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Ryan M. Freel

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Ryan M. Freel

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Fragomen in Chicago, IL

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

333 W Wacker Dr 15th Floor

Chicago IL 60606

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Ryan helps multinational Fortune 500 companies build custom immigration programs across multiple global jurisdictions. He is skilled in helping clients move worldwide workforces quickly and efficiently, while ensuring compliance with local laws and regulations. Additionally, he works closely with clients to help set up their electronic systems for greater efficiency, using APIs to manage risks and compliance.

Counseling companies across several industries, Ryan focuses on the energy, tech, defense and relocation sectors. He is also experienced in M&A/divestiture projects with an immigration component, helping leadership execute on immediate compliance and minimize loss of productivity.

Specific to the energy industry, clients rely on Ryan’s keen insight on the challenges related to a rotational workforce in remote locations and international waters, and determining the necessary offshore compliance. In 2014, Ryan was seconded to a well-known oil field services company as the Immigration Program Lead. In this capacity, Ryan successfully implemented and co-managed a comprehensive global immigration program.

Serving as the head of the firm’s Houston office, Ryan uses his 20-plus years of experience in various roles within the firm, including posts overseas in the Asia Pacific region, to help clients solve their most complex immigration and global mobility challenges.

Additionally, Ryan looks to his own passion for travel and learning about new cultures, and experience of living abroad—both personally and professionally—to help him inform his work and how he relates to his clients’ needs. Having worked in-house for a period of years, Ryan also has a deep understanding of the priorities from that side of a case. He uses this experience to help clients navigate each part of the immigration process, providing the answers to the questions that matter to everyone involved, and ultimately working together to achieve a successful result.

Clients appreciate Ryan’s transparent and proactive approach and his dedication to making an impact on their immigration programs. His client philosophy has resulted in many long-term relationships and continued collaboration with companies in the U.S. and abroad.                                                      

Ryan’s commitment to building relationships also extends to the firm where he is known for his mentorship. He strongly believes in helping young lawyers in their career progression but also learning from them and applying what he has learned to his own practice. Active in the community, Ryan often looks for ways to partner with Houston-area organizations where he and the entire office can donate their time and help, further fostering a culture of togetherness and mentorship.

Serving as the head of the firm’s Houston office, Ryan uses his 20-plus years of experience in various roles within the firm, including posts overseas in the Asia Pacific region, to help clients solve their most complex immigration and global mobility challenges.

Additionally, Ryan looks to his own passion for travel and learning about new cultures, and experience of living abroad—both personally and professionally—to help him inform his work and how he relates to his clients’ needs. Having worked in-house for a period of years, Ryan also has a deep understanding of the priorities from that side of a case. He uses this experience to help clients navigate each part of the immigration process, providing the answers to the questions that matter to everyone involved, and ultimately working together to achieve a successful result.

Clients appreciate Ryan’s transparent and proactive approach and his dedication to making an impact on their immigration programs. His client philosophy has resulted in many long-term relationships and continued collaboration with companies in the U.S. and abroad.                                                      

Ryan’s commitment to building relationships also extends to the firm where he is known for his mentorship. He strongly believes in helping young lawyers in their career progression but also learning from them and applying what he has learned to his own practice. Active in the community, Ryan often looks for ways to partner with Houston-area organizations where he and the entire office can donate their time and help, further fostering a culture of togetherness and mentorship.

Education

  • University of Miami School of Law, J.D., 1999
  • Salve Regina University, B.A., cum laude , 1996

More from Ryan

Admissions

Bar Admissions: Texas, New York

Practice Limited to Federal Immigration & Nationality Law

Awards

Outstanding Mentor Award (Houston Young Lawyers Association), 2022-2023

Listed in Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White, Inc.), 2024-2026

Listed in Chambers USA (Chambers and Partners), 2021-2026

Professional accomplishments

Member, Australian-American Chamber of Commence

Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association

Member, Brazil-Texas Chamber of Commerce

Board of Directors, Houston Relocation Professionals, 2025-2028

Member, Houston Relocation Professionals

Member, New York State Bar Association

Member, Society for Human Resource Management

Member, Texas Bar Association 

 

Former Member, Employee Relocation Council (GMS Certified)

Former Member, Singapore International Chamber of Commerce

Former Member, American Bar Association

Experience

Following a sale of a technology company, managed all the immigration compliance aspects across seven countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, navigating abrupt changes in regulations, border closures, entry restrictions and quarantine requirements for a large number of affected employees.

Managed immigration compliance aspects of a joint venture transaction for an offshore drilling company and provided strategic guidance to help assess the immigration consequences of this transaction on the workforce and ensure minimal disruption to the organization.

Played a critical role in the development of a Fortune 100 company’s Remote Work Policy, which enabled the client to keep its business operating and its employees safe and happy, while complying with evolving processes and regulations.

Provided senior account management leadership for a large multinational IT company and a global oil field services company by establishing global best practices, refining the companies’ global immigration programs and improving operational efficiencies and process improvements to minimize client expenditures.

Led the commercial management of the firm’s Global Co-Counsel Network and established policies for the qualification, selection and ongoing management of the firm’s immigration service providers.

Managed the inception and ongoing operational development of Fragomen’s Singapore and South Africa offices.

Served as Fragomen’s primary point of contact in the establishment and execution of a joint venture between Fragomen and Abacus Consulting in the United Arab Emirates.

Researched and drafted a comprehensive best practices report analyzing five Fortune 500 companies with regard to compliance management of business travelers, immigration program management, use of technology, tracking and monitoring of expiration dates, and internal immigration policies.

Publications and lectures

Speaker, “Staying the Course: Navigating Today’s Immigration Landscape with Confidence and Compliance.” Texas SHRM Global Business Conference, Austin, TX, 18 September 2025.

Speaker, “Corporate Roundtable: Be Aware and Prepared: Immigration Compliance and Audit Readiness.” 2025 Forum for Expatriate Management Americas Summit, Dallas, TX, 15 May 2025.

Speaker, “Accelerate Immigration Assessment for the Offshore energy and Maritime Industries.” 2023 Texas SHRM Global HR Conference, Houston, Texas, 14 September 2023.

Panelist, “Global Mobility and Immigration.” 2023 St. Louis Employee Relocation Council Conference, St. Louis, Missouri, 16 August 2023.

Panelist, “Making the Case: Advocating for International Visa and Immigration Compliance in Your Travel Program.” Global Business Travel Association National Conference, Dallas, Texas, 15 August 2023.

Speaker, “Untapped Talent Pools: Leveraging Digital Nomad Visas in Your Program.”  2023 Gulf Coast Symposium on HR Issues, Houston, Texas, 13 July 2023.

Panelist, “A Focus on Latin America.” Southeastern Regional Relocation Council Spring Event, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 11 May 2023.

Speaker, “Crisis Management for the Unexpected in Global Mobility.” On The Move with US Bank, Podcast, 11 April 2023.

Speaker, “Global Mobility Executive Houston Roundtable.” Global Mobility Executive Leaders Exchange, Houston, Texas, 30 March 2023.

Panelist, “Crisis Management: Lessons Learned in Immigration and Mobility.“ Cartus, Webinar, 21 March 2023.

Co-author, “White Paper: Immigration in the Offshore Energy and Maritime Industry.” Fragomen, 15 March 2023.

Speaker, “Global Mobility and Relocation Round-Up.” Houston Relocation Professional Conference, Houston, Texas, 8 March 2023.

Speaker, “Has The Mobility Industry Opened Pandora's Suitcase? Part II - Business Travel Immigration Compliance.” Minnesota Employee Relocation Council, St. Paul, Minnesota, 13 July 2021.

Co-author, “Cost Savings in the Modern Talent and Mobility World.” Fragomen Whitepaper.

Co-author, “Developing Business Relationships in the Global Immigration Sector.” American Immigration Lawyers Association.

Ryan has served as the firm’s primary speaker on all matters pertaining to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He also lectures on global immigration compliance and best practices to Fortune 500 companies on a regular basis.

In addition, Ryan is a speaker and presenter on global immigration law for the following organizations:

  • American Council on International Personnel
  • Association of Corporate Counsel
  • California Bar Association
  • Corporate Relocation Council
  • Council for Global Immigration
  • NAFSA (Association of International Educators)
  • Society for Human Resource Management

Ryan’s insights

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

May 12, 2026 — May 13, 2026 | Conference

2026 FEM Americas Summit & EMMAs AwardsRead more

February 25, 2026 | Meeting

2026 U.S. Immigration Forecast: What’s Next for EmployersRead more
More related insights

Ryan’s insights

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

May 12, 2026 — May 13, 2026 | Conference

2026 FEM Americas Summit & EMMAs AwardsRead more

February 25, 2026 | Meeting

2026 U.S. Immigration Forecast: What’s Next for EmployersRead more
More related insights

Ryan’s insights

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

May 12, 2026 — May 13, 2026 | Conference

2026 FEM Americas Summit & EMMAs AwardsRead more

February 25, 2026 | Meeting

2026 U.S. Immigration Forecast: What’s Next for EmployersRead more
More related insights

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T: +1 281 605 3111

F:+1 281 605 3150

Fragomen in Chicago, IL

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

333 W Wacker Dr 15th Floor

Chicago IL 60606

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Ryan’s insights

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

May 12, 2026 — May 13, 2026 | Conference

2026 FEM Americas Summit & EMMAs AwardsRead more

February 25, 2026 | Meeting

2026 U.S. Immigration Forecast: What’s Next for EmployersRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T: +1 281 605 3111

F:+1 281 605 3150

Fragomen in Chicago, IL

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

333 W Wacker Dr 15th Floor

Chicago IL 60606

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Ryan’s insights

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

May 12, 2026 — May 13, 2026 | Conference

2026 FEM Americas Summit & EMMAs AwardsRead more

February 25, 2026 | Meeting

2026 U.S. Immigration Forecast: What’s Next for EmployersRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T: +1 281 605 3111

F:+1 281 605 3150

Fragomen in Chicago, IL

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

333 W Wacker Dr 15th Floor

Chicago IL 60606

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Ryan’s insights

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

May 12, 2026 — May 13, 2026 | Conference

2026 FEM Americas Summit & EMMAs AwardsRead more

February 25, 2026 | Meeting

2026 U.S. Immigration Forecast: What’s Next for EmployersRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Dairy Industry Gains Clarity on H-2A Guest Worker Eligibility

Partner Rachel Beardsley explains how new DHS guidance clarifies that dairy employers may use the H-2A program when they can demonstrate a temporary or seasonal labor need.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times of India: US Finalises Alien Registration Rule: H-1B Holders Need Not Register AgainLearn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen and SICPA Launch a Global Strategic Joint Venture to Advance Global Digital Identity Solutions

Fragomen and SICPA announced the formation of a global joint venture to advance next-generation digital identity solutions for governments, enterprises and individuals.

Learn more

Blog post

Immigration + Tax: A Strategic Duo in Global Mobility

Senior Associate Kyle Sommer and Adam Schwartz, Director in the Global Mobility practice at Andersen, discuss how immigration and tax considerations intersect across common US immigration classifications and why early coordination can help travelers, employers and advisors reduce compliance risks and make more informed mobility decisions.

Learn more

Podcast

Summer Travel Considerations for Foreign Nationals

In this episode of The Immigration Conversation, Senior Associates Sarah Melnick and Kimberly Elmazi discuss key considerations for foreign nationals planning international summer travel, including visa appointment planning, document preparation, consular interviews, port-of-entry procedures and I-94 review.

Learn more

Podcast

A New PM for the UK: What Will This Mean for Immigration Policy?

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit is joined by Jonathan Thomas of the Social Market Foundation, Dr. Ben Brindle of the Migration Observatory, University of Oxford and Steve McCauley of the University of Cambridge to discuss what a new UK Prime Minister could mean for immigration policy, employers and workforce mobility.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2026年6月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェスト Learn more

Media mentions

NRC: Iedereen met een Canadese voorouder kan nu staatsburgerschap aanvragen – vooral Amerikanen doen dat

Partner Rick Lamanna said Canada’s expanded citizenship rules could make hundreds of thousands if not millions of people eligible while moving against a global trend of tighter citizenship laws.

Learn more

Media mentions

SBS News: The Overlooked Factor in Australia's Migration Debate That's Keeping Figures High

Senior Counsel Dr. Anna Boucher shares insights on the factors influencing Australia's migration trends.

Learn more

Video

United Kingdom eVisa Process | #MobilityMinute

In this Mobility Minute, Senior Immigration Analyst Nicole Dobromirova discusses updates to the UK visitor visa process, including the shift from visa stickers to electronic visas and how travellers can access their digital immigration status.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg Law: Justices’ Migrant TPS Ruling Undercuts Pending Court Challenges

Partner Daniel Pierce discussed the implications of the US Supreme Court's latest Temporary Protected Status ruling.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Comment on DHS Signatures Interim Final RuleLearn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Dairy Industry Gains Clarity on H-2A Guest Worker Eligibility

Partner Rachel Beardsley explains how new DHS guidance clarifies that dairy employers may use the H-2A program when they can demonstrate a temporary or seasonal labor need.

Learn more

Media mentions

Times of India: US Finalises Alien Registration Rule: H-1B Holders Need Not Register AgainLearn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen and SICPA Launch a Global Strategic Joint Venture to Advance Global Digital Identity Solutions

Fragomen and SICPA announced the formation of a global joint venture to advance next-generation digital identity solutions for governments, enterprises and individuals.

Learn more

Blog post

Immigration + Tax: A Strategic Duo in Global Mobility

Senior Associate Kyle Sommer and Adam Schwartz, Director in the Global Mobility practice at Andersen, discuss how immigration and tax considerations intersect across common US immigration classifications and why early coordination can help travelers, employers and advisors reduce compliance risks and make more informed mobility decisions.

Learn more

Podcast

Summer Travel Considerations for Foreign Nationals

In this episode of The Immigration Conversation, Senior Associates Sarah Melnick and Kimberly Elmazi discuss key considerations for foreign nationals planning international summer travel, including visa appointment planning, document preparation, consular interviews, port-of-entry procedures and I-94 review.

Learn more

Podcast

A New PM for the UK: What Will This Mean for Immigration Policy?

UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit is joined by Jonathan Thomas of the Social Market Foundation, Dr. Ben Brindle of the Migration Observatory, University of Oxford and Steve McCauley of the University of Cambridge to discuss what a new UK Prime Minister could mean for immigration policy, employers and workforce mobility.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2026年6月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェスト Learn more

Media mentions

NRC: Iedereen met een Canadese voorouder kan nu staatsburgerschap aanvragen – vooral Amerikanen doen dat

Partner Rick Lamanna said Canada’s expanded citizenship rules could make hundreds of thousands if not millions of people eligible while moving against a global trend of tighter citizenship laws.

Learn more

Media mentions

SBS News: The Overlooked Factor in Australia's Migration Debate That's Keeping Figures High

Senior Counsel Dr. Anna Boucher shares insights on the factors influencing Australia's migration trends.

Learn more

Video

United Kingdom eVisa Process | #MobilityMinute

In this Mobility Minute, Senior Immigration Analyst Nicole Dobromirova discusses updates to the UK visitor visa process, including the shift from visa stickers to electronic visas and how travellers can access their digital immigration status.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg Law: Justices’ Migrant TPS Ruling Undercuts Pending Court Challenges

Partner Daniel Pierce discussed the implications of the US Supreme Court's latest Temporary Protected Status ruling.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Comment on DHS Signatures Interim Final RuleLearn more
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Important Updates
Important Updates
July 8, 2026 | AustraliaAustralia: Fees Increase for Certain Visa Types and Citizenship Applications Effective July 1, 2026
July 9, 2026 | United StatesGlobal Mobility Lawyer: Dairy Industry Gains Clarity on H-2A Guest Worker Eligibility
July 9, 2026 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
July 9, 2026 | SwedenSweden: Proposed Reforms to Single Permit Regime
July 9, 2026 | United StatesTimes of India: US Finalises Alien Registration Rule: H-1B Holders Need Not Register Again
July 8, 2026 | AustraliaAustralia: Fees Increase for Certain Visa Types and Citizenship Applications Effective July 1, 2026
July 9, 2026 | United StatesGlobal Mobility Lawyer: Dairy Industry Gains Clarity on H-2A Guest Worker Eligibility
July 9, 2026 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
July 9, 2026 | SwedenSweden: Proposed Reforms to Single Permit Regime
July 9, 2026 | United StatesTimes of India: US Finalises Alien Registration Rule: H-1B Holders Need Not Register Again
July 8, 2026 | AustraliaAustralia: Fees Increase for Certain Visa Types and Citizenship Applications Effective July 1, 2026
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