must understand to stay compliant and competitive.

Learn more

Media mentions

STV News: What Can Scots Fans Do if Their US Travel Permits Have Been Revoked?

Partner Charlotte Slocombe explained options available to Scotland fans whose US ESTAs have been denied or revoked ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

Learn more
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Important Updates
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June 18, 2026 | United KingdomProfessional Engineering: How to Access International Engineering Talent in a Changing Immigration System
June 19, 2026 | KuwaitKuwait: Commercial Visit Visa Issuance Temporarily Suspended
June 19, 2026 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
June 18, 2026 | ChinaHong Kong Business Magazine: Employers Seek Broader Immigration Reforms
June 18, 2026 | IndonesiaIndonesia: Processing Delays Following Ongoing Anti-Corruption Investigations
June 18, 2026 | United KingdomProfessional Engineering: How to Access International Engineering Talent in a Changing Immigration System
June 19, 2026 | KuwaitKuwait: Commercial Visit Visa Issuance Temporarily Suspended
June 19, 2026 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
June 18, 2026 | ChinaHong Kong Business Magazine: Employers Seek Broader Immigration Reforms
June 18, 2026 | IndonesiaIndonesia: Processing Delays Following Ongoing Anti-Corruption Investigations
June 18, 2026 | United KingdomProfessional Engineering: How to Access International Engineering Talent in a Changing Immigration System
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