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Partner

Janora L. Hawkins

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Partner

Janora L. Hawkins

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  • United StatesUnited States

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  • German

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[email protected]

T:+1 404 856 5495

F:+1 404 856 5747

Atlanta

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1355 Peachtree St NE STE 900

Atlanta GA 30309

United States

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Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • German

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Email

[email protected]

T:+1 404 856 5495

F:+1 404 856 5747

Atlanta

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1355 Peachtree St NE STE 900

Atlanta GA 30309

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • German

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 404 856 5495

F:+1 404 856 5747

Atlanta

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1355 Peachtree St NE STE 900

Atlanta GA 30309

United States

Connect via Linkedin
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Leading Fragomen's Atlanta office, Janora provides strategic business counsel to clients at the intersection of immigration policy and employment law.

Her clientele comprises a remarkable variety of companies, ranging from Fragomen’s largest clients to both mid- and small-sized businesses across a wide variety of industries and cross-sectors.

This diverse portfolio inspires Janora’s focus on mission-critical workflow. Drawing on a decade and a half of experience, she collaborates with clients by learning about their desired approach to immigration, identifies inefficient or redundant processes in their immigration programs, and then streamlines them, or, if need be, eliminates them.

This approach lowers costs and reduces the time and resources required for case preparation while creating a more seamless employee experience. Her clients are freed up to focus time and energy on their core missions.

A clear communicator with a knack for explaining difficult concepts and process points, she appreciates that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. She simplifies complex immigration laws and policies for her clients and is passionate about developing unique solutions to their immigration challenges. This tenacity serves as the foundation for her work as a client advocate. She empowers them to respond quickly and flexibly to expected and unexpected events, including merger and acquisition transactions, increases or reductions in their workforce, strikes, increased visa processing times and global pandemics.

The loyalty of her clients—many of whom have worked with her for more than a decade—is a direct result of her holistic understanding of their business objectives and employee culture. She listens to her clients and partners with them to develop processes and solutions that meet their unique and specific immigration program needs.

Janora serves on the boards of, as well as works with, nonprofit organizations that are dedicated to providing pro bono services to victims of violence and trafficking as well as to stopping the cycle of homelessness. She is also an active member, at the local and national levels, of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and is routinely invited by a diverse array of organizations nationwide to speak on business-immigration topics.

Janora speaks English and German.

This approach lowers costs and reduces the time and resources required for case preparation while creating a more seamless employee experience. Her clients are freed up to focus time and energy on their core missions.

A clear communicator with a knack for explaining difficult concepts and process points, she appreciates that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. She simplifies complex immigration laws and policies for her clients and is passionate about developing unique solutions to their immigration challenges. This tenacity serves as the foundation for her work as a client advocate. She empowers them to respond quickly and flexibly to expected and unexpected events, including merger and acquisition transactions, increases or reductions in their workforce, strikes, increased visa processing times and global pandemics.

The loyalty of her clients—many of whom have worked with her for more than a decade—is a direct result of her holistic understanding of their business objectives and employee culture. She listens to her clients and partners with them to develop processes and solutions that meet their unique and specific immigration program needs.

Janora serves on the boards of, as well as works with, nonprofit organizations that are dedicated to providing pro bono services to victims of violence and trafficking as well as to stopping the cycle of homelessness. She is also an active member, at the local and national levels, of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and is routinely invited by a diverse array of organizations nationwide to speak on business-immigration topics.

Janora speaks English and German.

Education

  • Brooklyn Law School, J.D., cum laude , 2008
  • University of Southern Mississippi, B.A., magna cum laude , 2002

More from Janora L.

Admissions

Bar Admissions: New York, Georgia

Practice Limited to Federal Immigration & Nationality Law

Awards

Listed in Best Lawyers in America, 2020 to 2026

Listed in Chambers USA, 2021 to 2026

Professional accomplishments

Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)

Member, Gala Planning Committee, Our House, Atlanta, GA (2018-present)

Board of Governors, AILA National (2020-2021)

Immediate Past Chair, AILA Georgia-Alabama Chapter (2021-2022)

Former Chair, AILA Georgia-Alabama Chapter (2020-2021)

Former Member, Member Engagement Committee, AILA National (2020-2022)

Co-Chair and Member, Conference Planning Committee, AILA Georgia-Alabama Chapter (2016-2018)

Co-Host, Beyond the Border, WCEG Talk Radio (2016-2021)

Former Executive Committee & Board Member, Our House, Atlanta, GA (2016-2022)

Former Board Member, Georgia Asylum & Immigration Network (GAIN), Atlanta, GA

Former Committee Member, Mid-Year Conference Planning Committee, AILA National (2019)

Former Vice-Chair, AILA Georgia-Alabama Chapter (2019-2020)

Former Chair, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) AILA Liaison Committee, AILA Georgia-Alabama Chapter

Former Vice Chair, CBP AILA Liaison Committee, AILA Georgia-Alabama Chapter

Former Committee Member, Distance Learning Committee, AILA National

Former Committee Member, Nebraska Service Center (NSC) Liaison Committee, AILA National

Former Treasurer, AILA Georgia-Alabama Chapter (2017-18)

Experience

Obtained approvals for nonimmigrant visas (including L-1, H-1B, TN, O-1, E-1/E-2, E-3, B-1, and J-1 visa petitions), permanent residence, including labor certifications (PERM), and multinational manager, extraordinary ability and outstanding researcher immigrant petitions.

Provided advice on consular processing and adjustment of status applications, naturalization, I-9 and LCA compliances, and the immigration aspects of corporate restructuring.

Guided clients through all aspects of family-based permanent residence applications.

Represented clients at immigration interviews in connection with naturalization and lawful permanent residence.

Publications and lectures

Speaker, “Navigating the Shifting U.S. Landscape: Solutions for Immigration, Relocation, and Tax in a Global Workforce.” Fragomen, Atlanta, GA, 18 June 2025.

Speaker, “I-140/Adjustment of Status Challenges in Fiscal Year 2023 and Beyond!” AILA Midwinter Conference & Webcast, San Juan, Puerto Rico, 20 January 2023.

Speaker, “’I Didn’t Know I Could Do That!’ Creative and Cautionary Uses of the B-1 Visa.” AILA Annual Conference on Immigration Law, Virtual, 9 June 2021.

Speaker, “Covid 19: Local Practice Updates & Hot Topics.” Georgia-Alabama AILA Chapter Annual Conference, June 2020.

Speaker, “Immigration Law – The New Normal & Immigration Litigation Strategies to Combat USCIS Delay and Denial.” Georgia-Alabama AILA Chapter Annual Conference, March 2020.

Speaker, “Business Immigration 101: Things I Wish I Knew When I Started Practicing.” AILA National Conference on Immigration Law, Orlando, Florida, June 2019.

Speaker, “Navigating Ethical Obligations in a Changing Business Environment.” GA-AL AILA Chapter Conference, Atlanta, Georgia, February 2019.

Speaker, “Employment-Based Green Cards - Focus on PERM.” ICLE: State Bar Series, Atlanta, Georgia, January 2019.

Speaker, “Getting USCIS to Say 'Yes' After the RFE.” AILA National Midwinter Conference on Immigration Law, Indian Wells, California, January 2019.

Speaker, “Anatomy of an L-1: Practical Preparation Tips.” AILA National Conference on Immigration Law, San Francisco, California, June 2018.

Speaker, “HOW Session: Prevailing Wage Determinations.” GA-AL AILA Chapter Conference, Atlanta, Georgia, February 2018.

Presenter, “Business Immigration Hot Topics: Best Practices and Current Trends.” Association of Corporate Counsel Deep Dive Luncheon, Dunwoody, Georgia, November 17, 2017.

Author, “Employing Foreign Graduates: What Companies Should Know.” Global Atlanta, 20 November 2017.

Speaker, “Trends in L-1 Adjudication.” AILA California Chapter Conference on Immigration Law, Los Angeles, California, October 2017.

Speaker, “Tricky LCA and PERM Issues for a Mobile Workforce.” AILA National Conference on Immigration Law, New Orleans, Louisiana, June 2017.

Speaker, “The Latest Issues with High Scrutiny Consular Posts.” Teleconference, AILA Telephone Conference Series, May 2017.

Speaker, “Update from Customs and Border Protection.” Spinning the Hits! Recording Award Winning Immigration Strategies, GA-AL AILA Chapter Conference, Atlanta, Georgia, February 2017.

Speaker, “Climbing the Visa Ladder: Moving to a Higher Immigrant Visa Category.” AILA National Conference on Immigration Law, Las Vegas, Nevada, June 2016.

Speaker, “To H-1B or Not to H-1B: Alternatives When the H-1B Cap is Met.” Lights, Camera, Action—How to Produce Award Winning Immigration Cases, GA-AL AILA Chapter Conference, Atlanta, Georgia, February 2016.

Co-Author, “An Immigration Year-End Review.” Global Atlanta, 6 January 2016.

Speaker, “H-1B Visas—Within Our Grasp, but Often Out of Reach.” AILA National Conference on Immigration Law, National Harbor, Maryland, June 2015.

Speaker, “Update from Customs and Border Protection.” A Brave New World—Facing Challenges in the New Immigration Landscape, GA-AL AILA Chapter Conference, Atlanta, Georgia, February 2015.

Speaker, “Employment-based Immigrant Visas - Part II (Alien Labor Certification Application).” AILA Fundamentals of Immigration Law Conference, New Orleans, Louisiana, October 2014.

Janora L.’s insights

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

June 18, 2025 | Meeting

Navigating the Shifting U.S. Landscape: Solutions for Immigration, Relocation, and Tax in a Global WorkforceRead more
More related insights

Janora L.’s insights

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

June 18, 2025 | Meeting

Navigating the Shifting U.S. Landscape: Solutions for Immigration, Relocation, and Tax in a Global WorkforceRead more
More related insights

Janora L.’s insights

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

June 18, 2025 | Meeting

Navigating the Shifting U.S. Landscape: Solutions for Immigration, Relocation, and Tax in a Global WorkforceRead more
More related insights

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • German

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 404 856 5495

F:+1 404 856 5747

Atlanta

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1355 Peachtree St NE STE 900

Atlanta GA 30309

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Janora L.’s insights

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

June 18, 2025 | Meeting

Navigating the Shifting U.S. Landscape: Solutions for Immigration, Relocation, and Tax in a Global WorkforceRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • German

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 404 856 5495

F:+1 404 856 5747

Atlanta

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1355 Peachtree St NE STE 900

Atlanta GA 30309

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Janora L.’s insights

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

June 18, 2025 | Meeting

Navigating the Shifting U.S. Landscape: Solutions for Immigration, Relocation, and Tax in a Global WorkforceRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • German

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 404 856 5495

F:+1 404 856 5747

Atlanta

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1355 Peachtree St NE STE 900

Atlanta GA 30309

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Janora L.’s insights

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

June 18, 2025 | Meeting

Navigating the Shifting U.S. Landscape: Solutions for Immigration, Relocation, and Tax in a Global WorkforceRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

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Learn more

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In this blog, Senior Associate Charlotte Roberts explains what these changes mean for employers, why salary discounts may no longer be a reliable long-term strategy and how early workforce planning can help businesses continue to access international talent while managing compliance and costs.

Learn more

Media mentions

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Learn more

Podcast

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Associates Julia Manacher and Stephanie Weaver examine immigration issues emerging in a popular reality television series, including K-1 visa denials, consular non-reviewability, fraud findings and changing adjudication policies.

Learn more

Blog post

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Manager Dr. Adela Schmidt examines common misconceptions in German citizenship law, including birthright citizenship, dual citizenship, citizenship by descent and naturalization processing, and explains why eligibility often depends on specific legal requirements, timelines and documentation.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Professionals Named 2026 TLC Lions Human Awards Americas Finalists

Partner Audrea Golding, Senior Associate Kyle Sommer and Senior Talent Development Director Wendy Milici have been named finalists in the 2026 TLC Lions Human Awards Americas, recognizing their contributions to human-centered leadership, workplace culture and inclusion.

Learn more

Media mentions

Biometric Update: Fragomen and SICPA Form JV to Join Digital Identity Market With End-to-End Platform

Fragomen and SICPA have launched a global joint venture to develop an end-to-end digital identity platform that enables secure identity verification, document authentication and verifiable credential management.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times of India: Trump Administration Eyes Tighter H-1B, Green Card and Student Visa Rules; Indians Could Be Among Most Affected

Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses how potential changes to H-1B visas, employment-based green cards and OPT could impact employers’ workforce planning and compliance obligations.

Learn more

Media mentions

World Business Travel Forum: Leaders in Motion - Middle East Mobility and Travel Resilience

In a Leaders in Motion interview with World Business Travel Forum, Partner Ali Haider and Nomadic CEO Carsten Østberg discuss recent travel and mobility developments across the Middle East and practical considerations for employers managing cross-border talent in the region.

Learn more

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Global Mobility Lawyer: Dairy Industry Gains Clarity on H-2A Guest Worker Eligibility

Partner Rachel Beardsley explains how new DHS guidance clarifies that dairy employers may use the H-2A program when they can demonstrate a temporary or seasonal labor need.

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Fragomen and SICPA announced the formation of a global joint venture to advance next-generation digital identity solutions for governments, enterprises and individuals.

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Media mentions

The PIE: Canada Fraud Case Exposes “Acute” Sector Integrity Issues

Partner Jack Kim discusses how fraud has shaped Canada's international student reforms and ongoing integrity efforts.

Learn more

Blog post

Skilled Worker Salary Changes: What Employers Need to Know

In this blog, Senior Associate Charlotte Roberts explains what these changes mean for employers, why salary discounts may no longer be a reliable long-term strategy and how early workforce planning can help businesses continue to access international talent while managing compliance and costs.

Learn more

Media mentions

Markt und Mittelstand: EU-Entsendung: Diese Fehler kosten Unternehmen bis zu 500.000 Euro

Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler outlines the key compliance considerations for employers with employees working across the EU.

Learn more

Podcast

Reality Check Pt. 3: Immigration Law in Pop Culture

Associates Julia Manacher and Stephanie Weaver examine immigration issues emerging in a popular reality television series, including K-1 visa denials, consular non-reviewability, fraud findings and changing adjudication policies.

Learn more

Blog post

Separating Fact and Fiction: Debunking Myths in German Citizenship Law

Manager Dr. Adela Schmidt examines common misconceptions in German citizenship law, including birthright citizenship, dual citizenship, citizenship by descent and naturalization processing, and explains why eligibility often depends on specific legal requirements, timelines and documentation.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Professionals Named 2026 TLC Lions Human Awards Americas Finalists

Partner Audrea Golding, Senior Associate Kyle Sommer and Senior Talent Development Director Wendy Milici have been named finalists in the 2026 TLC Lions Human Awards Americas, recognizing their contributions to human-centered leadership, workplace culture and inclusion.

Learn more

Media mentions

Biometric Update: Fragomen and SICPA Form JV to Join Digital Identity Market With End-to-End Platform

Fragomen and SICPA have launched a global joint venture to develop an end-to-end digital identity platform that enables secure identity verification, document authentication and verifiable credential management.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times of India: Trump Administration Eyes Tighter H-1B, Green Card and Student Visa Rules; Indians Could Be Among Most Affected

Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses how potential changes to H-1B visas, employment-based green cards and OPT could impact employers’ workforce planning and compliance obligations.

Learn more

Media mentions

World Business Travel Forum: Leaders in Motion - Middle East Mobility and Travel Resilience

In a Leaders in Motion interview with World Business Travel Forum, Partner Ali Haider and Nomadic CEO Carsten Østberg discuss recent travel and mobility developments across the Middle East and practical considerations for employers managing cross-border talent in the region.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Dairy Industry Gains Clarity on H-2A Guest Worker Eligibility

Partner Rachel Beardsley explains how new DHS guidance clarifies that dairy employers may use the H-2A program when they can demonstrate a temporary or seasonal labor need.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times of India: US Finalises Alien Registration Rule: H-1B Holders Need Not Register AgainLearn more

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Fragomen and SICPA Launch a Global Strategic Joint Venture to Advance Global Digital Identity Solutions

Fragomen and SICPA announced the formation of a global joint venture to advance next-generation digital identity solutions for governments, enterprises and individuals.

Learn more
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July 17, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: H-1B Cap Is Reached for FY 2027
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July 17, 2026 | CanadaThe PIE: Canada Fraud Case Exposes “Acute” Sector Integrity Issues
July 17, 2026 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: Draft Code on Expanded Right to Work Scheme Clarifies Employer Obligations
July 17, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: H-1B Cap Is Reached for FY 2027
July 17, 2026 | ChadChad: Visa-Free Entry for African Nationals Forthcoming
July 17, 2026 | CroatiaCroatia: Wide-ranging Immigration Reforms, Adoption of Certain Recast Single Permit Directive Rules
July 17, 2026 | CanadaThe PIE: Canada Fraud Case Exposes “Acute” Sector Integrity Issues
July 17, 2026 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: Draft Code on Expanded Right to Work Scheme Clarifies Employer Obligations
July 17, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: H-1B Cap Is Reached for FY 2027
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