Important Updates
Important Updates
October 22, 2025 | SwedenSweden: New EU Blue Card Rules Forthcoming
October 22, 2025 | ChinaChina: Updated Online Visa Application System for U.S. Applicants Launched
October 22, 2025 | United KingdomFinancial Times: Scientists Charged Too Much to Come to Work in UK, Says Royal Society
October 22, 2025 | HungaryHungary: Change of Residence Permit Practice Relaxed
October 22, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
October 22, 2025 | SwedenSweden: New EU Blue Card Rules Forthcoming
October 22, 2025 | ChinaChina: Updated Online Visa Application System for U.S. Applicants Launched
October 22, 2025 | United KingdomFinancial Times: Scientists Charged Too Much to Come to Work in UK, Says Royal Society
October 22, 2025 | HungaryHungary: Change of Residence Permit Practice Relaxed
October 22, 2025 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
October 22, 2025 | SwedenSweden: New EU Blue Card Rules Forthcoming
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Zeena Barazanji

Senior Associate

Zeena Barazanji

Zeena Barazanji
Zeena Barazanji
  • People

Senior Associate

Zeena Barazanji

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

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Languages

  • English
  • Arabic
  • Spanish

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 312 499 2839

F:+1 312 346 1970

Chicago, IL

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

333 W Wacker Dr 15th Floor

Chicago IL 60606

United States

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Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Arabic
  • Spanish

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 312 499 2839

F:+1 312 346 1970

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
  • Arabic
  • Spanish

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 312 499 2839

F:+1 312 346 1970

Chicago, IL

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

333 W Wacker Dr 15th Floor

Chicago IL 60606

United States

Connect via Linkedin
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Zeena is a Senior Associate in Fragomen’s Chicago office, where she focuses on employment, family and individual immigration matters. She works with local businesses, nonprofit organizations and multinational corporations across diverse industries on visa planning, employer compliance and global mobility initiatives. She also represents individuals and families seeking permanent residence, waivers, naturalization and relief from removal. She has extensive experience advocating before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the Asylum Office, the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) and the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA).

Zeena is especially experienced in counseling clients on creative strategies to navigate complex immigration challenges. Her practice often sits at the intersection of corporate and humanitarian immigration, allowing her to craft innovative solutions that address both organizational priorities and individual circumstances. She regularly presents at conferences, universities and professional events on emerging issues in immigration law.

Committed to pro bono service, Zeena has represented survivors of domestic violence and other crimes in VAWA and U visa petitions, as well as individuals seeking asylum, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).

Zeena speaks Arabic, English and Spanish.

Education

  • DePaul University College of Law, J.D., 2013
  • University of Iowa, B.A., high honors, 2010

More from Zeena

Admissions

Bar Admissions: Illinois

Court Admissions: United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

Practice Limited to Federal Immigration & Nationality Law

Professional accomplishments

Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)

Member, USCIS District Director Liaison Committee, AILA Chicago Chapter, 2021-present

Former Co-Chair, Diversity & Inclusion Committee, AILA Chicago Chapter, 2021

Experience

Successfully litigated asylum claims before the Immigration Court on behalf of LGBTQIA+ individuals, survivors of religious persecution, political dissidents and other vulnerable populations.

Secured relief for clients in removal proceedings, including cancellation of removal, waivers and termination of proceedings to seek other relief in matters against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Overturned erroneous denials of H-1B, N-400 and I-485 petitions through successful motions to reopen and appeals before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO).

Secured reinstatement of F-1 student status for individuals whose lawful status had been improperly terminated.

Obtained a custody grant and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) for an unaccompanied minor fleeing violence in his home country.

Publications and lectures

Speaker, “USCIS Interviews, Asylum Interviews, ICE Check-ins.” DePaul Asylum and Immigration Law Clinic A2J and ILSP Quarterly Meeting, 19 September 2025.

Guest Lecturer, “Immigration Basics Training: Day 1 – Introduction to Immigration Law and Family-Based Immigration.” DePaul Asylum and Immigration Law Clinic, 24 January 2025.

Speaker, “All About INA § 212(d)(3) Waivers in the Employment Context.” AILA Chicago Chapter 2024 Employment Conference Series, 30 October 2024.

Speaker, “Preparing for Biden’s New Executive Action Programs.” DePaul Asylum and Immigration Law Clinic Practitioner Roundtable, 15 August 2024.

Speaker, “EB-3 Green Cards for Skilled and Unskilled Workers & Addressing Their Unique Challenges.” AILA Chicago Fall 2023 Employment Conference Series, 15 November 2023.

Speaker, “Family-Based Immigration Overview.” Fragomen and Interstride, Webinar, 11 October 2023.

Speaker, “Pursuing Multiple Forms of Relief in Proceedings.” AILA Annual Conference, June 2023.

Co-author, “Pursuing Multiple Forms of Relief While Simultaneously Litigating before EOIR.” AILA National Conference, 2023.

Speaker, “245(i) Adjustment of Status.” DePaul Asylum and Immigration Law Clinic, 6 October 2022.

Speaker, “Maintaining Permanent Residency after Extended Stays Abroad.” AILA MRC, 11 March 2022.

 

Zeena’s insights

October 23, 2024 — October 30, 2024 | Conference

American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Chicago Chapter 2024 Employment Conference SeriesRead more

Zeena’s insights

October 23, 2024 — October 30, 2024 | Conference

American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Chicago Chapter 2024 Employment Conference SeriesRead more

Zeena’s insights

October 23, 2024 — October 30, 2024 | Conference

American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Chicago Chapter 2024 Employment Conference SeriesRead more

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Arabic
  • Spanish

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 312 499 2839

F:+1 312 346 1970

Chicago, IL

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

333 W Wacker Dr 15th Floor

Chicago IL 60606

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Zeena’s insights

October 23, 2024 — October 30, 2024 | Conference

American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Chicago Chapter 2024 Employment Conference SeriesRead more

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Arabic
  • Spanish

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 312 499 2839

F:+1 312 346 1970

Chicago, IL

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

333 W Wacker Dr 15th Floor

Chicago IL 60606

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Zeena’s insights

October 23, 2024 — October 30, 2024 | Conference

American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Chicago Chapter 2024 Employment Conference SeriesRead more

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Arabic
  • Spanish

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 312 499 2839

F:+1 312 346 1970

Chicago, IL

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

333 W Wacker Dr 15th Floor

Chicago IL 60606

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Zeena’s insights

October 23, 2024 — October 30, 2024 | Conference

American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Chicago Chapter 2024 Employment Conference SeriesRead more

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Blog post

Costa Rica Family Relocation: Understanding Residency for Dependents

Immigration Director Adriana Martínez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times: Scientists Charged Too Much to Come to Work in UK, Says Royal Society

Fragomen contributed data showing how UK visa and health surcharge costs compare with other leading research nations.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Contributes to Migration Observatory Report on Gender and Migration in the UK

Fragomen supported this report, which explores how gender shapes migration patterns, visa routes, employment and settlement in the UK.

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Senior Associate Tomasz Rdzanek or Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala discuss proposed changes to Poland’s citizenship law aimed at simplifying eligibility and clarifying naturalisation procedures for foreign nationals.

Learn more

Video

Oman Introduces a Golden Visa Program | #MobilityMinute

Manager David Makau discusses Oman's recent introduction of a Golden Visa program.

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The Stage: Actors, Dancers and Writers Set to Escape Visa Ban

Partner Louise Haycock highlights the inclusion of performing arts occupations on the temporary shortage list and what it means for international talent in the sector.

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Media mentions

Arts Professional: Creative Sector Must ‘Come Together’ to Give Artists Easier Access to Visas

Partner Louise Haycock highlights opportunities for easier access to overseas talent for the UK creative sector while guiding businesses through evolving visa rules.

Learn more

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British Citizenship for Adopted and Surrogate Children: What Families Should Know

Associate Amelia Haynes and Paralegal Clare Macmillan Bell discuss the legal considerations surrounding British citizenship for children born through adoption or surrogacy.

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times: Boom Time for Immigration Lawyers as US and UK Tighten Restrictions

Partner Bo Cooper provides insight on how evolving US and UK immigration policies, including recent H-1B changes, are shaping corporate mobility and compliance strategies.

Learn more

Video

Atividades Técnicas sob Status de Visitante | #MobilityMinute

O Diretor Executivo da Fragomen Brasil, Diogo Kloper, destaca uma atualização importante na política migratória brasileira, que muda significativamente o que estrangeiros podem fazer no país sob o status de visitante.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Founders Without Frontiers: Navigating Immigration Rules for Start-Ups

Partner Rajiv Naik provides insight on how immigration frameworks across the UK, Europe and EMEA are evolving to support start-ups and entrepreneurial talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

The New York Times: Visiting the European Union? Expect to Give Your Biometric Data.

Partner Jo Antoons discusses the rollout of the EU's new Entry/Exit System.

Learn more

Blog post

Costa Rica Family Relocation: Understanding Residency for Dependents

Immigration Director Adriana Martínez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times: Scientists Charged Too Much to Come to Work in UK, Says Royal Society

Fragomen contributed data showing how UK visa and health surcharge costs compare with other leading research nations.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Contributes to Migration Observatory Report on Gender and Migration in the UK

Fragomen supported this report, which explores how gender shapes migration patterns, visa routes, employment and settlement in the UK.

Learn more

Blog post

Polish Citizenship Rules Under Review: What the Proposed Amendments Mean

Senior Associate Tomasz Rdzanek or Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala discuss proposed changes to Poland’s citizenship law aimed at simplifying eligibility and clarifying naturalisation procedures for foreign nationals.

Learn more

Video

Oman Introduces a Golden Visa Program | #MobilityMinute

Manager David Makau discusses Oman's recent introduction of a Golden Visa program.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Stage: Actors, Dancers and Writers Set to Escape Visa Ban

Partner Louise Haycock highlights the inclusion of performing arts occupations on the temporary shortage list and what it means for international talent in the sector.

Learn more

Media mentions

Arts Professional: Creative Sector Must ‘Come Together’ to Give Artists Easier Access to Visas

Partner Louise Haycock highlights opportunities for easier access to overseas talent for the UK creative sector while guiding businesses through evolving visa rules.

Learn more

Blog post

British Citizenship for Adopted and Surrogate Children: What Families Should Know

Associate Amelia Haynes and Paralegal Clare Macmillan Bell discuss the legal considerations surrounding British citizenship for children born through adoption or surrogacy.

Learn more

Media mentions

Financial Times: Boom Time for Immigration Lawyers as US and UK Tighten Restrictions

Partner Bo Cooper provides insight on how evolving US and UK immigration policies, including recent H-1B changes, are shaping corporate mobility and compliance strategies.

Learn more

Video

Atividades Técnicas sob Status de Visitante | #MobilityMinute

O Diretor Executivo da Fragomen Brasil, Diogo Kloper, destaca uma atualização importante na política migratória brasileira, que muda significativamente o que estrangeiros podem fazer no país sob o status de visitante.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Founders Without Frontiers: Navigating Immigration Rules for Start-Ups

Partner Rajiv Naik provides insight on how immigration frameworks across the UK, Europe and EMEA are evolving to support start-ups and entrepreneurial talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

The New York Times: Visiting the European Union? Expect to Give Your Biometric Data.

Partner Jo Antoons discusses the rollout of the EU's new Entry/Exit System.

Learn more

Stay in touch

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