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

Australian Broadcasting Corporation: Overnights

Senior Counsel Dr. Anna Boucher discusses Australia’s net migration figures and recent changes to the country’s migration policies.

Learn more

Blog post

Can International Graduates in the Netherlands Qualify for the 30% Ruling? Eligibility Rules Explained

Tiemen Peters, Silvia Norte Mercade and Soraya Driessen outline when international graduates who studied in the Netherlands may qualify for the 30% ruling and the key eligibility, timing and compliance considerations for graduates and employers.

Learn more

Blog post

The Narrowing Talent Pipeline: From International Student to Corporate America

Counsel Susan Steger discusses how recent immigration developments may affect the pathway from F-1 study and practical training through H-1B sponsorship and permanent residence for U.S. employers recruiting and retaining early-career international talent.

Learn more

Blog post

Right to Work Changes: What Do They Mean for Employers in Northern England?

Manager Ko Ito, Senior Immigration Consultant Danielle Barks, Associate Naureen Malik and Trainee Solicitor Amna Ali outline how the expanded UK Right to Work Scheme could affect employers in Northern England and the practical steps businesses can take ahead of the 1 October 2026 changes.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Traveller: Six Months in, the EU’s Entry/Exit System Isn’t Working

Partner Christine Sullivan discusses the implementation of the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) across member states and at border crossing points.

Learn more

Blog post

Polish Citizenship by Descent: A Practical Guide for 2026

Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala, Senior Associate Tomasz Rdzanek and Senior Immigration Consultant Paulina Fołta-Cisak discuss who may qualify for Polish citizenship by descent, how historical events can affect a claim and what applicants should expect from the 2026 confirmation process.

Learn more

Media mentions

ABC News: What Australia can learn from 165 years of migration data

Senior Counsel Anna Boucher is quoted in ABC News regarding Australia's migration debate and what more than 165 years of migration data reveals about long-term immigration trends.

Learn more

Blog post

Swiss Immigration Quotas 2026: Are Work Permit Quotas Likely to Run Out Before Year-End?

Senior Immigration Consultant Alessandra Rüede discusses Switzerland’s 2026 work permit quota utilisation and what current availability, canton-level allocation practices and processing considerations mean for employers planning international hiring and mobility.

Learn more

Blog post

From Investment to Merit: Malta’s Citizenship Reset

Director Isobel Neilson and Manager Sophie Jo Wasson discuss Malta’s shift from citizenship by investment to merit-based naturalisation and outline what may contribute to a compelling application based on exceptional merit and national interest.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Letter to ICE/Student and Exchange Visitor Program on Curricular Practical TrainingLearn more

Blog post

Right to Work Changes from 1 October 2026: Why Employers Need to Act Now

Partner Naomi Goldshtein discusses the UK Right to Work changes taking effect from 1 October 2026 and what employers should do now to strengthen identity verification, workforce oversight and compliance across direct and extended worker populations.

Learn more

Awards

Senior Associate Tuğba Özyakup Appointed to Dutch Bar Legislative Committee on Immigration Law

Senior Associate Tuğba Özyakup has been appointed to the Dutch Bar’s Legislative Committee on Immigration Law, where she will contribute input and advice on proposed and existing immigration legislation.

Learn more

Media mentions

Australian Broadcasting Corporation: Overnights

Senior Counsel Dr. Anna Boucher discusses Australia’s net migration figures and recent changes to the country’s migration policies.

Learn more

Blog post

Can International Graduates in the Netherlands Qualify for the 30% Ruling? Eligibility Rules Explained

Tiemen Peters, Silvia Norte Mercade and Soraya Driessen outline when international graduates who studied in the Netherlands may qualify for the 30% ruling and the key eligibility, timing and compliance considerations for graduates and employers.

Learn more

Blog post

The Narrowing Talent Pipeline: From International Student to Corporate America

Counsel Susan Steger discusses how recent immigration developments may affect the pathway from F-1 study and practical training through H-1B sponsorship and permanent residence for U.S. employers recruiting and retaining early-career international talent.

Learn more

Blog post

Right to Work Changes: What Do They Mean for Employers in Northern England?

Manager Ko Ito, Senior Immigration Consultant Danielle Barks, Associate Naureen Malik and Trainee Solicitor Amna Ali outline how the expanded UK Right to Work Scheme could affect employers in Northern England and the practical steps businesses can take ahead of the 1 October 2026 changes.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Traveller: Six Months in, the EU’s Entry/Exit System Isn’t Working

Partner Christine Sullivan discusses the implementation of the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) across member states and at border crossing points.

Learn more

Blog post

Polish Citizenship by Descent: A Practical Guide for 2026

Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala, Senior Associate Tomasz Rdzanek and Senior Immigration Consultant Paulina Fołta-Cisak discuss who may qualify for Polish citizenship by descent, how historical events can affect a claim and what applicants should expect from the 2026 confirmation process.

Learn more

Media mentions

ABC News: What Australia can learn from 165 years of migration data

Senior Counsel Anna Boucher is quoted in ABC News regarding Australia's migration debate and what more than 165 years of migration data reveals about long-term immigration trends.

Learn more

Blog post

Swiss Immigration Quotas 2026: Are Work Permit Quotas Likely to Run Out Before Year-End?

Senior Immigration Consultant Alessandra Rüede discusses Switzerland’s 2026 work permit quota utilisation and what current availability, canton-level allocation practices and processing considerations mean for employers planning international hiring and mobility.

Learn more

Blog post

From Investment to Merit: Malta’s Citizenship Reset

Director Isobel Neilson and Manager Sophie Jo Wasson discuss Malta’s shift from citizenship by investment to merit-based naturalisation and outline what may contribute to a compelling application based on exceptional merit and national interest.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Letter to ICE/Student and Exchange Visitor Program on Curricular Practical TrainingLearn more

Blog post

Right to Work Changes from 1 October 2026: Why Employers Need to Act Now

Partner Naomi Goldshtein discusses the UK Right to Work changes taking effect from 1 October 2026 and what employers should do now to strengthen identity verification, workforce oversight and compliance across direct and extended worker populations.

Learn more

Awards

Senior Associate Tuğba Özyakup Appointed to Dutch Bar Legislative Committee on Immigration Law

Senior Associate Tuğba Özyakup has been appointed to the Dutch Bar’s Legislative Committee on Immigration Law, where she will contribute input and advice on proposed and existing immigration legislation.

Learn more
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Important Updates
Important Updates
September 18, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: Starting October 1, State Department Will Expand Online Presence Review to TN, TD, and I Visa Applicants
September 18, 2026 | AustraliaAustralia: Further Migration Reforms to Reduce Net Overseas Migration Announced
September 18, 2026 | AustraliaAustralia: Skilled Visa Processing Priorities Revised
September 18, 2026 | AustraliaAustralian Broadcasting Corporation: Overnights
September 18, 2026 | ThailandThailand: Reduction in Visa-Exempt Stay Duration Forthcoming
September 18, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: Starting October 1, State Department Will Expand Online Presence Review to TN, TD, and I Visa Applicants
September 18, 2026 | AustraliaAustralia: Further Migration Reforms to Reduce Net Overseas Migration Announced
September 18, 2026 | AustraliaAustralia: Skilled Visa Processing Priorities Revised
September 18, 2026 | AustraliaAustralian Broadcasting Corporation: Overnights
September 18, 2026 | ThailandThailand: Reduction in Visa-Exempt Stay Duration Forthcoming
September 18, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: Starting October 1, State Department Will Expand Online Presence Review to TN, TD, and I Visa Applicants
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