Important Updates
Important Updates
December 9, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: CBP Plans Changes to the ESTA Application Process, Including Social Media Review
December 10, 2025 | HungaryHungary: Immigration Authorities Require Foreign Nationals on Parental Leave to Change to Non-Work Permit
December 10, 2025 | MalaysiaMalaysia: New Internship Policy to Require Employers with Employment Pass Employees to Hire Interns
December 9, 2025 | United StatesThe New York Times: U.S. Plans to Scrutinize Foreign Tourists’ Social Media History
December 9, 2025 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: Naura Moved to Visa National List
December 9, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: CBP Plans Changes to the ESTA Application Process, Including Social Media Review
December 10, 2025 | HungaryHungary: Immigration Authorities Require Foreign Nationals on Parental Leave to Change to Non-Work Permit
December 10, 2025 | MalaysiaMalaysia: New Internship Policy to Require Employers with Employment Pass Employees to Hire Interns
December 9, 2025 | United StatesThe New York Times: U.S. Plans to Scrutinize Foreign Tourists’ Social Media History
December 9, 2025 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: Naura Moved to Visa National List
December 9, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: CBP Plans Changes to the ESTA Application Process, Including Social Media Review
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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

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 858 793 1600

F:+1 858 793 1686

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

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

San Diego, CA

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

5355 Mira Sorrento Place, Suite 750

San Diego CA 92121

United States

Connect via Linkedin
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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

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

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

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

Blog post

UK Expands HPI Visa: What’s New in 2025

The UK expands its High Potential Individual (HPI) visa for 2025, broadening eligibility for global graduates and entrepreneurs while introducing new requirements and application caps

Learn more

Media mentions

The New York Times: U.S. Plans to Scrutinize Foreign Tourists’ Social Media History

Partner Bo Cooper discusses the US proposal to expand social media screening for visitors from visa waiver countries and the broader shift it represents in travel vetting.

Learn more

Video

UK Widens Access to the High Potential Individual Visa to Attract the World’s Top Graduate Talent | #MobilityMinute

The latest Mobility Minute features Manager Alex Hood discussing recent updates to the UK’s High Potential Individual route, including expanded university eligibility, a new annual cap and modernized governance measures.

Learn more

Media mentions

International Organisation of Employers: The Gulf Experience: Building a Skilled Workforce in the UAE

Managing Partner for the Middle East and Africa Murtaza Khan discusses how the UAE’s flexible migration policies attract talent and support a competitive labour market.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times of India: US to Scan Social Media of All H-1B, H-4 Visa Applicants from December 15

Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler notes that the US expansion of social-media screening to H-1B and H-4 visa applicants will involve a more detailed review of their online activity.

Learn more

Media mentions

Forbes: Unprepared Companies At Risk In H-1B Visa Immigration Crackdown

Partner Edward Raleigh highlights the need for companies to prepare for increased H-1B enforcement and ensure compliance with US worker requirements.

Learn more

Video

United States: 2025 Holiday Travel Guidelines for Foreign Nationals | #MobilityMinute

In this Mobility Minute, Associate Rebeca Lafond outlines key considerations for international travel to the United States during the holiday season, including documentation requirements, visa processing expectations and enhanced screening on entry.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg Law: Labor Department Expands H-1B Oversight, Tests Enforcement Power

Partner K. Edward Raleigh explains that the Department of Labor’s Project Firewall expands H-1B oversight beyond individual complaints and increases the scope of employer compliance reviews.

Learn more

Media mentions

Leading Britain's Conversation: Is Settlement Reform Rewarding Contribution or Rewriting the Rules of Fairness and Trust?

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines how proposed settlement reforms could reshape the path to UK residency by extending qualifying periods and linking eligibility to individual contribution.

Learn more

Podcast

Canada's Healthcare Staffing Solution

Partner Cosmina Morariu and Business Immigration Manager Ayana Ibrahimi discuss critical immigration strategies underpinning healthcare-sector staffing in Canada, unpacking how recent policy, mobility and compliance developments are affecting employers and global talent pipelines.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Named Private Client Team of the Year at The British Legal Awards 2025

Fragomen named Private Client Team of the Year at The British Legal Awards 2025, recognising the strength of our UK Private Client practice.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Rising Immigration Fraud Creates New Compliance Challenges for US Firms

Partner Daniel Brown highlights rising deceptive practices in immigration and emphasizes stronger verification and compliance measures for employers.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Expands HPI Visa: What’s New in 2025

The UK expands its High Potential Individual (HPI) visa for 2025, broadening eligibility for global graduates and entrepreneurs while introducing new requirements and application caps

Learn more

Media mentions

The New York Times: U.S. Plans to Scrutinize Foreign Tourists’ Social Media History

Partner Bo Cooper discusses the US proposal to expand social media screening for visitors from visa waiver countries and the broader shift it represents in travel vetting.

Learn more

Video

UK Widens Access to the High Potential Individual Visa to Attract the World’s Top Graduate Talent | #MobilityMinute

The latest Mobility Minute features Manager Alex Hood discussing recent updates to the UK’s High Potential Individual route, including expanded university eligibility, a new annual cap and modernized governance measures.

Learn more

Media mentions

International Organisation of Employers: The Gulf Experience: Building a Skilled Workforce in the UAE

Managing Partner for the Middle East and Africa Murtaza Khan discusses how the UAE’s flexible migration policies attract talent and support a competitive labour market.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times of India: US to Scan Social Media of All H-1B, H-4 Visa Applicants from December 15

Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler notes that the US expansion of social-media screening to H-1B and H-4 visa applicants will involve a more detailed review of their online activity.

Learn more

Media mentions

Forbes: Unprepared Companies At Risk In H-1B Visa Immigration Crackdown

Partner Edward Raleigh highlights the need for companies to prepare for increased H-1B enforcement and ensure compliance with US worker requirements.

Learn more

Video

United States: 2025 Holiday Travel Guidelines for Foreign Nationals | #MobilityMinute

In this Mobility Minute, Associate Rebeca Lafond outlines key considerations for international travel to the United States during the holiday season, including documentation requirements, visa processing expectations and enhanced screening on entry.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg Law: Labor Department Expands H-1B Oversight, Tests Enforcement Power

Partner K. Edward Raleigh explains that the Department of Labor’s Project Firewall expands H-1B oversight beyond individual complaints and increases the scope of employer compliance reviews.

Learn more

Media mentions

Leading Britain's Conversation: Is Settlement Reform Rewarding Contribution or Rewriting the Rules of Fairness and Trust?

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines how proposed settlement reforms could reshape the path to UK residency by extending qualifying periods and linking eligibility to individual contribution.

Learn more

Podcast

Canada's Healthcare Staffing Solution

Partner Cosmina Morariu and Business Immigration Manager Ayana Ibrahimi discuss critical immigration strategies underpinning healthcare-sector staffing in Canada, unpacking how recent policy, mobility and compliance developments are affecting employers and global talent pipelines.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Named Private Client Team of the Year at The British Legal Awards 2025

Fragomen named Private Client Team of the Year at The British Legal Awards 2025, recognising the strength of our UK Private Client practice.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Rising Immigration Fraud Creates New Compliance Challenges for US Firms

Partner Daniel Brown highlights rising deceptive practices in immigration and emphasizes stronger verification and compliance measures for employers.

Learn more

Stay in touch

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