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April 22, 2026 | Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia: Nitaqat Calculation Now Requires Online Contract Submission
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April 22, 2026 | Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia: Nitaqat Calculation Now Requires Online Contract Submission
April 27, 2026 | IrelandFragomen features in Ibec’s Top 100 Companies Leading in Wellbeing Index 2026
April 24, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: April 2026 DOL PERM and PWD Processing Times
April 23, 2026 | United Kingdom, United StatesCitywealth Leaders List: Top 30 Immigration Advisors 2026 Recognises Four Fragomen Professionals
April 22, 2026 | European UnionEuropean Union/Schengen Area: Internal Schengen Border Checks Situation
April 22, 2026 | Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia: Nitaqat Calculation Now Requires Online Contract Submission
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Porthole Headshot image of Fragomen [SanDiego][Associate][RuthSpillane]

Partner

Ruth Spillane

Landscape hero image of Fragomen [SanDiego][Associate][RuthSpillane]
Porthole Headshot image of Fragomen [SanDiego][Associate][RuthSpillane]
  • People

Partner

Ruth Spillane

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

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  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 858 793 1600

F:+1 858 793 1686

Fragomen in San Diego, CA

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

5355 Mira Sorrento Place, Suite 750

San Diego CA 92121

United States

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Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 858 793 1600

F:+1 858 793 1686

Fragomen in San Diego, CA

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

5355 Mira Sorrento Place, Suite 750

San Diego CA 92121

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 858 793 1600

F:+1 858 793 1686

Fragomen in San Diego, CA

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

5355 Mira Sorrento Place, Suite 750

San Diego CA 92121

United States

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Clients seek Ruth’s advice on the policies that guide and define their immigration programs. This work involves deep analysis of her clients’ business objectives, which she translates into a set of policy principles that serve both the individual immigrant employee and the company as a whole.

She is also a skilled tactician, offering practical, day-to-day guidance that balances clients’ business objectives against the external variables that impact the immigration process, including turmoil caused by economic tumult, shifts in regulatory policy and public health crises. Her obsession with detail and tireless oversight of her clients’ projects often yield strategic opportunities that would otherwise remain overlooked.

As a result, she’s forged long-term, highly cooperative relationships with clients, many of whom have worked with her for more than a decade and have come to regard her counsel as an integral part of their evolving business strategy. Her largest single client—a Fortune 500 technology company—has relied on her advice and positive influence through 15 years of company-altering transactions, economic downturns and recoveries, and whipsaw changes in immigration policy.

Ruth was inspired to pursue a career in immigration law by the experiences of her father, who immigrated to the United States from Ireland in his early 20s, and a law school internship with the Legal Aid Society through which she worked on refugee and asylum cases. These early encounters with the process introduced her to the unique human experience of the immigrant—a concern that remains at the core of her work to this day.

She continues to represent disadvantaged and marginalized people as a volunteer attorney for the Casa Cornelia Law Center, where she assists with the preparation of Violence Against Women Act petitions for immigrant victims of domestic violence and U visa petitions to provide immigration benefits to victims of criminal activity.

She also proudly serves on the board of the San Diego County Bar Foundation, the charitable arm of the San Diego County Bar Association, an organization that advocates for communities impacted by poverty, abuse and discrimination.

Ruth was inspired to pursue a career in immigration law by the experiences of her father, who immigrated to the United States from Ireland in his early 20s, and a law school internship with the Legal Aid Society through which she worked on refugee and asylum cases. These early encounters with the process introduced her to the unique human experience of the immigrant—a concern that remains at the core of her work to this day.

She continues to represent disadvantaged and marginalized people as a volunteer attorney for the Casa Cornelia Law Center, where she assists with the preparation of Violence Against Women Act petitions for immigrant victims of domestic violence and U visa petitions to provide immigration benefits to victims of criminal activity.

She also proudly serves on the board of the San Diego County Bar Foundation, the charitable arm of the San Diego County Bar Association, an organization that advocates for communities impacted by poverty, abuse and discrimination.

Education

  • Thomas Jefferson School of Law, Juris Doctor, 2008
  • Florida Atlantic University, Bachelor of Arts, 2004

More from Ruth

Admissions

Bar Admissions: California

Practice Limited to Federal Immigration & Nationality Law

Awards

Listed in San Diego Business Journal’s Women of Influence in Law, 2025

Named to Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch, 2024

Inn of Court Pro Bono Publico Award, Casa Cornelia Law Center’s 10th Annual La Mancha Awards, 2019

Listed among “Top 40 Under 40,” Daily Transcript, 2019

Listed in Super Lawyers as “Rising Star,” 2016 to 2018

San Diego County Top Attorney Finalist in Immigration Law, 2013

Professional accomplishments

Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)

Member, California Bar Association

Member, San Diego Bar Association

Member, Lawyers Club of San Diego

Board Member, San Diego County Bar Foundation

Experience

Represents companies across various industries in structuring and managing NIV and permanent residency programs, including providing strategic solutions to complex issues, advising on travel and consular issues and I-9 compliance.

Oversight of NIV programs, including H-1B, L-1, TN, E-3 and O-1 filings. This includes coordinating high volume H-1B cap lottery registration and filings for large global corporations as well as smaller-sized industry leaders.

Management of permanent residency programs, including PERM, immigrant petitions and green card filings This oversight includes providing guidance relative to policy decisions, updates on procedures and trends and training with corporate clients’ internal immigration teams.

Strategically manages immigration updates from mergers and acquisitions, including coordinating requisite filings with internal teams, communication to employees and developing strategies for complex cases.

Publications and lectures

Quoted, “How Trump's Latest Suspension of Worker Visas Could Affect Tech Industry.” The Recorder, 23 June 2020.

Quoted, “Employment Authorization Delays Leave Businesses in Lurch.” Law360, 26 March 2019.

Quoted, “ICE Work-Site Enforcement Likely to Borrow from Obama, Bush.” Bloomberg Law, 5 February 2018.

Ruth’s insights

July 8, 2025 | Awards

Partners Nadine Bahnan, Ruth Spillane and Karine Wenger Named to San Diego Business Journal’s 2025 Women of Influence in LawRead more

August 19, 2024 | Awards

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

August 17, 2023 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 30th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more
More related insights

Ruth’s insights

July 8, 2025 | Awards

Partners Nadine Bahnan, Ruth Spillane and Karine Wenger Named to San Diego Business Journal’s 2025 Women of Influence in LawRead more

August 19, 2024 | Awards

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

August 17, 2023 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 30th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more
More related insights

Ruth’s insights

July 8, 2025 | Awards

Partners Nadine Bahnan, Ruth Spillane and Karine Wenger Named to San Diego Business Journal’s 2025 Women of Influence in LawRead more

August 19, 2024 | Awards

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

August 17, 2023 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 30th 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:+1 858 793 1600

F:+1 858 793 1686

Fragomen in San Diego, CA

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

5355 Mira Sorrento Place, Suite 750

San Diego CA 92121

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Ruth’s insights

July 8, 2025 | Awards

Partners Nadine Bahnan, Ruth Spillane and Karine Wenger Named to San Diego Business Journal’s 2025 Women of Influence in LawRead more

August 19, 2024 | Awards

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

August 17, 2023 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 30th 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:+1 858 793 1600

F:+1 858 793 1686

Fragomen in San Diego, CA

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

5355 Mira Sorrento Place, Suite 750

San Diego CA 92121

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Ruth’s insights

July 8, 2025 | Awards

Partners Nadine Bahnan, Ruth Spillane and Karine Wenger Named to San Diego Business Journal’s 2025 Women of Influence in LawRead more

August 19, 2024 | Awards

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

August 17, 2023 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 30th 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:+1 858 793 1600

F:+1 858 793 1686

Fragomen in San Diego, CA

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

5355 Mira Sorrento Place, Suite 750

San Diego CA 92121

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Ruth’s insights

July 8, 2025 | Awards

Partners Nadine Bahnan, Ruth Spillane and Karine Wenger Named to San Diego Business Journal’s 2025 Women of Influence in LawRead more

August 19, 2024 | Awards

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

August 17, 2023 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 30th Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Awards

Fragomen features in Ibec’s Top 100 Companies Leading in Wellbeing Index 2026

Fragomen is recognised in Ibec’s Top 100 Companies Leading in Wellbeing Index 2026, highlighting its commitment to employee wellbeing and a supportive workplace culture.

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

May 2026 Visa Bulletin | #MobilityMinute

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

Awards

Citywealth Leaders List: Top 30 Immigration Advisors 2026 Recognises Four Fragomen Professionals

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.

Learn more

Work authorization

Family Reunification in Switzerland: Key Scenarios, Requirements and Risks

Manager Quentin Pache outlines the main family reunification pathways available in Switzerland, highlighting key eligibility requirements, procedural deadlines and practical risks that frequently lead to delays or refusals. 

Learn more

Media mentions

The Sunday Times: How to Make Your Move from the UK to the NetherlandsLearn more

Brexit

UK–EU Youth Mobility: Progress, Trade-offs and the Reality of Agreement

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit explains how a possible UK–EU Youth Mobility Scheme could work in practice, what challenges remain and what it may mean for young people and employers.

Learn more

Awards

12 Fragomen Lawyers Named to 2026 Pro Bono Recognition List

Twelve Fragomen lawyers are recognized on the 2026 Pro Bono Recognition List, reflecting their commitment to providing free legal assistance to those in need.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times Higher Education: Share Agent ‘Bad Actor’ Data With Universities, Home Office Told

Senior Immigration Manager Jonathan Hill discusses new UK guidance suggesting the Home Office may use data to assess agent trust, raising questions about transparency and compliance demands.

Learn more

Video

Understanding Thai Visa Categories: Travel, Work, Study, Retirement and More

In this video, Partner Aim-on Larpisal provides a high-level overview of common Thai visa categories and how they are structured based on purpose of stay, including tourism, work, education and long-term residence.

Learn more

Work authorization

The H-1B Cap Lottery FY 2027 is Complete: What Employers Should Do Next

Partner Chad Blocker outlines what employers should do following completion of the FY 2027 H-1B cap lottery, explains the factors behind lower demand and higher selection rates and highlights key filing risks, timelines and alternative visa options to consider next.

Learn more

Media mentions

EB-5 Investors: May Visa Bulletin Advances EB-5 Dates for Chinese Investors, Cautions Retrogression for India

Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses China’s EB-5 Unreserved category advancing to September 22, 2026, while India’s dates remain unchanged with potential for retrogression amid sustained demand.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen features in Ibec’s Top 100 Companies Leading in Wellbeing Index 2026

Fragomen is recognised in Ibec’s Top 100 Companies Leading in Wellbeing Index 2026, highlighting its commitment to employee wellbeing and a supportive workplace culture.

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

May 2026 Visa Bulletin | #MobilityMinute

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

Awards

Citywealth Leaders List: Top 30 Immigration Advisors 2026 Recognises Four Fragomen Professionals

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.

Learn more

Work authorization

Family Reunification in Switzerland: Key Scenarios, Requirements and Risks

Manager Quentin Pache outlines the main family reunification pathways available in Switzerland, highlighting key eligibility requirements, procedural deadlines and practical risks that frequently lead to delays or refusals. 

Learn more

Media mentions

The Sunday Times: How to Make Your Move from the UK to the NetherlandsLearn more

Brexit

UK–EU Youth Mobility: Progress, Trade-offs and the Reality of Agreement

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit explains how a possible UK–EU Youth Mobility Scheme could work in practice, what challenges remain and what it may mean for young people and employers.

Learn more

Awards

12 Fragomen Lawyers Named to 2026 Pro Bono Recognition List

Twelve Fragomen lawyers are recognized on the 2026 Pro Bono Recognition List, reflecting their commitment to providing free legal assistance to those in need.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times Higher Education: Share Agent ‘Bad Actor’ Data With Universities, Home Office Told

Senior Immigration Manager Jonathan Hill discusses new UK guidance suggesting the Home Office may use data to assess agent trust, raising questions about transparency and compliance demands.

Learn more

Video

Understanding Thai Visa Categories: Travel, Work, Study, Retirement and More

In this video, Partner Aim-on Larpisal provides a high-level overview of common Thai visa categories and how they are structured based on purpose of stay, including tourism, work, education and long-term residence.

Learn more

Work authorization

The H-1B Cap Lottery FY 2027 is Complete: What Employers Should Do Next

Partner Chad Blocker outlines what employers should do following completion of the FY 2027 H-1B cap lottery, explains the factors behind lower demand and higher selection rates and highlights key filing risks, timelines and alternative visa options to consider next.

Learn more

Media mentions

EB-5 Investors: May Visa Bulletin Advances EB-5 Dates for Chinese Investors, Cautions Retrogression for India

Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses China’s EB-5 Unreserved category advancing to September 22, 2026, while India’s dates remain unchanged with potential for retrogression amid sustained demand.

Learn more

Stay in touch

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