Photo of Pamela Debias

Counsel

Pamela Debias

Photo of Pamela Debias
Photo of Pamela Debias
  • People

Counsel

Pamela Debias

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Maltese

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 248 282 5704

F:+1 248 250 5289

Detroit

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

755 W Big Beaver Rd Suite 2050

Troy MI 48084

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Maltese

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 248 282 5704

F:+1 248 250 5289

Detroit

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

755 W Big Beaver Rd Suite 2050

Troy MI 48084

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Maltese

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 248 282 5704

F:+1 248 250 5289

Detroit

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

755 W Big Beaver Rd Suite 2050

Troy MI 48084

United States

Connect via Linkedin
  • PrintPrint
  • SaveSave

Pamela joined Fragomen in 2014 and is Counsel at Fragomen’s Detroit office. In this role, she partners with a wide range of corporate clients and their employees on various employment-based immigration matters, including immigrant and nonimmigrant visa processing, U.S. permanent residence, immigration policy and regulatory compliance matters. Pamela has extensive experience providing strategic direction to clients undergoing corporate restructures, collaborating with clients on short- and long-term retention of international talent and is a trusted advisor to business leaders, mobility management, HR and legal teams.

Prior to joining Fragomen in 2014, Pamela practiced in the area of corporate, employment and family-based immigration law. She assisted a diverse range of clients, including multinational corporations, small businesses and individuals.

Pamela is an active member in the legal community and is dedicated to various pro bono efforts, which include service with American Immigration Lawyers Association’s Military Assistance Program (MAP) and Michigan Immigrant Rights Center. She also previously served on the Dilley Pro Bono Project, where she spent one week at the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas providing pro bono legal services to women and children.

Pamela speaks English and Maltese.

Education

  • University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, J.D., 2008
  • Eastern Michigan University, B.S., cum laude, 2004

More from Pamela

Admissions

Bar Admissions: Michigan

Court Admissions: U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan

Practice Limited to Federal Immigration & Nationality Law

Awards

Listed in Chambers USA, 2023 to 2026

Professional accomplishments

Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)

Member, AILA Michigan Chapter

Member, State Bar of Michigan

Member, Michigan Relocation Council

Experience

Managed high volume clients in the automotive and manufacturing industries, as well as university clients.

Provided strategic advice on complex corporate restructures and the impact to employees and other compliance matters.

Oversaw and managed high volume immigration projects, including nonimmigrant and immigrant visa processing, PERM and National Interest Waivers.

Publications and lectures

Speaker, “Need to Know: Immigration & Business Travel.” Global Business Travel Association – Michigan Chapter, Webinar, 19 August 2021.

Speaker, “Business Immigration in the Trump Administration.” American Society of Employers, Webinar, 18 August 2020.

Speaker, “Legal and Compliance Issues Around the COVID-19 Pandemic.” American Society of Employers, Webinar, 26 March 2020.

Pamela’s insights

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

June 6, 2025 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Ranked in Chambers USA 2025Read more

January 6, 2025 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Announces Five New Partners and Nine New CounselRead more
More related insights

Pamela’s insights

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

June 6, 2025 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Ranked in Chambers USA 2025Read more

January 6, 2025 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Announces Five New Partners and Nine New CounselRead more
More related insights

Pamela’s insights

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

June 6, 2025 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Ranked in Chambers USA 2025Read more

January 6, 2025 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Announces Five New Partners and Nine New CounselRead more
More related insights

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Maltese

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 248 282 5704

F:+1 248 250 5289

Detroit

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

755 W Big Beaver Rd Suite 2050

Troy MI 48084

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Pamela’s insights

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

June 6, 2025 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Ranked in Chambers USA 2025Read more

January 6, 2025 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Announces Five New Partners and Nine New CounselRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Maltese

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 248 282 5704

F:+1 248 250 5289

Detroit

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

755 W Big Beaver Rd Suite 2050

Troy MI 48084

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Pamela’s insights

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

June 6, 2025 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Ranked in Chambers USA 2025Read more

January 6, 2025 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Announces Five New Partners and Nine New CounselRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Maltese

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 248 282 5704

F:+1 248 250 5289

Detroit

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

755 W Big Beaver Rd Suite 2050

Troy MI 48084

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Pamela’s insights

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

June 6, 2025 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Ranked in Chambers USA 2025Read more

January 6, 2025 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Announces Five New Partners and Nine New CounselRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Awards

Partner Karolina Schiffter Recognised in Lexology Index: Thought Leaders Global Elite 2027

Partner Karolina Schiffter is recognised in the Lexology Index: Thought Leaders Global Elite 2027 report.

Learn more

Blog post

Canada’s Immigration Dual Reality: Narrower Access, Persistent Demand

Partner Jack Kim discusses how Canada’s increasingly selective and complex immigration system is affecting talent access, retention and long-term workforce planning for employers.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Temporary Shortage List Review: What the Migration Advisory Committee's Recommendations Mean for Employers

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit explores what the recommendations mean, what’s still uncertain and what employers should be watching next

Learn more

Blog post

A1-Bescheinigung für Geschäftsreisen und Entsendungen: Was Arbeitgeber wissen müssen

In this blog, Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer explains when employers need an A1 certificate for employees traveling or working temporarily within Europe, the application process and how timely planning can help manage social security compliance risks.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Retains Band 1 Ranking & Receives Four Individual Rankings in Chambers High Net Worth 2026 Guide

Fragomen and UK team members are ranked in the “Immigration: High Net Worth Individuals – UK-wide” category of the Chambers High Net Worth 2026 Guide.

Learn more

Blog post

Establishing a Business Presence in Switzerland: Key Considerations for Employers

In this blog, Director Ana Bessa Santos explores what Swiss authorities expect from employers when assessing work permit applications—including why a well-developed business plan, realistic growth projections and evidence of a genuine operational presence are critical to supporting both initial applications and future permit renewals.

Learn more

Media mentions

Personnel Today: Migration Committee Proposes to Cut 24 Occupations From New Shortage List

Partner Louise Haycock discussed the Migration Advisory Committee’s Temporary Shortage List recommendations and the need for clear workforce plans and transitional arrangements.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Insider: 3 Lawyers React to Trump's New Limits on Student Visas

Counsel Brian Hunt discusses how proposed changes to F-1 student visas could create uncertainty for international students transitioning to the US workforce.

Learn more

Media mentions

Deutscher AnwaltSpiegel: Rechtliche Risiken bei Mitarbeitereinsätzen aus dem Ausland

Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer explains how employers and clients can reduce legal risks during cross-border employee assignments in Germany.

Learn more

Blog post

Mainland vs. Free Zone in the UAE: Choosing the Right Company Structure in 2026

Senior Manager Zak Hynes explores the key factors businesses should consider when establishing a presence in the UAE—from operating model and visa requirements to banking, office needs and long-term growth plans—in our new blog. The right structure is the one that best supports your business strategy, not simply the lowest upfront cost.

Learn more

Video

2026 Regional Immigration Overviews | #MobilityMinute

Partner Catherine Macris highlights key findings from Fragomen’s 2026 regional immigration overviews, including tighter compliance controls, digital border transformation and emerging pathways for global talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gazeta Prawna: Unijny parasol nad pracownikami z Ukrainy rozpięty do 2028 r. Polscy pracodawcy mogą spać spokojnie, ale czas ucieka

Partner Karolina Schiffter discusses how the EU's extension of temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens through 2028 will affect employers in Poland.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Karolina Schiffter Recognised in Lexology Index: Thought Leaders Global Elite 2027

Partner Karolina Schiffter is recognised in the Lexology Index: Thought Leaders Global Elite 2027 report.

Learn more

Blog post

Canada’s Immigration Dual Reality: Narrower Access, Persistent Demand

Partner Jack Kim discusses how Canada’s increasingly selective and complex immigration system is affecting talent access, retention and long-term workforce planning for employers.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Temporary Shortage List Review: What the Migration Advisory Committee's Recommendations Mean for Employers

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit explores what the recommendations mean, what’s still uncertain and what employers should be watching next

Learn more

Blog post

A1-Bescheinigung für Geschäftsreisen und Entsendungen: Was Arbeitgeber wissen müssen

In this blog, Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer explains when employers need an A1 certificate for employees traveling or working temporarily within Europe, the application process and how timely planning can help manage social security compliance risks.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Retains Band 1 Ranking & Receives Four Individual Rankings in Chambers High Net Worth 2026 Guide

Fragomen and UK team members are ranked in the “Immigration: High Net Worth Individuals – UK-wide” category of the Chambers High Net Worth 2026 Guide.

Learn more

Blog post

Establishing a Business Presence in Switzerland: Key Considerations for Employers

In this blog, Director Ana Bessa Santos explores what Swiss authorities expect from employers when assessing work permit applications—including why a well-developed business plan, realistic growth projections and evidence of a genuine operational presence are critical to supporting both initial applications and future permit renewals.

Learn more

Media mentions

Personnel Today: Migration Committee Proposes to Cut 24 Occupations From New Shortage List

Partner Louise Haycock discussed the Migration Advisory Committee’s Temporary Shortage List recommendations and the need for clear workforce plans and transitional arrangements.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Insider: 3 Lawyers React to Trump's New Limits on Student Visas

Counsel Brian Hunt discusses how proposed changes to F-1 student visas could create uncertainty for international students transitioning to the US workforce.

Learn more

Media mentions

Deutscher AnwaltSpiegel: Rechtliche Risiken bei Mitarbeitereinsätzen aus dem Ausland

Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer explains how employers and clients can reduce legal risks during cross-border employee assignments in Germany.

Learn more

Blog post

Mainland vs. Free Zone in the UAE: Choosing the Right Company Structure in 2026

Senior Manager Zak Hynes explores the key factors businesses should consider when establishing a presence in the UAE—from operating model and visa requirements to banking, office needs and long-term growth plans—in our new blog. The right structure is the one that best supports your business strategy, not simply the lowest upfront cost.

Learn more

Video

2026 Regional Immigration Overviews | #MobilityMinute

Partner Catherine Macris highlights key findings from Fragomen’s 2026 regional immigration overviews, including tighter compliance controls, digital border transformation and emerging pathways for global talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gazeta Prawna: Unijny parasol nad pracownikami z Ukrainy rozpięty do 2028 r. Polscy pracodawcy mogą spać spokojnie, ale czas ucieka

Partner Karolina Schiffter discusses how the EU's extension of temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens through 2028 will affect employers in Poland.

Learn more
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Travel and Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastNavigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapCenter for Strategy and Applied InsightsVietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Travel and Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Center for Strategy and Applied Insights
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Important Updates
Important Updates
August 3, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: Somalia TPS Employment Authorization Extended Through August 5
August 3, 2026 | AustraliaAustralia: New Processing Priorities for Certain Visas Announced
August 3, 2026 | ColombiaColombia: Processing Delays and Increased Scrutiny Affecting Work Visa Applications
August 3, 2026 | European UnionEuropean Union/Schengen Area: Internal Schengen Border Checks Situation
August 3, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: Burma TPS Employment Authorization Extended Through August 7
August 3, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: Somalia TPS Employment Authorization Extended Through August 5
August 3, 2026 | AustraliaAustralia: New Processing Priorities for Certain Visas Announced
August 3, 2026 | ColombiaColombia: Processing Delays and Increased Scrutiny Affecting Work Visa Applications
August 3, 2026 | European UnionEuropean Union/Schengen Area: Internal Schengen Border Checks Situation
August 3, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: Burma TPS Employment Authorization Extended Through August 7
August 3, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: Somalia TPS Employment Authorization Extended Through August 5
Subscribe

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • AI Transparency Statement
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • AI Transparency Statement
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • TikTok
  • Twitter

© 2026 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.