Counsel
Michael Smith
Country / Territory
Get in touch
Languages
- English
Contact information
Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP
1101 15th St NW STE 700
Washington DC 20005
United States
Mike has represented corporate and nonprofit clients in U.S. business immigration matters for more than a decade, and is experienced in representing higher education institutions and hospitals. Mike provides representation on all aspects of business immigration law, including complying with the laws and regulations governing Form I-9, and obtaining employment-authorized nonimmigrant status and permanent residence for managerial, professional and other critical personnel.
Prior to entering private practice, Mike was an attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice, serving at the Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer and then at the Board of Immigration Appeals. Mike entered the Justice Department out of law school through the Attorney General’s Honors Program.
Mike’s pro bono work includes assisting Central American women and children seeking refuge from persecution, preparing citizenship applications and representing children seeking Dream Act/DACA relief.
Education
- University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, J.D., 2001
- St. Mary's College of Maryland, B.A., 1998
More from Michael
Admissions
Bar Admissions: Maryland; District of Columbia
Court Admissions: U.S. District Court, District of Maryland; U.S. District Court, District of Columbia
Practice Limited to Federal Immigration & Nationality Law
Awards
Named to Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch, 2023 to 2024
Professional accomplishments
Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association
Member, American Bar Association
Experience
Obtained Conrad 30 and other interested government agency waivers of the J visa’s two-year home residence requirement for foreign physicians.
Successfully represented physicians, scientists and business leaders in obtaining “Extraordinary Ability” classification for an O-1 visa or permanent residence.
Obtained “Outstanding Researcher” based permanent residence for physicians and scientists.
Established H-1B, L-1, STEM OPT and PERM Labor Certification programs for employers.
Successfully represented a law firm with offices in Europe and Africa in opening a Washington, DC office and obtaining a “new office” L-1A visa (and subsequent visa extension) for its majority owner.
Publications and lectures
Guest speaker on business immigration, University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law, and American University Washington College of Law.
Author, “Clear Guidelines on ‘No-Match’ Letters Remain Elusive for Employers.” Maryland Bar Bulletin, February 2011.
Author, “Maryland Recognizes My Same-Sex Marriage: Will the Immigration Service Do So?” Maryland Bar Bulletin, August 2010.
Author, “Obama Administration Targets Employers in Immigration Worksite Enforcement Investigations.” Maryland Bar Bulletin, August 2009.
Co-Author, “The Future is Now: The Genetic Nondiscrimination Act of 2008.” Lodging HR (Human Resources for Hoteliers), July, Vol. 7, Issue 12, 2008.
Author, “Who is a United States National?” Maryland Bar Bulletin, August 2003.
Co-Author, “The MBCA and State Corporation Law - A Tabular Comparison of Selected Financial Provisions.” 56 BUS. LAW. 69 (2000).
Michael’s insights
August 19, 2024 | Awards
August 17, 2023 | Awards
August 22, 2022 | Awards
