Ropes & Gray Assembles Team to Provide Guidance Regarding White House Executive Order on Immigration

In The News
January 30, 2017

In light of a White House Executive Order on immigration signed on Friday, Jan. 27 by President Donald J. Trump announcing travel restrictions involving seven countries, Ropes & Gray has assembled a team of attorneys to provide legal counsel to individuals and companies on questions related to the Executive Order and other time-sensitive immigration questions. The firm’s team is led by appellate & Supreme Court partner Douglas Hallward-Driemeier and benefits partner Jennifer Rikoski, who are experienced in handling complex questions related to immigration law.

“Ropes & Gray attorneys understand the immediate questions the Executive Order on immigration raises,” Mr. Hallward-Driemeier said. “Our attorneys are monitoring developments in a number of jurisdictions, and we are updating our guidance to clients to share new information during this unfolding situation.”  

A partial stay of the order was issued on Jan. 28 by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, and federal courts in Massachusetts, Virginia and Washington issued similar rulings thereafter. Among other developments, Ropes & Gray can advise on updates concerning the most expansive ruling yet on these issues from the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, which appears to open a window during which visa holders currently abroad can try to reenter through Boston Logan International Airport.

Ropes & Gray’s immigration practice regularly helps clients navigate the complexities that arise in business contexts under immigration and naturalization laws. The firm provides practical advice to help clients address and comply with these laws, as well as regular updates on significant changes to immigration rules and regulations that will  directly impact their businesses. Ropes & Gray also represents pro bono clients, including refugees, asylum-seekers and others seeking immigration assistance, from countries around the world.