Valarie McPherson

Counsel

Valarie H. McPherson

Valarie McPherson
Valarie McPherson
  • People

Counsel

Valarie H. McPherson

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Spanish

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 909 4141

F:+1 212 480 9930

New York

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Spanish

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 909 4141

F:+1 212 480 9930

New York

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Spanish

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 909 4141

F:+1 212 480 9930

New York

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

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Valarie is Counsel at Fragomen’s New York office with more than 20 years of immigration experience. She is trusted by multinational clients to manage some of their most complex and challenging matters, including E visa registrations for new enterprises at U.S. Consulates.

In addition to partnering with clients to secure employment-based nonimmigrant visas and guiding them through all aspects of the permanent residency process, Valarie helps to develop and implement enterprise-wide immigration processes and procedures, including those related to employment verification.

She has represented a variety of clients, from Fortune 500 companies to small- and medium-sized companies in the banking, finance, pharmaceutical, medical, publishing, manufacturing and fashion industries, as well as public and private foundations and individuals. Valarie also has experience counseling clients through the EB-5 immigrant investor visa process.

Prior to joining Fragomen, Valarie served as Special Immigration Counsel in the Immigration and Nationality Law Group of another Am Law 100 firm. She also served as a member of the Attorney General’s Honor Graduate Program and as an Attorney Advisor to approximately 30 Immigration Judges at the Executive Office for Immigration Review. Additionally, she was awarded the National Lawyers Guild Fellowship at the Florence Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project, where she handled complex immigration litigation involving political freedom of expression, sexual orientation, criminal aliens and detained aliens.

Valarie speaks English and Spanish.

Prior to joining Fragomen, Valarie served as Special Immigration Counsel in the Immigration and Nationality Law Group of another Am Law 100 firm. She also served as a member of the Attorney General’s Honor Graduate Program and as an Attorney Advisor to approximately 30 Immigration Judges at the Executive Office for Immigration Review. Additionally, she was awarded the National Lawyers Guild Fellowship at the Florence Immigrant and Refugee Rights Project, where she handled complex immigration litigation involving political freedom of expression, sexual orientation, criminal aliens and detained aliens.

Valarie speaks English and Spanish.

Education

  • Rutgers University School of Law, J.D., 2000
  • American University, B.A., 1996

More from Valarie

Admissions

Bar Admissions: New York, New Jersey

Court Admissions: United States Court of Appeals 2ndCircuit, United States District Court for the District of New Jersey

Practice Limited to Federal Immigration & Nationality Law

Awards

Listed in Best Lawyers in America, 2024 to 2027

Listed in The Legal 500 United States, 2015, 2018 to 2021

Listed among 40 Under 40, New Jersey Law Journal, 2011

Recipient, Mary Philbrook Public Interest Award, The Women’s Law Caucus and Rutgers School of Law in Camden, 2000

Professional accomplishments

Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association

Member, Law360’s 2021 Immigration Editorial Advisory Board

Experience

Led a multinational company in establishing a program to consolidate its PERM Labor Certification filings to reduce costs and ensure compliance with DOL regulations and consistent recruitment strategies within the organization

Developed comprehensive immigration policies for large and medium-sized companies with the goal of improving recruitment and retention of foreign nationals while reducing the costs of immigration sponsorship

Publications and lectures

Co-author, “How to Make Immigration Law Work for Your Business: A Small Business Guide.” U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 8 March 2016.

Co-author, “B-1 Visitors Under More Scrutiny After Infosys.” Law360, 9 January 2014.

Valarie ’s insights

August 20, 2026 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2027 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

January 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Announces 2026 Partner Class and Counsel ElevationsRead more

August 21, 2025 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more
More related insights

Valarie ’s insights

August 20, 2026 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2027 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

January 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Announces 2026 Partner Class and Counsel ElevationsRead more

August 21, 2025 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more
More related insights

Valarie ’s insights

August 20, 2026 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2027 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

January 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Announces 2026 Partner Class and Counsel ElevationsRead 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
  • Spanish

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 909 4141

F:+1 212 480 9930

New York

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Valarie ’s insights

August 20, 2026 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2027 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

January 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Announces 2026 Partner Class and Counsel ElevationsRead 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
  • Spanish

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 909 4141

F:+1 212 480 9930

New York

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Valarie ’s insights

August 20, 2026 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2027 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

January 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Announces 2026 Partner Class and Counsel ElevationsRead 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
  • Spanish

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 212 909 4141

F:+1 212 480 9930

New York

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Valarie ’s insights

August 20, 2026 | Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2027 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™Read more

January 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Announces 2026 Partner Class and Counsel ElevationsRead 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

Blog post

UK Budget 2026: What the Government’s Immigration Plans Mean for Employers

In a new blog, UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines what this direction could mean for employers, including why access to international talent may increasingly be considered alongside investment, productivity, innovation, regional growth and long-term workforce development.

Learn more

Video

UAE – Demographic Diversity Requirements | #MobilityMinute

The UAE’s demographic diversity requirements are designed to encourage a more diverse workforce among companies operating in the mainland jurisdiction. In this Mobility Minute, Manager Devika Thamattat explains the requirements, potential consequences of noncompliance and steps employers can take to help maintain the required nationality balance.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Proposed H-1B Changes Could Increase Hiring Costs for Visa-Dependent Employers

Partner K. Edward Raleigh explains how proposed changes to the H-1B salary exemption threshold could affect US employers’ hiring practices and why enactment this year remains unlikely.

Learn more

Video

Family Reunification in Germany: Who Qualifies and How Does It Work?

In this video, Fragomen Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer explains who may qualify for family reunification in Germany, the requirements that may apply, employment and education rights for accompanying family members and important considerations when preparing an application.

Learn more

Media mentions

Dziennik Gazeta Prawna: Nielegalne zatrudnienie cudzoziemca? Pracodawca może stracić więcej niż pieniądze

Partner Karolina Schiffter discusses how digitalization is transforming immigration procedures in Poland and how law firms can adapt to evolving client expectations.

Learn more

Blog post

Who Qualifies for Costa Rica Permanent Residence?

Immigration Supervisor Michael Salas Guzman explains who may qualify for permanent residence in Costa Rica, the key benefits of permanent status and important considerations for foreign nationals planning to live and work in the country long term.

Learn more

Media mentions

BioSpace: As H-1B Visa Changes Keep Coming, Biopharmas Adjust Hiring Approach

Partner Audrea Golding discusses how H-1B visa changes, including the $100,000 fee and weighted selection process, are affecting biopharma hiring and access to global talent.

Learn more
Generic Insights

Blog post

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Senior Counsel Jo Antoons and Immigration Supervisor Elisabeth Kamm outline Fragomen Consulting Europe’s recommendations for EU Visa Code reform, including more consistent business travel rules, improved visa appointment access, greater transparency and a potential Schengen-wide trusted-employer framework.

Learn more

Blog post

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In a new blog, Manager Sophie Jo Wasson and Country Manager María Inés Menvielle explore what is known so far, the potential mobility benefits of Argentine citizenship and what prospective applicants should consider as implementation develops.

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Conexão Ásia: Além da China, profissionais das Filipinas, Índia, Japão e Bangladesh se destacam na imigração laboral asiática para o Brasil

Managing Director Diogo Kloper examines how immigration trends reveal the diverse economic ties between Brazil and Asia and the role of international mobility in supporting business growth.

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Partner David Grunblatt examines how USCIS uses administrative proxies in immigration adjudication and explains why these tools must support, rather than replace, statutory standards and individualized legal analysis.

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Learn more

Blog post

UK Budget 2026: What the Government’s Immigration Plans Mean for Employers

In a new blog, UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines what this direction could mean for employers, including why access to international talent may increasingly be considered alongside investment, productivity, innovation, regional growth and long-term workforce development.

Learn more

Video

UAE – Demographic Diversity Requirements | #MobilityMinute

The UAE’s demographic diversity requirements are designed to encourage a more diverse workforce among companies operating in the mainland jurisdiction. In this Mobility Minute, Manager Devika Thamattat explains the requirements, potential consequences of noncompliance and steps employers can take to help maintain the required nationality balance.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Proposed H-1B Changes Could Increase Hiring Costs for Visa-Dependent Employers

Partner K. Edward Raleigh explains how proposed changes to the H-1B salary exemption threshold could affect US employers’ hiring practices and why enactment this year remains unlikely.

Learn more

Video

Family Reunification in Germany: Who Qualifies and How Does It Work?

In this video, Fragomen Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer explains who may qualify for family reunification in Germany, the requirements that may apply, employment and education rights for accompanying family members and important considerations when preparing an application.

Learn more

Media mentions

Dziennik Gazeta Prawna: Nielegalne zatrudnienie cudzoziemca? Pracodawca może stracić więcej niż pieniądze

Partner Karolina Schiffter discusses how digitalization is transforming immigration procedures in Poland and how law firms can adapt to evolving client expectations.

Learn more

Blog post

Who Qualifies for Costa Rica Permanent Residence?

Immigration Supervisor Michael Salas Guzman explains who may qualify for permanent residence in Costa Rica, the key benefits of permanent status and important considerations for foreign nationals planning to live and work in the country long term.

Learn more

Media mentions

BioSpace: As H-1B Visa Changes Keep Coming, Biopharmas Adjust Hiring Approach

Partner Audrea Golding discusses how H-1B visa changes, including the $100,000 fee and weighted selection process, are affecting biopharma hiring and access to global talent.

Learn more
Generic Insights

Blog post

EU Visa Code Reform: Priorities for Better Schengen Business Travel

Senior Counsel Jo Antoons and Immigration Supervisor Elisabeth Kamm outline Fragomen Consulting Europe’s recommendations for EU Visa Code reform, including more consistent business travel rules, improved visa appointment access, greater transparency and a potential Schengen-wide trusted-employer framework.

Learn more

Blog post

Argentina Announces New Citizenship by Investment Programme: What Investors Need to Know

In a new blog, Manager Sophie Jo Wasson and Country Manager María Inés Menvielle explore what is known so far, the potential mobility benefits of Argentine citizenship and what prospective applicants should consider as implementation develops.

Learn more

Media mentions

Conexão Ásia: Além da China, profissionais das Filipinas, Índia, Japão e Bangladesh se destacam na imigração laboral asiática para o Brasil

Managing Director Diogo Kloper examines how immigration trends reveal the diverse economic ties between Brazil and Asia and the role of international mobility in supporting business growth.

Learn more

Media mentions

AILA Law Journal: Administrative Proxies in Immigration Adjudication

Partner David Grunblatt examines how USCIS uses administrative proxies in immigration adjudication and explains why these tools must support, rather than replace, statutory standards and individualized legal analysis.

Learn more

Blog post

International Talent in the Netherlands: Building a Talent Pipeline Without Losing Sight of Compliance

Manager Cherida Hooijer and Immigration Assistant Manager Kaatje Droesbeke examine how employers in the Netherlands can build an international student-to-graduate talent pipeline while managing the immigration and employment compliance requirements that apply at each stage.

Learn more
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Important Updates
Important Updates
October 30, 2026 | Republic of the PhilippinesPhilippines: Amendments to Simplify and Streamline Labor Market Test, Other Alien Employment Permit Processes
October 30, 2026 | ChinaChina: APEC Business Travel Card Validity Extended
October 30, 2026 | IrelandIreland: Employment Permits Portal Offline Following Unauthorized Activity
October 30, 2026 | IrelandIreland: Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme Extended
October 30, 2026 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
October 30, 2026 | Republic of the PhilippinesPhilippines: Amendments to Simplify and Streamline Labor Market Test, Other Alien Employment Permit Processes
October 30, 2026 | ChinaChina: APEC Business Travel Card Validity Extended
October 30, 2026 | IrelandIreland: Employment Permits Portal Offline Following Unauthorized Activity
October 30, 2026 | IrelandIreland: Short Stay Visa Waiver Programme Extended
October 30, 2026 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
October 30, 2026 | Republic of the PhilippinesPhilippines: Amendments to Simplify and Streamline Labor Market Test, Other Alien Employment Permit Processes
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