Important Updates
Important Updates
March 23, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: H-2B Cap Reached for Second Half of FY 2026; Availability for Second Half of FY 2026 Supplemental H-2B Visas Remains
March 23, 2026 | 🌐Middle East - The Latest News on Mobility and Travel Considerations
March 23, 2026 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
March 23, 2026 | SwedenSweden: EU Blue Card, Seasonal Work Permit Validity Periods to Increase
March 23, 2026 | SwedenSweden: Mandatory Health Insurance Requirement for Certain Foreign Nationals Forthcoming
March 23, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: H-2B Cap Reached for Second Half of FY 2026; Availability for Second Half of FY 2026 Supplemental H-2B Visas Remains
March 23, 2026 | 🌐Middle East - The Latest News on Mobility and Travel Considerations
March 23, 2026 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
March 23, 2026 | SwedenSweden: EU Blue Card, Seasonal Work Permit Validity Periods to Increase
March 23, 2026 | SwedenSweden: Mandatory Health Insurance Requirement for Certain Foreign Nationals Forthcoming
March 23, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: H-2B Cap Reached for Second Half of FY 2026; Availability for Second Half of FY 2026 Supplemental H-2B Visas Remains
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R. Blake Chisam

Partner

Blake Chisam

R. Blake Chisam
R. Blake Chisam
  • People

Partner

Blake Chisam

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

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  • English

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Email

[email protected]

T:+1 202 349 2060

F:+1 202 371 2898

Washington, DC

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1101 15th St NW STE 700

Washington DC 20005

United States

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Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 202 349 2060

F:+1 202 371 2898

Washington, DC

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1101 15th St NW STE 700

Washington DC 20005

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 202 349 2060

F:+1 202 371 2898

Washington, DC

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1101 15th St NW STE 700

Washington DC 20005

United States

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Blake is a Partner at Fragomen’s Washington, DC office, where he focuses on risk management and compliance, along with government strategies.

Blake was previously senior counsel to the immigration subcommittee for the U.S. House Committee on the Judiciary, where he worked on policy and oversight issues related to employment-based immigration, international law, border security, immigration enforcement, refugee issues, naturalization and citizenship. In addition to his former role with the House Judiciary Committee, Blake served as Staff Director and Chief Counsel for the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct (Ethics Committee) from 2009-2011, and counsel to the Ethics Committee Chair and Senior Policy Advisor to Representative Zoe Lofgren in 2009. During his tenure, Blake directed an unprecedented number of complex Congressional ethics investigations and served as lead counsel in high-profile House ethics disciplinary hearings.

Prior to his government service, Blake practiced immigration and nationality law in the private sector. His practice focused on advising organizations with respect to immigration-related policy, employment issues and other related matters. Blake is a sought-after speaker and guest lecturer and has published many commentaries on immigration law including a book, Immigration Practice, which he co-authored. In 2000, he was awarded the Meritorious Public Service Award by former Attorney General Janet Reno.

Education

  • Temple University School of Law, J.D., 1994
  • Auburn University, B.A., summa cum laude , 1991
  • University of Alabama, Bachelor of Arts Studies, 1988

More from Blake

Admissions

Bar admissions: New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland

Court Admissions: U.S. Supreme Court; U.S. Court of Appeals, Sixth Circuit; U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York; U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York; U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania; U.S. District Court, Middle District of Pennsylvania; U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit; U.S. District Court, Western District of Oklahoma

Practice Limited to Federal Immigration & Nationality Law

Awards

Listed in Best Lawyers in America, 2024-2026

Named to "Crisis Leadership Trailblazers," The National Law Journal, 2020

Director’s Award for Meritorious Public Service, U.S. Department of Justice, Executive Office for Immigration Review (2001)

Professional accomplishments

Member, American Bar Association

Experience

Directed scores of Congressional investigations and oversight hearings on wide range of topics, including employment-based immigration, global immigration, federal claims processes, and ethics

Negotiated and drafted complex legislation

Advised Members of Congress on immigration and other policy matters

Litigated complex cases before state, federal and administrative tribunals

Publications and lectures

Quoted, “DHS proposes sweeping expansion of biometric data collection.” Global Mobility Lawyer, 6 November 2025.

Co-author, “Cos. Should Prepare For Harsher H-1B Program Enforcement.” Law360, 7 October 2020.

Co-author, “The Blunt H-1B Instrument Hidden in Trump Orders.” Law360, 26 August 2020.

Guest Lecturer, Temple University Beasley School of Law (2011).

Contributing Editor, Immigration Practice (Juris Publishing 2008, 2009, 2010).

Author (with Robert C. Divine), Immigration Practice (Juris Publishing 2005, 2006).

Author, “BALCA’s Health America Decision Doesn’t Go Far Enough” (2006).

Author, “Ethics: What Do You Do When A Qualified U.S. Worker Applies?” (2006).

Author (with Ana Avendano), Immigration Issues in the Workplace, Section of Labor and Employment Law, Labor Law Series (2005).

Author, “Civil & Criminal Federal Case Update” (2005).

Author, “Writing and the REAL ID” (2005).

Author, “H-1B Myths and Realities,” American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) 2004-2005 Annual Handbook (2004).

Author, “PERM Practice Advisory” (2004).

Author, DSN Retailing Today, “The Time is Right to Reform Immigration” (2004).

Author, PHJW Client Alerts, including “Key Immigration Compliance Decisions” (2002) and “The New Anti-Terrorism Act: Consequences for U.S. and Foreign Corporations” (2001).

Author, “The Right to Asylum and Need for Legal Representation of People with Mental Disabilities in Immigration Proceedings,” Mental & Physical Disability Law Reporter, Vol. 25, No. 4, pp. 511-516 (July/Aug. 2001).

Author, ALI-ABA Study Materials, “Temporary Work Authorization for Specialty Occupation Workers (H-1B),” “L-1 Intracompany Transfers of Managers, Executives and Employees with Specialized Knowledge,” and “Admission of Professionals Under NAFTA” (2001).

Presenter, Center on the Administration of Criminal Law and NYU Annual Survey of American Law Spring 2011 Symposium, “Policing, Regulating and Prosecuting Corruption” (2011).

Presenter, 41st Annual Immigration & Naturalization Institute, Practicing Law Institute (2008).

Presenter, 25th Annual Legislative & Regulatory Roundtable, Electronic Industries Alliance (2007).

Presenter, AILA Teleconference, “Help Me Help Myself: Why Managing your Practice Well is the ‘Right’ Thing as Well as the ‘Smart’ Thing To Do” (2007).

Presenter, AILA Teleconference, “Employment Law for Immigration Lawyers” (2007).

Presenter, American Bar Association, “Immigration Issues in the Workplace” (2005).

Presenter, American Bar Association, “On the Fulcrum: Managing Migration and Protecting ‘U.S. Workers’ in the Real World Under Immigration and Employment Laws” (2005).

Moderator and Presenter, Immigration Lawyers on the Web, “The REAL ID Act of 2005” (2005).

Presenter, Immigration Lawyers on the Web, “PERM: An Up-to-the-Minute Course” (2005).

Presenter, AILA Annual Conference, “Labor & Employment Law FAQs” (2005).

Presenter, AILA Annual Conference, “H-1B Myths and Realities” (2004).

Presenter, Human Resources Professionals Update, “Immigration Compliance Issues” (2004).

Presenter, Nuts and Bolts of Immigration Law, “Nonimmigrant Visa Classifications” and “Removal Proceedings and Defense” (2004).

Presenter, Society for Philosophy and Geography, “Sentries at the Gates: The Politics of Global Migration Control” (2004).

Presenter, Alabama Self Insurers Association, “Immigration Issues in the Workplace” (2004).

Presenter, State of Georgia, Department of Human Resources, Refugee Program Conference, “Immigration Compliance: Exploring the Intersections of Immigration and Employment Law” (2003).

Presenter, Emerging Issues in Immigration & Employment Law, “Is There Life After INS?” (2003).

Presenter, Emerging Issues in Immigration & Employment Law, “Intersections of Immigration and Employment Law” (2003).

Presenter, Emerging Issues in Immigration & Employment Law, “Impact of 9/11/2001” (2002).

Presenter, National Alliance for Multicultural Mental Health Annual Conference, “Immigration Proceedings & the Mentally Disabled” (2002).

Presenter, AILA Teleconference, “H-1Bs - Documenting Degree and Degree Equivalency and Specialty Occupations” (2002).

Presenter, ABA Annual Conference, “Immigration Detention: Perversities and Prospects” (2001).

Presenter, ALI/ABA Conference on Immigration Law, “Nonimmigrant Visa Classifications” (2001).

Presenter, Detention Watch Network Conference, “Advanced Topics on Immigration Relief” and “New Developments in Asylum Law” (2001).

Presenter, York County Bar Association CLE Program, “At the Intersection of Criminal and Immigration Law: Issues, Developments & Strategies” (1998).

Blake’s insights

November 12, 2025 | Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: DHS proposes sweeping expansion of biometric data collectionRead more

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

August 19, 2024 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 31st Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more
More related insights

Blake’s insights

November 12, 2025 | Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: DHS proposes sweeping expansion of biometric data collectionRead more

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

August 19, 2024 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 31st Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more
More related insights

Blake’s insights

November 12, 2025 | Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: DHS proposes sweeping expansion of biometric data collectionRead more

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

August 19, 2024 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 31st 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:+1 202 349 2060

F:+1 202 371 2898

Washington, DC

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1101 15th St NW STE 700

Washington DC 20005

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Blake’s insights

November 12, 2025 | Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: DHS proposes sweeping expansion of biometric data collectionRead more

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

August 19, 2024 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 31st 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:+1 202 349 2060

F:+1 202 371 2898

Washington, DC

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1101 15th St NW STE 700

Washington DC 20005

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Blake’s insights

November 12, 2025 | Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: DHS proposes sweeping expansion of biometric data collectionRead more

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

August 19, 2024 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 31st 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:+1 202 349 2060

F:+1 202 371 2898

Washington, DC

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1101 15th St NW STE 700

Washington DC 20005

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Blake’s insights

November 12, 2025 | Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: DHS proposes sweeping expansion of biometric data collectionRead more

August 21, 2025 | Awards

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

August 19, 2024 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 31st Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

HR World: Compliance Now: Value Beyond Risk Management

Partner Charlotte Wills explains that treating compliance as a strategic function helps organisations anticipate risk, manage costs and strengthen workforce planning.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Karolina Schiffter Ranked in Chambers & Partners Poland Immigration Guide

Partner Karolina Schiffter is ranked Band 1 in Immigration in the inaugural Chambers & Partners Poland guide, recognizing her leadership in advancing Fragomen’s Poland practice.

Learn more

Media mentions

Personnel Today: Can Staff Visit the USA If They Have a Criminal Record?

Manager Karnig Dukmajian

Learn more

Media mentions

The Sunday Times: Make Your Move from the UK to France

Senior Manager Géraldine Renaudière discusses planning for French residence and citizenship applications, including fees, translations and language or civic tests.

Learn more

Video

Traveling to the US for the 2026 FIFA World Cup: Visa, ESTA and Entry Rules Explained | #MobilityMinute

Senior US Consular Manager Brian Simmons outlines key visa, ESTA and entry considerations for travelers planning to visit the US for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Learn more

Media mentions

CareMarkets: Cost of Non-Compliance

Manager Simon Magava and Immigration Consultant Inderjit Kaur examine sponsor licence revocations in the UK social care sector and their impact on workforce stability.

Learn more

Blog post

Demographics, AI and Global Mobility in 2026: A Global Outlook on Workforce Strategy and Immigration Policy

Director Raj Mann explores how demographic change, artificial intelligence and global trade shifts are reshaping labour markets, workforce strategy and immigration policy in 2026.

Learn more

Blog post

Costa Rica Retirement Visa: Application and Requirements for Pensionado Residency

Immigration Supervisor Michael Salas Guzman explains the key eligibility requirements, documentation considerations and benefits of Costa Rica’s Pensionado residency program for retirees receiving lifetime pension income from abroad.

Learn more

Media mentions

Leading Britain's Conversation: One Old Arrest Can Stop You Entering the USA, Even If You Were Never Convicted

Senior Manager William Diaz outlines how US authorities evaluate prior criminal records under ESTA and what UK travellers need to know when completing their applications.

Learn more

Awards

Canada Managing Partner Cosmina Morariu Receives FCCCO Women in Leadership Award

Canada Managing Partner Cosmina Morariu has received the France Canada Chamber of Commerce in Ontario (FCCCO) Women in Leadership Award, recognizing her leadership and contributions to the business and legal communities.

Learn more
Generic Insights

Media mentions

Diário Do Turismo: Brasil passa a emitir visto eletrônico para chineses e amplia mobilidade de negócios

Managing Director Diogo Kloper highlights how Brazil’s new electronic visa for Chinese citizens reduces bureaucracy, lowers costs and streamlines business and tourism travel.

Learn more

Blog post

Why Climate Disruptions Are Reshaping Mobility Strategy

Partner, Global Responsible Business Practices, Lisa Koenig, Lead Analyst Dominic Dietrich, Senior Associate Sarah Blackmore and Senior Associate Sonya Berenfeld Cole examine why climate disruptions are reshaping mobility strategy as economic loss, workforce displacement and travel risks require organizations to reassess workforce planning and operational resilience.

Learn more

Media mentions

HR World: Compliance Now: Value Beyond Risk Management

Partner Charlotte Wills explains that treating compliance as a strategic function helps organisations anticipate risk, manage costs and strengthen workforce planning.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Karolina Schiffter Ranked in Chambers & Partners Poland Immigration Guide

Partner Karolina Schiffter is ranked Band 1 in Immigration in the inaugural Chambers & Partners Poland guide, recognizing her leadership in advancing Fragomen’s Poland practice.

Learn more

Media mentions

Personnel Today: Can Staff Visit the USA If They Have a Criminal Record?

Manager Karnig Dukmajian

Learn more

Media mentions

The Sunday Times: Make Your Move from the UK to France

Senior Manager Géraldine Renaudière discusses planning for French residence and citizenship applications, including fees, translations and language or civic tests.

Learn more

Video

Traveling to the US for the 2026 FIFA World Cup: Visa, ESTA and Entry Rules Explained | #MobilityMinute

Senior US Consular Manager Brian Simmons outlines key visa, ESTA and entry considerations for travelers planning to visit the US for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Learn more

Media mentions

CareMarkets: Cost of Non-Compliance

Manager Simon Magava and Immigration Consultant Inderjit Kaur examine sponsor licence revocations in the UK social care sector and their impact on workforce stability.

Learn more

Blog post

Demographics, AI and Global Mobility in 2026: A Global Outlook on Workforce Strategy and Immigration Policy

Director Raj Mann explores how demographic change, artificial intelligence and global trade shifts are reshaping labour markets, workforce strategy and immigration policy in 2026.

Learn more

Blog post

Costa Rica Retirement Visa: Application and Requirements for Pensionado Residency

Immigration Supervisor Michael Salas Guzman explains the key eligibility requirements, documentation considerations and benefits of Costa Rica’s Pensionado residency program for retirees receiving lifetime pension income from abroad.

Learn more

Media mentions

Leading Britain's Conversation: One Old Arrest Can Stop You Entering the USA, Even If You Were Never Convicted

Senior Manager William Diaz outlines how US authorities evaluate prior criminal records under ESTA and what UK travellers need to know when completing their applications.

Learn more

Awards

Canada Managing Partner Cosmina Morariu Receives FCCCO Women in Leadership Award

Canada Managing Partner Cosmina Morariu has received the France Canada Chamber of Commerce in Ontario (FCCCO) Women in Leadership Award, recognizing her leadership and contributions to the business and legal communities.

Learn more
Generic Insights

Media mentions

Diário Do Turismo: Brasil passa a emitir visto eletrônico para chineses e amplia mobilidade de negócios

Managing Director Diogo Kloper highlights how Brazil’s new electronic visa for Chinese citizens reduces bureaucracy, lowers costs and streamlines business and tourism travel.

Learn more

Blog post

Why Climate Disruptions Are Reshaping Mobility Strategy

Partner, Global Responsible Business Practices, Lisa Koenig, Lead Analyst Dominic Dietrich, Senior Associate Sarah Blackmore and Senior Associate Sonya Berenfeld Cole examine why climate disruptions are reshaping mobility strategy as economic loss, workforce displacement and travel risks require organizations to reassess workforce planning and operational resilience.

Learn more

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