Partner

Ryan M. Freel

  • People

Partner

Ryan M. Freel

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

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

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
  • PrintPrint
  • SaveSave

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), 2021-2025

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

Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026

Fragomen earned top national and regional rankings in Chambers USA 2026, including its 13th consecutive year in Band 1 nationwide.

Learn more

Blog post

Prepared, Not Reactive: What UAE HR and Mobility Teams Must Build for the Long Run

Senior Manager Manu George analyzes how recent disruptions in the UAE’s immigration landscape underscore the need for always‑on mobility readiness, outlining five core pillars that help organisations strengthen workforce visibility, manage compliance proactively and mitigate geopolitical and operational risks.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: An Irish Goodbye: Closure of the Immigrant Investor Pathway and Its Remaining Opportunities

Senior Manager Samantha Arnold examines the remaining opportunities under Ireland’s winding-down Immigrant Investor Programme and what they mean for eligible investors and their families.

Learn more

Blog post

Beyond the UK's Net Migration Decline: What the Data Reveals

Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit analyses the UK’s latest net migration decline, exploring what the data reveals about policy impact, economic trade‑offs and the risks of over‑correction in future migration strategy.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg: Trump’s Green-Card Crackdown Sparks Outcry From Confused Lawyers

Partner Bo Cooper discusses the practical considerations facing employers and foreign nationals amid recent changes to green card processing.

Learn more

Blog post

Business Immigration After the Midterms (Part 2): Enforcement, States and Expanding Risk

In this second installment of the Business Immigration After the Midterms series, Partner K. Edward Raleigh explores how post‑election enforcement risks for employers are expanding beyond federal agencies to include states, Congress, private plaintiffs and AI‑driven scrutiny, reshaping how workforce decisions are evaluated and challenged.

Learn more

Video

Full-Time | #FragomenFC - Ep.18

In this #FragomenFC episode, Partner Rick Lamanna, Senior Manager Sergio Flores and Senior Associate Jake Paul Minster discuss final travel and immigration considerations ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Learn more

Media mentions

The New York Times: What Ireland and Germany Can Teach Us About Birthright Citizenship

Senior Manager Samantha Arnold discusses Ireland's citizenship framework and the gaps that can remain following reforms to birthright citizenship.

Learn more

Video

Sponsor Guide: Brazil Family Reunion Visa Essentials

In this video, Partner Diana Quintas discusses how Brazil’s family reunion visa supports long-term international assignments and outlines key eligibility, documentation and compliance considerations for employers and families relocating to Brazil.

Learn more

Blog post

Immigration and Employment in Chile: Legal Requirements for Foreign Workers

Attorney María José Clarke explores Chile’s intensified immigration enforcement framework under President José Antonio Kast, examining new employer compliance obligations, work authorization rules for foreign nationals and the legal and financial consequences of unauthorized employment.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: New UKVI Compliance Metrics for Universities Take Effect Today

Senior Manager Jonathan Hill examines how the UK's new RAG rating system and stricter compliance metrics could shape universities' approaches to international student recruitment and sponsorship compliance.

Learn more

Blog post

EU Inc. Signals a Shift: Why Immigration Will Matter to Europe’s New Corporate Agenda 

Knowledge Management Director Ana Sofia Walsh and Senior Client Engagement Manager Soraya Driessen examine the European Commission’s EU Inc. proposal and its potential to reshape corporate structures across the EU, highlighting the resulting complexities and unresolved questions for immigration, work authorization and cross-border workforce mobility.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026

Fragomen earned top national and regional rankings in Chambers USA 2026, including its 13th consecutive year in Band 1 nationwide.

Learn more

Blog post

Prepared, Not Reactive: What UAE HR and Mobility Teams Must Build for the Long Run

Senior Manager Manu George analyzes how recent disruptions in the UAE’s immigration landscape underscore the need for always‑on mobility readiness, outlining five core pillars that help organisations strengthen workforce visibility, manage compliance proactively and mitigate geopolitical and operational risks.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: An Irish Goodbye: Closure of the Immigrant Investor Pathway and Its Remaining Opportunities

Senior Manager Samantha Arnold examines the remaining opportunities under Ireland’s winding-down Immigrant Investor Programme and what they mean for eligible investors and their families.

Learn more

Blog post

Beyond the UK's Net Migration Decline: What the Data Reveals

Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit analyses the UK’s latest net migration decline, exploring what the data reveals about policy impact, economic trade‑offs and the risks of over‑correction in future migration strategy.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg: Trump’s Green-Card Crackdown Sparks Outcry From Confused Lawyers

Partner Bo Cooper discusses the practical considerations facing employers and foreign nationals amid recent changes to green card processing.

Learn more

Blog post

Business Immigration After the Midterms (Part 2): Enforcement, States and Expanding Risk

In this second installment of the Business Immigration After the Midterms series, Partner K. Edward Raleigh explores how post‑election enforcement risks for employers are expanding beyond federal agencies to include states, Congress, private plaintiffs and AI‑driven scrutiny, reshaping how workforce decisions are evaluated and challenged.

Learn more

Video

Full-Time | #FragomenFC - Ep.18

In this #FragomenFC episode, Partner Rick Lamanna, Senior Manager Sergio Flores and Senior Associate Jake Paul Minster discuss final travel and immigration considerations ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Learn more

Media mentions

The New York Times: What Ireland and Germany Can Teach Us About Birthright Citizenship

Senior Manager Samantha Arnold discusses Ireland's citizenship framework and the gaps that can remain following reforms to birthright citizenship.

Learn more

Video

Sponsor Guide: Brazil Family Reunion Visa Essentials

In this video, Partner Diana Quintas discusses how Brazil’s family reunion visa supports long-term international assignments and outlines key eligibility, documentation and compliance considerations for employers and families relocating to Brazil.

Learn more

Blog post

Immigration and Employment in Chile: Legal Requirements for Foreign Workers

Attorney María José Clarke explores Chile’s intensified immigration enforcement framework under President José Antonio Kast, examining new employer compliance obligations, work authorization rules for foreign nationals and the legal and financial consequences of unauthorized employment.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: New UKVI Compliance Metrics for Universities Take Effect Today

Senior Manager Jonathan Hill examines how the UK's new RAG rating system and stricter compliance metrics could shape universities' approaches to international student recruitment and sponsorship compliance.

Learn more

Blog post

EU Inc. Signals a Shift: Why Immigration Will Matter to Europe’s New Corporate Agenda 

Knowledge Management Director Ana Sofia Walsh and Senior Client Engagement Manager Soraya Driessen examine the European Commission’s EU Inc. proposal and its potential to reshape corporate structures across the EU, highlighting the resulting complexities and unresolved questions for immigration, work authorization and cross-border workforce mobility.

Learn more
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Travel and Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastNavigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapCenter for Strategy and Applied InsightsVietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Travel and Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Center for Strategy and Applied Insights
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Important Updates
Important Updates
June 5, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: Federal District Court Vacates 40-Jurisdiction Adjudications Hold and Related Policies
June 5, 2026 | United StatesFragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026
June 5, 2026 | 🌐Middle East: Wafid Program Updated to Strengthen Medical Screening of Foreign Nationals
June 5, 2026 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
June 5, 2026 | Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia: Increased Labor Inspections
June 5, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: Federal District Court Vacates 40-Jurisdiction Adjudications Hold and Related Policies
June 5, 2026 | United StatesFragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026
June 5, 2026 | 🌐Middle East: Wafid Program Updated to Strengthen Medical Screening of Foreign Nationals
June 5, 2026 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
June 5, 2026 | Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia: Increased Labor Inspections
June 5, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: Federal District Court Vacates 40-Jurisdiction Adjudications Hold and Related Policies
Subscribe

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • AI Transparency Statement
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • AI Transparency Statement
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • TikTok
  • Twitter

© 2026 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.