Important Updates
Important Updates
March 3, 2026Partner Cynthia Shearn Recognized in Crain’s 2026 Notable Women in Law List
March 3, 2026 | FranceFrance: New and Increased Immigration-Related Fees Forthcoming
March 3, 2026 | JapanJapan: New Permanent Residence Requirement Implemented
March 3, 2026 | 🌐Middle East - The Latest News on Mobility and Travel Considerations
March 3, 2026 | NicaraguaNicaragua: Visa Categories Restructured; Visa-Free Access Affected for Many Nationals
March 3, 2026Partner Cynthia Shearn Recognized in Crain’s 2026 Notable Women in Law List
March 3, 2026 | FranceFrance: New and Increased Immigration-Related Fees Forthcoming
March 3, 2026 | JapanJapan: New Permanent Residence Requirement Implemented
March 3, 2026 | 🌐Middle East - The Latest News on Mobility and Travel Considerations
March 3, 2026 | NicaraguaNicaragua: Visa Categories Restructured; Visa-Free Access Affected for Many Nationals
March 3, 2026Partner Cynthia Shearn Recognized in Crain’s 2026 Notable Women in Law List
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Photo of Parisa Karaahmet

Partner

Parisa Karaahmet

Photo of Parisa Karaahmet
Photo of Parisa Karaahmet
  • People

Partner

Parisa Karaahmet

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

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  • English
  • Farsi
  • French

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[email protected]

T:+1 212 891 7593

F:+1 212 446 0377

New York, NY

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

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Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Farsi
  • French

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 891 7593

F:+1 212 446 0377

New York, NY

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Farsi
  • French

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 891 7593

F:+1 212 446 0377

New York, NY

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

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Parisa is a trusted, go-to advisor on a range of complex mobility and immigration issues for a large, diverse client base. A Senior Partner in the firm’s New York office and member of Fragomen’s Global Executive Committee, she works to set the firm’s strategic vision and philosophy, manage its worldwide operations and ensure it remains progressive, agile, efficient, innovative and consistent across all its jurisdictions.

With over two decades of immigration law experience, Parisa leads a significant practice and manages corporate and private clients of all scopes and sizes in a range of industries, including those in the financial services, medical, pharmaceutical, academic, retail, media and technology sectors. She has deep experience working across offices and regions leading corporate advisory work in the global mobility space.

In addition to creating successful and innovative immigration programs for her clients, Parisa’s experience and innovation distinguish her as a leader in her field. She understands the need for a specialized approach—one size certainly does not fit all—and ensures each client receives the highest-quality service, attention and delivery of thoughtful solutions. She embeds herself in the world of her clients, approaching their challenges and developing programs as if they were her own.

Parisa speaks at international and national conferences on a variety of immigration topics, including those sponsored by the American Bar Association (ABA), Practising Law Institute (PLI), American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), Invest in the USA (IIUSA) and EB5 Investors Magazine. She has also served as the Chair of PLI’s “Defending Immigration Removal Proceedings” program for more than 10 years. She is a member of the EB-5 Compliance Committee.

Parisa was immediately drawn to immigration law because it is one of the rare practice areas that truly affects individuals’ lives. As someone who has gone through the US immigration journey herself, she is uniquely positioned to strike the delicate balance of addressing an organization’s business goals while attending to an individual employee’s needs. Parisa recognizes that the immense pressure and anxieties felt throughout the process can be alleviated with proper resources and empathy—and constantly works to provide the appropriate level of sensitivity to all involved parties to achieve the best possible outcomes.

With a wealth of knowledge about individual immigration journeys as a backdrop, Parisa provides immigration advice and guidance on a pro bono basis to a number of organizations in the asylum and refugee space.

Prior to joining Fragomen, Parisa served as an Assistant District Counsel and Acting Deputy District Counsel for the Immigration & Naturalization Service, New York District.

Parisa speaks English and Farsi, and is conversational in French.

Parisa speaks at international and national conferences on a variety of immigration topics, including those sponsored by the American Bar Association (ABA), Practising Law Institute (PLI), American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), Invest in the USA (IIUSA) and EB5 Investors Magazine. She has also served as the Chair of PLI’s “Defending Immigration Removal Proceedings” program for more than 10 years. She is a member of the EB-5 Compliance Committee.

Parisa was immediately drawn to immigration law because it is one of the rare practice areas that truly affects individuals’ lives. As someone who has gone through the US immigration journey herself, she is uniquely positioned to strike the delicate balance of addressing an organization’s business goals while attending to an individual employee’s needs. Parisa recognizes that the immense pressure and anxieties felt throughout the process can be alleviated with proper resources and empathy—and constantly works to provide the appropriate level of sensitivity to all involved parties to achieve the best possible outcomes.

With a wealth of knowledge about individual immigration journeys as a backdrop, Parisa provides immigration advice and guidance on a pro bono basis to a number of organizations in the asylum and refugee space.

Prior to joining Fragomen, Parisa served as an Assistant District Counsel and Acting Deputy District Counsel for the Immigration & Naturalization Service, New York District.

Parisa speaks English and Farsi, and is conversational in French.

Education

  • Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law, J.D., 1994
  • Syracuse University, B.A., 1991

More from Parisa

Admissions

Bar Admissions: New York, Maryland

Practice Limited to Federal Immigration & Nationality Law

Awards

Listed in Best Lawyers in America, 2019 to 2026

Named to Crain’s New York Business’ Notable Women in Law, 2021

Listed in Chambers USA, 2021 to 2025

Named to National Law Journal’s Immigration Law Trailblazers, 2020

Named to New York Law Journal's Trailblazers, 2019

Named to “Top 25 Immigration Attorneys,” EB5 Investors Magazine, 2017, 2019, 2022

Professional accomplishments

Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)

Member, Federal Bar Council

Member, Iranian American Bar Association

Former Co-chair, Immigration Litigation Committee of the American Bar Association (ABA)

Faculty Member and Presenter, the Judicial Institute at Pace University, 2007-2008

 

Publications and lectures

Parisa has been a faculty member/presenter for the Judicial Institute at Pace University and a guest lecturer at Cardozo Law School.

Parisa is a frequent speaker at national conferences on a variety of immigration topics such as EB-5 and business corporate immigration.

Parisa has presented at panel events sponsored by the Practising Law Institute (PLI), the American Bar Association and other prestigious organizations.

Parisa also chairs PLI’s annual conference “Defending Removal Proceedings.”

Quoted, “Rapid Developments Lead Immigration Attorneys to Constantly Adjust Practices.” New York Law Journal, 20 January 2026.

Speaker, “Compliance Breakout 1: Navigating Ports of Entry.” Worldwide ERC® Global ’25, Salt Lake City, UT, 28 October 2025.

Speaker, “Global Citizenship and Residency Programs.” Fragomen, Istanbul, Türkiye, 30 September 2025.

Speaker, Global Mobility Executive Leaders Exchange |New York, New York, New York, 18 September 2025.

Quoted, “Green Card Update: Applicants Receive Major Boost.” Newsweek, 16 September 2025.

Quoted, “Hoping to Visit the U.S.? It Might Cost You an Extra $250.” New York Times, 22 July 2025.

Speaker, “Navigating the Path to U.S. Citizenship: What You Need to Know.” Fragomen, Webinar, 16 July 2025.

Speaker, “The Fragomen Worldwide Immigration Trends Report 2025.” Investment Migration Forum, Dubai, UAE, 7 May 2025.

Speaker, “Are You Prepared? Key U.S. Immigration Compliance Updates for Employers.” Fragomen, Webinar, 24 March 2025.

Speaker, “Immigration Policy Shift: What the Trump Administration Means for Global Companies and Talent (Part III).” Fragomen, Webinar, 23 January 2025.

Speaker, “The Impact of the Incoming Trump Administration on You and Your Employees (Part II).” Fragomen, Webinar, 13 November 2024.

Speaker, “The Impact of the 2024 U.S. Election on Corporate Immigration and Global Mobility Strategy.” Worldwide ERC Global Workforce Symposium (GWS) 2024, National Harbor, MD, 23 October 2024.

Speaker, “Fragomen Webcast Series - Harris vs. Trump: Key Differences in Immigration Policy (Part I).” Fragomen, Webinar, 17 October 2024.

Panelist, “Navigating Today’s Cloudy Economic Climate: U.S. Immigration and Workforce Management Strategies.” Fragomen and Bloomberg LP, 7 June 2023.

Speaker, “An Economic Crisis Building: What this Means for Your Immigration Program.” Worldwide ERC 2022 Global Workforce Symposium, Las Vegas, Nevada, 27 October 2022.

Panelist, “Corporate Counsel Symposium: Inside Counsel in the Age of COVID.” New York City Bar, 31 January 2022.

Parisa’s insights

January 27, 2026 | Webinar

One Year In: Current Immigration Landscape and 2026 Workforce Planning PreviewRead more

January 21, 2026 | Media mentions

New York Law Journal: Rapid Developments Lead Immigration Attorneys to Constantly Adjust PracticesRead more

December 16, 2025 | Webinar

The Gold Card is Here: What to ExpectRead more
More related insights

Parisa’s insights

January 27, 2026 | Webinar

One Year In: Current Immigration Landscape and 2026 Workforce Planning PreviewRead more

January 21, 2026 | Media mentions

New York Law Journal: Rapid Developments Lead Immigration Attorneys to Constantly Adjust PracticesRead more

December 16, 2025 | Webinar

The Gold Card is Here: What to ExpectRead more
More related insights

Parisa’s insights

January 27, 2026 | Webinar

One Year In: Current Immigration Landscape and 2026 Workforce Planning PreviewRead more

January 21, 2026 | Media mentions

New York Law Journal: Rapid Developments Lead Immigration Attorneys to Constantly Adjust PracticesRead more

December 16, 2025 | Webinar

The Gold Card is Here: What to ExpectRead more
More related insights

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Farsi
  • French

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 891 7593

F:+1 212 446 0377

New York, NY

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Parisa’s insights

January 27, 2026 | Webinar

One Year In: Current Immigration Landscape and 2026 Workforce Planning PreviewRead more

January 21, 2026 | Media mentions

New York Law Journal: Rapid Developments Lead Immigration Attorneys to Constantly Adjust PracticesRead more

December 16, 2025 | Webinar

The Gold Card is Here: What to ExpectRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Farsi
  • French

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 891 7593

F:+1 212 446 0377

New York, NY

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Parisa’s insights

January 27, 2026 | Webinar

One Year In: Current Immigration Landscape and 2026 Workforce Planning PreviewRead more

January 21, 2026 | Media mentions

New York Law Journal: Rapid Developments Lead Immigration Attorneys to Constantly Adjust PracticesRead more

December 16, 2025 | Webinar

The Gold Card is Here: What to ExpectRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Farsi
  • French

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 891 7593

F:+1 212 446 0377

New York, NY

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Parisa’s insights

January 27, 2026 | Webinar

One Year In: Current Immigration Landscape and 2026 Workforce Planning PreviewRead more

January 21, 2026 | Media mentions

New York Law Journal: Rapid Developments Lead Immigration Attorneys to Constantly Adjust PracticesRead more

December 16, 2025 | Webinar

The Gold Card is Here: What to ExpectRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Awards

Partner Cynthia Shearn Recognized in Crain’s 2026 Notable Women in Law List

Partner Cynthia Shearn is recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business in its 2026 Notable Women in Law list, honoring her leadership in immigration and global mobility and her impact within the legal community.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg Law: Businesses Prep H-1B Backups as Revamped Visa Lottery Opens

Partner Emily Allen says the new H-1B lottery is driving earlier planning and more detailed preparation.

Learn more

Blog post

Bringing the Indonesian Diaspora Home: Insights on the New Global Citizenship Program

Senior Business Immigration Consultant Ryaihanny Sahrom and Business Immigration Consultant II Fahimah Muhammad examine Indonesia’s newly launched Global Citizenship of Indonesia (GCI) program and its introduction of long-term and indefinite permanent residence pathways for members of the Indonesian diaspora.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times Higher Education: Chaos’ Expected as New Visa Compliance Rules Now Due in June

Senior Immigration Manager Jonathan Hill notes that tighter UK visa compliance rules and new rating measures create additional challenges for universities.

Learn more

Video

Brazil: Early Career Visa

Partner Diana Quintas outlines key early career visa pathways and practical considerations for employers and graduates navigating entry-level immigration options.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Canadian Lawyer Magazine: Fragomen, Immigration Firm, Adds Julie Lessard as Partner in Montréal

The Montreal office has added Partner Julie Lessard and Counsel Elsa Agostinho and Sophia Khanzadian to strengthen its immigration services.

Learn more

Blog post

Housing Market Dynamics in Saudi Arabia: Policy Changes, Rent Stabilization and Cost of Living Implications for Employers

Destination Services Director Christine Sperr examines how housing market reforms, rent stabilization measures and cost-of-living dynamics in Saudi Arabia are influencing workforce mobility, compensation planning and long-term settlement strategies under Vision 2030.

Learn more

Blog post

Under EU Review: Germany’s Visa Requirements Trigger Infringement Proceedings on Vander Elst Compliance

Manager Dr Adela Schmidt and Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler analyse the European Commission’s infringement proceedings against Germany concerning its Vander Elst visa requirements for third-country nationals providing short-term cross-border services and explain why current compliance obligations remain unchanged.

Learn more

Blog post

Venezuela’s Energy Reset: Unlocking Opportunity, Managing Risk and Deploying Talent Strategically

Latin America & the Caribbean Managing Partner Leonor Echeverria, Senior Associates Sarah Blackmore and Sonya Cole and Senior Regional Knowledge Manager Laura Weingort examine renewed energy interest in Venezuela and outline key immigration pathways, procedural constraints and strategic considerations for compliant talent deployment.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: EU to Leverage Visas With New “Assertive Migration Diplomacy” Strategy

Senior Manager Andreia Ghimis highlights how the EU’s new migration strategy could create opportunities for employers while increasing compliance requirements.

Learn more

Awards

Spear's 500 Recognises Partner Julia Onslow-Cole

Partner Julia Onslow-Cole is recognised in the Spears 500 guide to leading private client advisers, reflecting her experience advising high-net-worth individuals, families and global businesses on complex UK and European immigration and mobility strategies.

Learn more

Media mentions

Arabian Gulf Business Insight: Saudi Business Visa Rejections Rise as Scrutiny Tightens

Partner Abeer Al Husseini discusses increased scrutiny of Saudi business visas in AGBI, highlighting stricter review of short-term entry used for operational work and the implications for regional employers.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Cynthia Shearn Recognized in Crain’s 2026 Notable Women in Law List

Partner Cynthia Shearn is recognized by Crain’s Chicago Business in its 2026 Notable Women in Law list, honoring her leadership in immigration and global mobility and her impact within the legal community.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg Law: Businesses Prep H-1B Backups as Revamped Visa Lottery Opens

Partner Emily Allen says the new H-1B lottery is driving earlier planning and more detailed preparation.

Learn more

Blog post

Bringing the Indonesian Diaspora Home: Insights on the New Global Citizenship Program

Senior Business Immigration Consultant Ryaihanny Sahrom and Business Immigration Consultant II Fahimah Muhammad examine Indonesia’s newly launched Global Citizenship of Indonesia (GCI) program and its introduction of long-term and indefinite permanent residence pathways for members of the Indonesian diaspora.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times Higher Education: Chaos’ Expected as New Visa Compliance Rules Now Due in June

Senior Immigration Manager Jonathan Hill notes that tighter UK visa compliance rules and new rating measures create additional challenges for universities.

Learn more

Video

Brazil: Early Career Visa

Partner Diana Quintas outlines key early career visa pathways and practical considerations for employers and graduates navigating entry-level immigration options.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Canadian Lawyer Magazine: Fragomen, Immigration Firm, Adds Julie Lessard as Partner in Montréal

The Montreal office has added Partner Julie Lessard and Counsel Elsa Agostinho and Sophia Khanzadian to strengthen its immigration services.

Learn more

Blog post

Housing Market Dynamics in Saudi Arabia: Policy Changes, Rent Stabilization and Cost of Living Implications for Employers

Destination Services Director Christine Sperr examines how housing market reforms, rent stabilization measures and cost-of-living dynamics in Saudi Arabia are influencing workforce mobility, compensation planning and long-term settlement strategies under Vision 2030.

Learn more

Blog post

Under EU Review: Germany’s Visa Requirements Trigger Infringement Proceedings on Vander Elst Compliance

Manager Dr Adela Schmidt and Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler analyse the European Commission’s infringement proceedings against Germany concerning its Vander Elst visa requirements for third-country nationals providing short-term cross-border services and explain why current compliance obligations remain unchanged.

Learn more

Blog post

Venezuela’s Energy Reset: Unlocking Opportunity, Managing Risk and Deploying Talent Strategically

Latin America & the Caribbean Managing Partner Leonor Echeverria, Senior Associates Sarah Blackmore and Sonya Cole and Senior Regional Knowledge Manager Laura Weingort examine renewed energy interest in Venezuela and outline key immigration pathways, procedural constraints and strategic considerations for compliant talent deployment.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: EU to Leverage Visas With New “Assertive Migration Diplomacy” Strategy

Senior Manager Andreia Ghimis highlights how the EU’s new migration strategy could create opportunities for employers while increasing compliance requirements.

Learn more

Awards

Spear's 500 Recognises Partner Julia Onslow-Cole

Partner Julia Onslow-Cole is recognised in the Spears 500 guide to leading private client advisers, reflecting her experience advising high-net-worth individuals, families and global businesses on complex UK and European immigration and mobility strategies.

Learn more

Media mentions

Arabian Gulf Business Insight: Saudi Business Visa Rejections Rise as Scrutiny Tightens

Partner Abeer Al Husseini discusses increased scrutiny of Saudi business visas in AGBI, highlighting stricter review of short-term entry used for operational work and the implications for regional employers.

Learn more

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