Immigration Law and Consulting
28 Years of Federal Immigration Experience
Working For You
Former senior attorney at USCIS, the State Department, DHS Office of the General Counsel, and ICE — now bringing insider expertise to individuals and attorneys navigating complex immigration matters.
About Nick
My long career in federal immigration law has given me an unparalleled understanding of how immigration agencies think, decide, and operate — knowledge I now put to work on behalf of clients.
I began my career with the Executive Office of Immigration Review's (EOIR) Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer (OCAHO), then became a trial attorney for the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in San Francisco and El Paso.
I concentrated on national security issues for USCIS at its headquarters. In 2007 I joined the DHS Office of the General Counsel, eventually serving as the Assistant General Counsel for Immigration Enforcement during the Obama administration.
In 2014 I joined the State Department's Visa Office, Bureau of Consular Affairs, where I served as Chief of the Legislation and Regulations Division and Deputy Director of Legal Affairs, managing a 30-person office including 19 attorneys. My final government post returned me to USCIS at the Nebraska Service Center, where I provided legal advice across the full spectrum of USCIS adjudications.
I taught immigration law at George Mason University School of Law (now Antonin Scalia Law School).
Outside the office, I enjoy time with my wife, son, and our many pets, as well as sports, podcasts, and audiobooks — and of course cheering on the Fighting Irish.
What I Do
I represent individuals directly and serve as a consultant to attorneys handling complex immigration matters. My government experience means I understand these issues from the inside out.
I-601 and I-601A waivers for grounds of inadmissibility, including hardship evaluations and strategic presentation of cases to USCIS adjudicators.
I-130 family-based immigrant petitions and I-140 employment-based immigrant petitions, from preparation through approval and beyond.
Extensive experience with the overly broad terrorism-related inadmissibility grounds under the INA — including exemption procedures under Section 212(d)(3)(B). I helped draft the majority of TRIG exemptions and litigated the landmark precedent case Matter of S-K-, 23 I.&N. Dec. 936 (BIA 2006).
Nonimmigrant and immigrant visa matters, visa revocations, consular returns, and navigating the State Department's Visa Office — where I served as Deputy Director of Legal Affairs.
Mandamus actions and APA challenges to unreasonable delays or unlawful denials, backed by extensive experience reviewing and drafting litigation reports from the government side.
Analysis and comment on immigration regulations, legislative proposals, and policy memoranda. I drafted regulations and Federal Register notices throughout my career at DHS and State.
Career
Advised adjudicators on I-140, I-130, I-485, TPS, and DACA cases. Reviewed legal sufficiency of USCIS decisions and TRIG eligibility.
Managed a 30-person office of 19 attorneys. Led State's review of inadmissibility grounds under Presidential Memorandum implementing heightened vetting. Primary attorney on visa number usage and the Visa Bulletin.
Oversaw legal issues involving immigration enforcement for the Obama administration. Assisted DOJ in Arizona v. United States, 567 U.S. 387 (2012). Advised on Guantánamo detainee issues and national security.
Taught Immigration Law course to upper-level law students.
Led national security case coordination with ICE, FBI, and other agencies. Represented USCIS on the DHS Immigration Task Force for comprehensive immigration reform. Provided DOJ with litigation support on national security cases.
Litigated precedent case Matter of S-K- on material support to terrorist organizations. Represented the government in immigration court and before the BIA. Member of the El Paso Joint Terrorism Task Force.
Assisted Administrative Law Judge Ellen K. Thomas with legal opinions on employer sanctions, immigration-related employment discrimination, and document fraud.
Recognition & Scholarship
Federal Bar Association, Immigration Law Section
Board of Directors, 2017–2022
Get in Touch
Whether you are an individual navigating the immigration system or an attorney seeking expert consultation, I welcome the opportunity to discuss your matter.