Karen Winarksy

Partner

Karen Winarsky

Karen Winarksy
Karen Winarksy
  • People

Partner

Karen Winarsky

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

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  • English

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[email protected]

T:+1 404 856 5527

F:+1 404 856 5773

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

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 404 856 5527

F:+1 404 856 5773

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

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 404 856 5527

F:+1 404 856 5773

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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For more than 25 years, Karen has managed every aspect of her clients’ immigration programs and policies.

Her experience cuts across multiple industries, including several of the most important players in the manufacturing, media and entertainment, information technology and insurance sectors. Her clients rely on her experience to provide thoughtful and effective management of the immigration needs of its foreign national population.

While Karen advises clients on the special needs of their most consequential individual employees, clients also seek her counsel on the seemingly routine aspects of immigration programs and policies, which she transforms into opportunities for increased efficiency and cost-savings. She also helps clients re-orient their human resources, mobility and recruitment practices around the best practices demanded by immigration compliance.

Karen has nurtured uninterrupted relationships with many of the same clients she first served when she began her tenure in immigration law—an accomplishment she credits to making each client feel supremely valued and appreciated and to treating their individual employees with the same respect and consideration enjoyed by the most high-profile member of the client’s workforce. Helping those individuals reach their immigration goals and flourish in their careers and lives in the U.S. provides her with the highest satisfaction.

Karen has been a proud contributor to, and volunteer for, local refugee organizations and aid societies. She is a sought-after speaker on immigration law matters and has addressed numerous local and national conferences of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, Society for Human Resource Management conferences and conferences hosted by the American Bar Association, the American Law Institute and other legal organizations.

Karen is an active and enthusiastic participant in Fragomen’s firmwide mentorship programs, as well as mentorship efforts in the Atlanta office that support women attorneys and staff members aspiring to attend law school. 

Karen has nurtured uninterrupted relationships with many of the same clients she first served when she began her tenure in immigration law—an accomplishment she credits to making each client feel supremely valued and appreciated and to treating their individual employees with the same respect and consideration enjoyed by the most high-profile member of the client’s workforce. Helping those individuals reach their immigration goals and flourish in their careers and lives in the U.S. provides her with the highest satisfaction.

Karen has been a proud contributor to, and volunteer for, local refugee organizations and aid societies. She is a sought-after speaker on immigration law matters and has addressed numerous local and national conferences of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, Society for Human Resource Management conferences and conferences hosted by the American Bar Association, the American Law Institute and other legal organizations.

Karen is an active and enthusiastic participant in Fragomen’s firmwide mentorship programs, as well as mentorship efforts in the Atlanta office that support women attorneys and staff members aspiring to attend law school. 

Education

  • Washington University in St. Louis, J.D., 1993
  • Washington University in St. Louis, B.A., 1990

More from Karen

Admissions

Bar Admissions: Georgia, District of Columbia, Maryland

Practice Limited to Federal Immigration & Nationality Law

Awards

Listed in Best Lawyers in America, Immigration Law, 2007 to 2027

Listed in Chambers USA, 2015 to 2026

Listed in Who’s Who Legal

Professional accomplishments

Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)

Member, Journal of Law and Policy, Washington University Law Review

Former member, AILA Liaison Committee, U.S. Department of Labor

Former member, AILA Liaison Committee, USCIS’ Nebraska Service Center

Past chair, Immigration Committee of the American Bar Association’s Section of Labor and Employment Law for four years

Past chair, American Bar Association-American Law Institute’s (ALI-ABA) immigration law seminar series

Publications and lectures

Speaker, “Business Immigration Updates in the Biden Administration.” SHRM Atlanta, Webinar, June 17, 2021.

Speaker, “Recent Immigration Developments Affecting U.S Employers: How Has the Climate Changed and How Can You Prepare for It?” SHRM-Atlanta Legal Summit, Atlanta, Georgia, May 16, 2019.

Co-author, “Advice for US Employers Navigating the Current Immigration Climate.” The Daily Report, February 5, 2018.

Speaker, “Seminar on Georgia's Entertainment Industry: Opportunities for International Companies/Ventures.” USA India Business Summit, Atlanta, Georgia, July 2016.

Speaker, 7th Annual Labor & Employment Law Conference, The Seminar Group, Atlanta, Georgia, October 2010.

Speaker, AILA Annual Conference, Washington, DC, June 2010.

Speaker, 6th Annual Labor & Employment Law Conference, The Seminar Group, Atlanta, Georgia, October 2009.

Speaker, AILA Annual Conference, Las Vegas, Nevada, June 2009.

Speaker, AILA Annual Conference, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2005.

Author, “Summary of Nonimmigrant Business-Related Visa Categories.” American Bar Association Annual Conference, August 2003.

Karen’s insights

August 20, 2026 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2027 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

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
More related insights

Karen’s insights

August 20, 2026 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2027 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

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
More related insights

Karen’s insights

August 20, 2026 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2027 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

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
More related insights

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 404 856 5527

F:+1 404 856 5773

Atlanta

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1355 Peachtree St NE STE 900

Atlanta GA 30309

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Karen’s insights

August 20, 2026 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2027 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

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
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 404 856 5527

F:+1 404 856 5773

Atlanta

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1355 Peachtree St NE STE 900

Atlanta GA 30309

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Karen’s insights

August 20, 2026 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2027 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

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
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 404 856 5527

F:+1 404 856 5773

Atlanta

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1355 Peachtree St NE STE 900

Atlanta GA 30309

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Karen’s insights

August 20, 2026 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2027 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

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
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

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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: New Executive Order Directs Federal Agencies to Consider Layoff Activity and Labor Market Data in H-1B Adjudications
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: New Executive Order Directs Federal Agencies to Consider Layoff Activity and Labor Market Data in H-1B Adjudications
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: New Executive Order Directs Federal Agencies to Consider Layoff Activity and Labor Market Data in H-1B Adjudications
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