Important Updates
Important Updates
April 30, 2026 | 🌐Middle East - The Latest News on Mobility and Travel Considerations
May 1, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: Federal District Court Stays Termination of Yemen TPS
May 1, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: Summer 2026 Travel Considerations for Foreign Nationals
April 30, 2026 | Hong Kong SARHong Kong SAR: Earlier Extension Filing Announced
April 30, 2026 | IndonesiaIndonesia: New Password Rule Could Delay Applications if Email Addresses are Invalid or Inaccessible
April 30, 2026 | 🌐Middle East - The Latest News on Mobility and Travel Considerations
May 1, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: Federal District Court Stays Termination of Yemen TPS
May 1, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: Summer 2026 Travel Considerations for Foreign Nationals
April 30, 2026 | Hong Kong SARHong Kong SAR: Earlier Extension Filing Announced
April 30, 2026 | IndonesiaIndonesia: New Password Rule Could Delay Applications if Email Addresses are Invalid or Inaccessible
April 30, 2026 | 🌐Middle East - The Latest News on Mobility and Travel Considerations
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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

Fragomen in Washington, DC

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1101 15th St NW STE 700

Washington DC 20005

United States

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  • English

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Email

[email protected]

T:+1 202 349 2060

F:+1 202 371 2898

Fragomen in 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

Fragomen in 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

May 27, 2026 | Conference

GME Live | Americas 2026Read more

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
More related insights

Blake’s insights

May 27, 2026 | Conference

GME Live | Americas 2026Read more

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
More related insights

Blake’s insights

May 27, 2026 | Conference

GME Live | Americas 2026Read more

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
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

Fragomen in 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

May 27, 2026 | Conference

GME Live | Americas 2026Read more

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
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

Fragomen in 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

May 27, 2026 | Conference

GME Live | Americas 2026Read more

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
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

Fragomen in 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

May 27, 2026 | Conference

GME Live | Americas 2026Read more

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
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

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The Nordic Immigration Paradox: Why Digital Efficiency Still Creates Compliance Risk

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Learn more

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The Nordic Immigration Paradox: Why Digital Efficiency Still Creates Compliance Risk

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Learn more

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Partner Rick Lamanna outlines Canada’s entry requirements for the FIFA World Cup 2026, highlighting visa and eTA processes, border expectations and special measures for participants to help travelers prepare for seamless entry during the tournament.

Learn more

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The PIE: Relief for Some OPT Applicants in “Immigration Limbo”

Partners Aaron Blumberg and Daniel Pierce discuss how a US pause on processing certain work permit applications including OPT creates uncertainty for international students and employers while early court rulings offer limited case-specific relief.

Learn more

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European Migration Network (EMN) Belgium Report: Labour Migration in Times of Labour Shortages in Belgium

Senior Counsel Jo Antoons, Senior Immigration Managers Manuela Birsan and Andreia Ghimis, Senior Manager Wout Van Doren, Associate Pauline Chomel and Immigration Supervisor Elisabeth Kamm contributed to the European Migration Network (EMN) Belgium report "Labour Migration in Times of Labour Shortages in Belgium."

Learn more

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Manager Pierangelo D'Errico explores how Italy’s Investor Visa is emerging as a strategic alternative to diminishing EU golden visa programmes, offering high‑net‑worth individuals flexible residence rights, deferred investment timing, Schengen access and a structured—though not accelerated—pathway to long‑term EU residence.

Learn more

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Partner Rick Lamanna discusses Canada’s expanded citizenship by descent rules extending eligibility to potentially millions of people worldwide with only distant ancestral ties.

Learn more

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Learn more

Work authorization

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Senior Manager Alexander Hood and Senior Associate Lara Hannaway outline how the UK Global Talent visa is increasingly being used by internationally mobile individuals as a flexible UK residence option, examining who the route is designed for, the endorsement process and the sectors currently covered, including the new design route launching in July 2026.

Learn more

Work authorization

Ireland Immigrant Investor Programme: Is the “Golden Visa” Route Now Closed?

Senior Manager Samantha Arnold examines the closure of Ireland’s Immigrant Investor Programme and outlines the limited remaining options for high net worth individuals seeking Irish residence through approved investment and charitable donation routes.

Learn more

Video

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Partner Melissa Vasquez-Myers highlights key updates from the May 2026 Visa Bulletin, including a pause in employment-based advancement, continued movement in family-based categories and a warning of potential retrogression later this fiscal year.

Learn more

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Partners Parisa Karaahmet, Raquel Liberman and Julia Onslow-Cole and Practice Leader Olga Nechita are recognised in Citywealth’s Top 30 Immigration Advisors 2026 for their leadership in advising high-net-worth individuals and families on global mobility and cross-border planning.

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