Peter F. Asaad is a Partner with twenty years of experience in immigration law. Mr. Asaad has substantial expertise addressing the needs of corporate clients and individuals on business-related and employment-based matters.

Mr. Asaad has been recognized by the American Bar Association (ABA) “as one of the nation’s leading” attorneys in the field of immigration law and by the American Bar Foundation (ABF) as among the “top one-third of one percent” of the lawyers in Washington, DC. He is listed as a top Corporate Immigration Lawyer by Who’s Who, and ranked a top-rated AV lawyer by Martindale-Hubbell. He has also been recognized among Washingtonian Magazine’s “Top Lawyers” in immigration law for over a decade and listed in The Best Lawyers in America®: Immigration Law.

Mr. Asaad is past president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), DC Chapter, where he furthered the education needs of over 900 immigration lawyers. Prior to holding this position, Mr. Asaad served as Co-Chair of the American Bar Association (ABA) Immigration Litigation Committee for several years and served as Chair of the DC Bar Immigration & Human Rights Committee.

Mr. Asaad developed and taught an advanced course on business immigration as Adjunct Law Professor at American University, Washington College of Law.

Mr. Asaad represents corporations to develop and manage streamlined immigration programs; start-ups and emerging growth companies with challenging employment authorization needs; founders and entrepreneurs to develop cases under O-1A and NIW; individuals with family-based immigration needs; nurses and hospitals with Schedule A green card matters; and organizations with their I-9, E-Verify, and SEVIS needs, among other.

Developing and Managing Corporate Immigration Programs

Mr. Asaad has extensive experience developing and managing corporate immigration programs.

He is sought out by organizations due to his proactive management, responsive communication, and his deep understanding of the law to ensure compliance and a streamlined process.

Creating Successful O-1A, NIW, EB-1A and H-1B Cap Exempt Pathways

Leading the way in the representation of foreign entrepreneurs and start-ups, Mr. Asaad is the architect of the IN2NYC program and former Special Counsel to New York City. On behalf of the Mayor of New York City and the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), in partnership with the City University of New York (CUNY) and New York University (NYU), he developed and launched IN2NYC, the first municipal visa program in the nation of its kind designed to help international entrepreneurs collaborate with universities to create jobs in the United States.

Mr. Asaad is sought out by entrepreneurs, start-ups, emerging growth companies and foreign investors on their unique needs. With his extensive experience and past successes, he helps to create a pathway toward eligibility and approval for special H-1B cap exemption, O-1A extraordinary ability, E-1/E-2 visas and L-1 visas for expanding foreign operations in the U.S., as well as permanent residence under the National Interest Waiver (NIW) and Extraordinary Ability (EB-1) categories.

Representative Experience

  • Partnered with HR professionals and labor and employment law counsel to manage the employment eligibility needs of Fortune 500 corporations, nonprofit organizations and academic institutions, as well as other large, medium and small companies to develop, day-to-day manage, and effectively streamline immigration and compliance programs.
  • Served the needs of multinational companies seeking to expand foreign operations into the U.S., forming subsidiary and affiliate entities and the L-1 intra-company transfer visas for executives, managers and essential personnel to lead and support the U.S. entity.
  • Led I-9 self-audits and advise on correcting errors, avoiding discrimination, lawful terminations and recruitment, E-Verify tentative non-confirmations, and remote verifications; address investigations and enforcement actions.
  • Developed O-1A and NIW pathway for founders, entrepreneurs, and other highly skilled individuals with valuable endeavors.
  • Served the employment authorization needs of a global technology and consulting service provider to third-party customers.
  • Ensured employment authorization for government contractor with highly specialized employees to serve the needs of various national government agencies.

Honors & Awards

  • Named in the Washingtonian Magazine’s list of “Top Lawyers” in immigration law
  • Selected to Washington DC Super Lawyers List
  • Best Lawyers since 2020 - Immigration Law
  • Listed in Who’s Who Legal (Corporate Immigration)
  • Ranked in Chambers USA®
  • Martindale-Hubbell AV® Peer Review Rated
  • Recognized as a leading attorney by The American Bar Foundation (ABA)
  • Recognized among the top one-third of one percent of the lawyers in Washington, D.C. by The American Bar Foundation (ABF) and chosen to be an ABF Fellow
  • Best Lawyer
  • Top Lawyer
  • Best Lawyers 2020
  • WWL

Publications and Speeches

  • Co-Presenter, Immigration Law and Employer Compliance, Association for Corporate Counsel, InfoPAK.
  • Co-Author, Ensuring Corporate Compliance: E-Verify and I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification, Bloomberg Law Reports-Labor & Employment, 2010, Vol. 4, No. 26 at 12.
  • Co-Presenter, The HR Immigration Pocket Reference, Society for Human Resource Management.
  • Co-Author, H-1B: Solutions for Short and Long-Term Needs, Law360, last modified April 26, 2010.
  • Author, Obama’s Immigration Agenda: Change Likely in Law and Enforcement, Workplace Law, Society for Human Resources Management, last modified November 21, 2008.
  • Co-Author, E-Verify: A Trojan Horse at the Employer’s Doorstep, Wash. Col. Law, Business Law Brief, 2008, Vol. 4, No. 1 at 26.
  • Guest, WJLA, ABC News, New Employment Visa Reform Passes: Additional H-1B Numbers; One Year Experience Requirement for L-1 Blanket Entrants; Fees and H-1B Dependent Attestations Reinstituted, WJLA, ABC News, Legal Resource Center (last modified January 12, 2006); Multinational Managers and Executives, WJLA, ABC News, Legal Resource Center (last modified November 21, 2005).

SELECTED SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

  • Speaker, The Buy American, Hire American Executive Order: How "Putting American Workers First" is Impacting U.S. Business Immigration, DC Bar, June 26, 2018.
  • Speaker, Reporter’s Roundtable On The Current Immigration Issues Relating to Youth in the United States, American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), National Press Club, May 17, 2016.
  • Speaker, Planning Your Path: Work Visa Information Session, The Washington Center (WIC), February 12, 2016.
  • Speaker, Planning Your Path: Work Visa Information Session, GlobalTies,  March 23, 2016.
  • Speaker, Immigration Law Practice Clinic, Nonimmigrant Visas: L-1 Intracompany Visas, District of Columbia Bar Association, September 18, 2015.
  • Speaker, Planning Your Path: Work Visa Information Session, The Washington Center (WIC), September 18, 2015.
  • Speaker, Paving Your Eligibility Pathway, Green Card Tips for Scientists, Professors and Researchers, American Chemical Society (ACS), September 17, 2015.
  • Speaker, Bordering on Legal Limits? A Symposium Analyzing the President’s Executive Action on Immigration, Beyond Implementation: State Responses and Future Immigration Legislation, American University, Washington College of Law, January 30, 2015.
  • Speaker, What Every Employer Should Know About the President's Executive Action on Immigration, DC SHRM ("HRA-NCA"), January 13, 2015.
  • Speaker, 4th Annual Compensation & Benefits Summit, Why is Hiring Non-U.S. Workers a Benefit to My Company: How do I sponsor an employee for U.S. Permanent Residence or an Employment Visa?, Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM),  HRA-NCA, October 7, 2014.
  • Speaker, EB-1 vs. EB-2 for Non-Profits, Global Immigration Council, June 5, 2014.
  • Speaker, International Student Services, H-1B Information Session, American University, March 27, 2014.
  • Moderator, Dinner Meeting with Government and Private Advocacy Experts, American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), DC Chapter, March 26, 2014.
  • Speaker,  Immigration Issues and Dealing With Overseas Workers – I-9 Compliance, Getting Foreign Workers US Visa and Hiring and Overseeing Workers Outside the U.S., Society for Human Resource Management, Northern Virginia Chapter (NOVA SHRM), February 26, 2014.
  • Speaker, Expanding the Talent Pool by Hiring and Retaining Foreign Nationals: A Core Competency for Hiring the Best and Brightest, Society for Human Resource Management, DC Chapter (HRA-NCA), April 2013 and November 2012.
  • Speaker, Developing and Maintaining Effective I-9 Compliance Policies, Society for Human Resource Management, Northern Virginia Chapter (NOVA SHRM), April 2013 and November 2012.
  • Speaker, Developing and Maintaining Effective I-9 Compliance Policies, Society for Human Resource Management, DC Chapter (HRA-NCA),  April 2013 and November 2012.
  • Moderator, What Does it Mean for You and Your Client, American Bar Association (ABA), ABA Lunch N/ Learn: Prosecutorial Discretion, June 7, 2012.
  • Webinar Speaker, H-1B Site Visits, Immigration Solutions Group, PLLC, March 13, 2012.
  • Speaker, Developing and Maintaining Effective I-9 Policies, Leesburg SHRM Chapter, October 11, 2011.
  • Speaker, Developing and Maintaining Effective I-9 Policies, Montgomery County SHRM Chapter, July 20, 2011.
  • Guest Faculty Speaker, International Human Rights Law Clinic Seminar, American University, Washington College of Law, April 14, 2011.
  • Speaker and Program Chair, ABA Pro Bono Training: The Essentials of Immigration Court Representation, American Bar Association (Miami, Florida), April 13, 2011.
  • Moderator, ABA Immigration Litigation Subcommittee Lunch and Learn Series: The Varying Definitions of Conviction, American Bar Association, March 24, 2011.
  • Speaker and Program Chair, ABA Pro Bono Training: The Essentials of Immigration Court Representation, American Bar Association (Washington, DC), February 24, 2011.
  • Moderator,  ABA Immigration Litigation Subcommittee Lunch and Learn Series: An Analysis of USCIS Rulemaking and Policy Procedures, American Bar Association, February 23, 2011.
  • Moderator, E-Verify & Chamber of Commerce v. Whiting, American University, Washington College of Law, February 22, 2011.
  • Program Chair and Moderator, The Role of Federal Government Agencies in Immigration Compliance and Employment, District of Columbia Bar CLE, February 16, 2011.
  • Moderator, ABA Immigration Litigation Subcommittee Lunch and Learn Series: Avoiding Discrimination Claims in the Employment Verification Process: An Introduction to the Office of Special Counsel, American Bar Association, April 23, 2010.
  • Panel Speaker, ABA Administrative Law Annual Conference: What Every Lawyer Should Know About Immigration Law, American Bar Association, November 4, 2010.
  • Moderator, Georgetown University Law Center: Arizona SB 1070 Debate, Georgetown University Law Center, November 3, 2010.
  • Moderator, ABA Immigration Litigation Subcommittee Lunch and Learn Series: The Year of Arizona, American Bar Association, October 18, 2010.
  • Speaker, Employing Foreign Nationals in Today’s Immigration Environment, Society for Human Resource Management, HRA-NCA 2007 Annual Conference, September 2, 2009.
  • Speaker, Maximizing U.S. Returns on Shared Knowledge: Innovative Frameworks for Technology Transfer and Full Global Engagement – How Do We Maintain the Best and the Brightest?, National Academies of Science, Government University Industry Research Roundtable, June 3, 2009.
  • Speaker, New Office, Subsidiary or Affiliate: Investment Alternatives for Immigrant Entrepreneurs, District of Columbia Bar, April 6, 2009.
  • Speaker, High-Skilled Immigration Matters: Current Issues, Tips and Guidance, Montgomery County, Maryland, Department of Economic Development, Rockville Innovation Center, November 9, 2007.
  • Speaker, Employing Foreign Nationals: Current Issues, Tips and Guidance, Montgomery County, Maryland, Department of Economic Development, Wheaton Business Innovation Center, October 24, 2007.
  • Speaker, What Employers Ought to Know about Immigration Law and Regulations, Wheaton Business Innovation Center, April 25, 2007.
  • Speaker, High-Skilled Immigration Matters: Current Issues, Tips and Guidance, Montgomery County, Maryland, Department of Economic Development, Rockville Business Innovation Center, March 21, 2007.
  • Speaker, Immigration Reform and What It Means to Technology Companies, Montgomery County, Maryland, Department of Economic Development, MTDC Facility in Rockville, February 8, 2007.
  • Speaker, Employing Foreign Nationals in Today’s Immigration Environment, Montgomery County, Maryland, Department of Economic Development, Silver Spring Innovation Center, January 10, 2007.
  • Speaker, Employing Foreign Nationals in Today’s Immigration Environment, Montgomery County, Maryland, Department of Economic Development, December 8, 2006.
  • Speaker, Global Immigration Matters: Employment of Foreign Nationals in Today’s Immigration Environment, The Maryland Tech Council, October 13, 2006.
  • Speaker, What All Lawyers Should Know About Immigration Law, District of Columbia Bar, December 7, 2005.

NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA APPEARANCES

  • International Television Broadcast with Al Jazeera America, The Syrian Refugee Crises and the U.S. House of Representatives Vote to Bolster Security (November 19, 2015).
  • Interview with F.I. Investment Group, South Asian Weekly (September 18, 2009).
  • Interview by Voice of America’s Persian News Network (PNN), The Roya Khat Television Program, Straight Talk on H-1Bs (May 7, 2009) (an interactive television program which aims to promote engagement and interaction between Iranians and Americans).
  • Interview by Washington Post Radio, 107.7 FM and 1500 AM (December 12, 2006) (A follow-up to a December 7, 2006, section B, front page article, “Deporting a Model Noncitizen,” by Marc Fisher).
  • Interview by Clinic Radio, 100.3 FM and 980 AM, Clinic Attorney (October 7, 2005) (live radio immigration clinic for the public).
  • Interview by Middle East Television Network, “Ask an Attorney,” Alhurra Program (July 7, 2005).

IN THE NEWS

  • Allen Smith, Employers, Society for Human Resource Management, Still on Edge over STEM OPT Program (February 18, 2016).
  • Neal Earley, Montgomery County Sentinel, Undocumented immigrants negotiating broken system (May 20, 2016).
  • Liz Robbins, New York Times, CUNY Schools to Lure Foreign Entrepreneurs With New Visa Program, (February 17, 2016).
  • Allen Smith, Society for Human Resource Management, ‘Smart I-9 Form’ Comes Up Short (January 20, 2016).
  • Allen Smith, Society for Human Resource Management, DACA Quietly Marches On (September 30, 2014).
  • Esther Cepeda, The Washington Post, Immigration’s Sticky Issues (February 6, 2014).
  • Jenna Greene, The National Law Journal, Deportation Cases Get a Fresh Look (January 9, 2012).
  • Lisa R. Bliss, ABA Litigation News, Representing Clients with Limited English Proficiency (October 13, 2010).
  • Lisa R. Bliss, ABA Litigation News, ABA Support Retooling Immigration Court System (April 19, 2010).
  • Moira Herbst, BusinessWeek, Immigration: When Only ‘Geniuses’ Need Apply - Top Artists, Writers, and Musicians are Among those Awarded O-1 Visas Each Year to Add to U.S. Culture and the Economy (May 17, 2009).
  • Melissa Frederick, The Examiner, Grassley, Durbin Target Visas for Tech Workers (June 8, 2007).
  • Melissa Frederick, The Examiner, Legislation Inadequate to Fight Tech Worker Shortage, Advocates Contend (May 23, 2007).
  • Marc Fisher, The Washington Post, Follow-up to Deporting a Model Noncitizen, Section B (December 12, 2006).
  • Marc Fisher, The Washington Post, Deporting a Model Noncitizen, Section B (December 07, 2006).

Civic Involvement

  • Succeeded at representing a pregnant mother in detention with two U.S. citizen children: succeeded at the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals; overturned immigration judge’s deportation order; achieved release through assistance of Congressional support and the Washington Post; obtained TPS followed by Adjustment of Status to obtain Permanent Residency.

Memberships and Affiliations

  • American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), Member
  • American Immigration Lawyers Association, DC Chapter (AILA DC), Former President
  • American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), Former Business Immigration Committee Member
  • GlobalTies U.S., Director of the Board
  • Society for Human Resource Management, DC (SHRM), Former Vice-President, Director
  • American Bar Association (ABA), Former Chair of Immigration Committee
  • District of Columbia Bar (DC Bar), Chair of International Law Section and Chair of the Immigration and Human Rights Committee
  • ABC News (WJLA) Program, Immigration Lead Counsel
  • FWD.us, led by principal Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, Innovation Council Member
  • New York City Department of Economic Development (NYCEDC), Immigration Advisor
  • Partnership for a New American Economy, Member

Education

American University, Washington College of Law, J.D.

  • with honors

University of Rochester, B.A.

  • with honors

Previous Experience

  • Quarles & Brady, LLP, Partner

Clerkships

  • Judicial Law Clerk, Superior Court of the District of Columbia, Judge Leonard Braman

Admissions

  • District of Columbia
  • Maryland
  • U.S. Supreme Court
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
  • U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland
  • District of Columbia Court of Appeals
  • Maryland Court of Appeals

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