
Susan J. Cohen
Member / Founder and Chair Emeritus, Immigration Practice
+1.617.348.4468
Susan is a nationally recognized immigration lawyer. As Chair of Mintz’s Immigration Practice, she works with corporate clients to address their immigration challenges. Susan is very active in the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and has contributed to federal and state immigration regulations. She is frequently quoted in the media. She is also an editor of Mintz’s Immigration Law blog and has been recognized as a “Top Author” by JD Supra. Susan helped to lead a Mintz team that worked with the ACLU of Massachusetts and others to obtain a temporary restraining order on the 2017 Travel Ban. Through her pro bono work, she has helped many immigrants obtain asylum.
Recognized nationally and internationally as one of the most highly regarded immigration lawyers in the legal profession and the recipient of dozens of awards by prominent organizations, Susan Cohen brings more than 30 years of experience and a deep well of knowledge to her practice.
With her team of 35 attorneys, specialists, and assistants in the Mintz immigration department she founded and chairs, Susan collaborates with corporate and individual clients to address the array of immigration challenges they encounter every day. She helps companies navigate around immigration obstacles, enabling them to bring in the creative international talent they need, grow their market share by seizing opportunities, and do what they do best: run their businesses, provide good jobs, and enhance their communities.
Susan closely monitors proposed modifications to the ever-evolving regulatory framework governing immigration. This enables her to foresee changes coming, prepare for them, and then move quickly to advise and protect her clients when measures and decisions by the executive branch, Congress, or the judiciary alter the immigration landscape.
Long active in the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), and the American Bar Association (ABA), Susan often plays an instrumental role in shaping federal and state regulations and other government activity. For example, in 2020 she led a Mintz team that represented hundreds of thousands of foreign students in litigation which overturned U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s controversial and dangerous COVID-related student visa policy and in 2017 she helped lead a Mintz team that worked with the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts and others to obtain a temporary restraining order on the 2017 Travel Ban. She also contributed significant input into such legislation as:
- The US Citizenship and Immigration Services regulations implementing the Immigration Act of 1990;
- Department of Labor (DOL) regulations implementing changes to the H-1 B visa category as a result of the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act of 1998;
- DOL labor certification regulations (PERM) issued in 2004.
Susan also advised the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in drafting the legislation that resulted in the Massachusetts Global Entrepreneur in Residence program.
Taking a lead in the firm’s steadfast commitment to community service and pro bono work, Susan has helped many immigrants obtain asylum. Often this requires her to collaborate closely with asylum candidates to gather and organize voluminous evidence for their cases; reach out to government officials and others with whom she has cultivated strong working relationships; and use her strong persuasive communications skills to craft airtight cases to present to judges and other immigration decision makers.
Susan has won awards for her political asylum work from the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts, the Rian Immigrant Center, the Political Asylum/Immigration Representation Project, the Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, and Mintz.
Frequently quoted in the media, Susan also accepts many invitations to speak to a variety of audiences at public events. She regularly writes on immigration law topics and serves on the Editorial Board of Law360. She also serves as an editor of Mintz’s Immigration Law blog and has been recognized as a “Top Author” by JD Supra.
Susan chaired and co-chaired a wide range of American Bar Association (ABA) and AILA committees, including the National Planning Committee for AILA’s Annual Immigration Law Conference. She also has served on the review board for AILA periodicals and as the ABA’s liaison to the Department of Labor on immigration-related issues. A frequent panelist at immigration-related conferences, she also contributes thought leadership to immigration publications and the popular press.
viewpoints
Obtaining Justice for a Judicial Advocate
October 27, 2022 | Article
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Streamlines Social Security Administration Applications for Form I-485 Permanent Resident Applicants
August 11, 2021 | Alert | By Susan Cohen
Biden Administration Signals Support for International Entrepreneur Parole Rule
May 13, 2021 | Blog | By Susan Cohen
The International Entrepreneur Parole Rule: A Beacon of Hope for Foreign Entrepreneurs
April 22, 2021 | Article | By Susan Cohen
F-1 Student OPT Applications Can Now Be Filed Electronically
April 14, 2021 | Alert | By Susan Cohen
E-Verify Development: USCIS Now Enforcing Ten Federal Working Day Period for Employers to Take Action on E-Verify Tentative Nonconfirmations (TNCs)
April 13, 2021 | Blog | By Susan Cohen
This is Big: Visa Pathway Opens for Foreign Workers Seeking H-1B; H-2B; L-1 and J-1 Visa Stamps
October 2, 2020 | Blog | By Susan Cohen
Unacceptable EAD Processing Delays
August 31, 2020 | Blog | By Susan Cohen
Department of Homeland Security Lifts Suspension of Trusted Traveler Enrollment for New York Residents
July 27, 2020 | Blog | By Susan Cohen, Colleen DiNicola
Travel Ban Restricts Entry to the U.S. of Certain Foreign Nationals in the H, L and J Visa Categories
June 23, 2020 | Alert | By John Quill, Susan Cohen, Angel Feng
News & Press
Two Mintz Immigration Attorneys Named To Inaugural Lawdragon 100 Leading Immigration Lawyers List
May 08, 2023
Mintz Recognized by Chambers Global 2023 Guide
February 21, 2023
"Journeys From There to Here” with Susan Cohen
November 5, 2022
Law360's 2022 Immigration Editorial Advisory Board
April 21, 2022
Immigration and refugee problems persist, UM speaker argues
April 17, 2022
Leading Immigration Lawyer Uplifts Marginalized Voices
February 17, 2022
With Paperwork Locked Underground, Thousands of U.S. Citizenship Applicants Wait and Wait
January 26, 2022
Prominent Jewish Immigration Lawyer Pens New Book, Readies for Pittsburgh Appearance
January 12, 2022
Robbins: GOP Continues Descent by Bullying Saule Omarova
November 23, 2021
Mintz Lawyer’s New Book Puts 11 Faces on America’s Immigration ‘Crisis’
November 19, 2021
Journeys from There to Here (The Middle Way)
November 16, 2021
Movers & Shakers: Susan Cohen ‘85
November 5, 2021
Immigration Lawyers Reveal 8 Secret Behind Their Strategies to Win Visas for Startup Workers
September 1, 2021
Law360's 2021 Immigration Editorial Advisory Board
April 7, 2021
Trump's COVID-19 Work Visa Restrictions To Expire
April 1, 2021
Punching In: Biden’s DOL No. 2 Pick Su Faces Pressure From Right
February 16, 2021
Immigration Group Of The Year: Mintz
December 1, 2020
Law360 Names Mintz 2020 Immigration Practice Group of the Year
November 30, 2020
CNN Business Perspectives: By Blocking Visas for Foreign Workers, Trump is Further Hurting the U.S. Economy
June 26, 2020
How Trump's Ban on Work Visas Could Hurt the Economy
June 24, 2020
Trump To Suspend New Work Visas Through 2020
June 23, 2020
Mintz Practice Groups and Attorneys Garner Top Rankings in 2020 Edition of The Legal 500 United States
June 12, 2020
Immigrant-Run Startups In Jeopardy During Pandemic
May 26, 2020
Mintz Honored with PAIR’s 2020 Pro Bono Mentor Award
May 22, 2020
USCIS Should Lower Employment Barriers Amid Pandemic
May 11, 2020
Law360's 2020 Immigration Editorial Advisory Board
April 10, 2020
Pandemic Creates Roadblocks During H-1B Visa Cycle
April 6, 2020
What the Coronavirus Shutdown Means for Immigrant Workers
March 27, 2020
Feds OK Remote I-9 Document Review
March 20, 2020
Is Boston’s Innovation Economy Doomed?
March 5, 2020
Public Charge Order Sparks Confusion For Immigration Attys
January 29, 2020
The first-of-its-kind class action lawsuit, Pereira Brito v. Barr, was filed in June on behalf of immigrants who were jailed due to flawed detention hearings in which the detainee was required to bear the burden of proof as to not being a flight risk or a danger to the community. The latest ruling holds that the class of immigrants are entitled to bond hearings at which the government bears the burden of justifying an immigrant’s detention, and at which the immigration court must consider someone’s ability to pay when setting a bond amount.
The Mintz pro bono team representing the plaintiffs in this case includes Members Susan Finegan and Susan Cohen, Special Counsel Andrew Nathanson, and Associates Mathilda McGee-Tubb, Jennifer Mather McCarthy, and Ryan Dougherty.
Federal Judge Rules Detained Immigrants Are Entitled to Fair Hearings
November 27, 2019
Gov't Often Has 'Nothing' To Hold Immigrants, Judge Says
November 6, 2019
Vague Insurance Test May Spur Erratic Green Card Decisions
October 31, 2019
Belmont Lawyer Uses Art to Illuminate Plight, Contributions of Immigrants
September 19, 2019
Mintz Member and Founding Chair of the Immigration Practice Susan Cohen Featured on Candy O’Terry’s “The Story Behind Her Success” Podcast
September 12, 2019
Immigration Courts Are 'Ignoring The Law,' Mass. Judge Says
August 6, 2019
Mintz, ACLU Lead Charge to End Unlawful ICE Detentions
June 19, 2019
In Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, Member and Chair of Mintz’s Pro Bono Committee Susan Finegan and Member and Founding Chair of Mintz’s Immigration Practice Susan Cohen discuss the purpose of the lawsuit and the legal challenges facing detained immigrants in Massachusetts and beyond.
To view the full press release on this lawsuit, please click here.
Aggressive ICE Tactics Set Up Heavyweight Clash In Mass.
April 29, 2019
Mintz Recognized by Chambers USA 2019
April 26, 2019
What the DACA Repeal Means for Students
April 7, 2019
Processing Delays Reveal USCIS Stretched To Its Limits
March 13, 2019
Shifting Scrutiny of H-1B Visas Raises Eyebrows About Motive
February 14, 2019
End Of Spouse Work Authorization Could Drive Away H-1Bs
February 12, 2019
Immigration Compliance Essentials For 2019
January 22, 2019
While Washington focuses on the wall, Mexico fears its own border crisis
December 28, 2018
Asylum Ruling Erodes Former AG Sessions' Immigration Vision
December 20, 2018
Proposed Visa Ban for Aid Recipients Could Hit Skilled Workers
September 25, 2018
New USCIS Guidance Makes Immigration Denials Easier
July 13, 2018
The Feds Want You to Use E-Verify — But Should You?
July 2, 2018
Immigration Lawyer Uses Music to Appeal for Immigrants
June 19, 2018
With Fewer Teens and Immigrants, Businesses in Tourist Towns Across America Are Looking Closer to Home for Help
May 28, 2018
Chambers USA 2018 Ranks Mintz Attorneys & Practices
May 03, 2018
Mintz's Pro Bono Work Honored by New England Chapter of American Association of Pro Bono Lawyers
April 24, 2018
Law360's Immigration Editorial Advisory Board
March 21, 2018
What It Actually Takes To Bring A Relative To The U.S.
March 5, 2018
Everything you need to know about family-based migration
February 16, 2018
"Where were you when the refugee ban happened?"
January 31, 2018
How DACA Decision Will Impact the Restaurant Industry
January 18, 2018
Hard Labor
January 11, 2018
What Ending H-4 Work Permits Means For Cos., Immigrants
November 20, 2017
Has Trump Been Good for Big Law?
November 7, 2017
BigLaw Directs Pro Bono Efforts At Trump Admin Policies
November 6, 2017
Cos. Face Unpredictability As Extension Deference Ends
October 26, 2017
What To Know About Boston's Status As A 'Sanctuary City'
October 11, 2017
Plan To Cut Legal Immigration Likely To Be Uphill Battle
July 17, 2017
Social media vetting: What's Form DS-5535 and how will it impact U.S. visa applications?
July 3, 2017
Tweets, Facebook posts can lead to students being denied US education under new visa protocol
July 3, 2017
Summer Delays Likely As State Dept. Ups Visa Screening
April 5, 2017
Restaurants brace for more worksite raids
April 3, 2017
Mintz Named Top Firm in Energy and Eleven Attorneys Featured in JD Supra’s 2017 Reader’s Choice Awards
March 20, 2017
New Travel Ban Has Businesses on Standby
March 7, 2017
Mintz Immigration Practice Named “Law Firm of the Year – Immigration” in M&A Today 2017 Global Rankings
March 06, 2017
Changes could be on horizon for foreign national workers
March 1, 2017
Trump's Next Immigration Moves May Rock Businesses
February 13, 2017
Is Trump's Travel Ban on Fast Track to Supreme Court?
February 10, 2017
Nearly 100 Companies File Legal Brief Opposing Trump's Travel Ban
February 6, 2017
Trump Immigration Orders Stir Funding, Litigation Questions
January 25, 2017
4 Tips for Entrepreneurs Worried About Trump Immigration Policies
January 25, 2017
USCIS Parole Rule: A Practical Solution For Entrepreneurs
January 17, 2017
U.S. immigration, hotels and the Trump administration
January 10, 2017
Immigration Practices Read Tea Leaves After Trump
December 1, 2016
Trump and Employment-Based Immigration: What’s Next?
November 21, 2016
What You Should Know About The DHS Job Flexibility Rule
November 18, 2016
The Confused, Cloudy Future of DACA
November 16, 2016
Trump Win Foreshadows Deportations, Border Wall Fight
November 9, 2016
H-1B Class Action Could Bring Needed Transparency
September 27, 2016
Draft Immigration Rule Would Ease Foreign Entrepreneurs’ Entry
August 29, 2016
Rule For Foreign Startup Founders Seen As Helpful Stopgap
August 26, 2016
Immigration Regulations To Watch Before Obama Exits Office
August 12, 2016
The US has cut off the path to citizenship for India and China’s most exceptionally talented people
July 14, 2016
Leading Immigration Attorney Kevin R. McNamara Joins Mintz
February 02, 2015
Susan Cohen Listed in Who's Who Legal Under Corporate Immigration
January 01, 2013
Events & Speaking

Venture On a Visa: Demystifying Startup Life as an International Entrepreneur
Babson College - The Arthur M. Blank Center for Entrepreneurship
Babson College, Olin 101, 231 Forest St., Babson Park, MA 02457
Immigration Compliance & Risk Management Webinar Series
Part II: Creating Compliance Policies for a New Era
Immigration Compliance & Risk Management Webinar Series
Part I: Keeping DHS in Your Sights: Site Visits & Record Keeping
Uniting for Refugees: Marking One Year Since President Trump's Travel Ban
Oxfam
District Hall, 75 Northern Avenue, Boston, MA
2017 Europe Forum, "Immigration Impact of Brexit and Free Trade Agreements"
ABA Section of International Law
Barcelona, Spain
Immigration Today: A Closer Look
Brandeis University
Mandel Center for the Humanities, Brandeis University
A Round-up of Recent Immigration Law Changes and a Roadmap for Compliance in a New Administration
Mintz Levin
New York, NY
Susan is a nationally recognized immigration lawyer. As Chair of Mintz’s Immigration Practice, she works with corporate clients to address their immigration challenges. Susan is very active in the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and has contributed to federal and state immigration regulations. She is frequently quoted in the media. She is also an editor of Mintz’s Immigration Law blog and has been recognized as a “Top Author” by JD Supra. Susan helped to lead a Mintz team that worked with the ACLU of Massachusetts and others to obtain a temporary restraining order on the 2017 Travel Ban. Through her pro bono work, she has helped many immigrants obtain asylum.
Recognition & Awards
- Nationally Ranked by Chambers USA for Immigration (2013-2023)
- Chambers USA: Massachusetts - Immigration (2021 – 2023)
- Best Lawyers in America: Immigration Law (2007 – 2022)
- Recipient of PAIR's (The Political Asylum/ Immigration Representation Project) "Mentor of the Year" Award (2020)
- The National Law Review: Recognized as a “Go-To Thought Leader” for Immigration Law (2019)
- Recipient of the Irish International Immigrant Center's Solas Award (2014)
- The American Lawyer & Corporate Counsel: Woman Leader in The Law (2019)
- Who’s Who Legal: Recognized as “Thought Leader” for Corporate Immigration (2019)
- The Global Business Magazine and the Professional Sector Network Global Awards: Immigration Adviser of the Year – Boston, USA (2018)
- Legal 500 Hall of Fame: Immigration (2018, 2020-2021)
- Chambers Global Guide: Immigration: Business (2015 – 2022)
- Named to the National Law Journal’s list of Immigration Trailblazers (2018, 2020)
- International Advisory Experts Award: Immigration Lawyer of the Year in Massachusetts (2018 – 2019)
- Lawyer Monthly – Women in Law Award: Immigration Law (2017)
- JD Supra: Top Author, Readers' Choice Awards – Immigration (2017)
- Recommended as a leading lawyer by The Legal 500 United States for Labor and Employment: Immigration (2013 – 2020)
- Finance Monthly Global Awards: Corporate Immigration Lawyer of the Year USA (2017 – 2018)
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent
- Named to the Short List for Corporate Immigration - USA by Finance Monthly (2014)
- Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly: Circle of Excellence Award (2013)
- International Who’s Who of Corporate Immigration Lawyers (2002 – 2014, 2016 – 2019)
- Massachusetts Super Lawyers: Immigration (2004, 2008 – 2013)
- Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly: Women of Justice Award (2008)
Susan is a nationally recognized immigration lawyer. As Chair of Mintz’s Immigration Practice, she works with corporate clients to address their immigration challenges. Susan is very active in the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and has contributed to federal and state immigration regulations. She is frequently quoted in the media. She is also an editor of Mintz’s Immigration Law blog and has been recognized as a “Top Author” by JD Supra. Susan helped to lead a Mintz team that worked with the ACLU of Massachusetts and others to obtain a temporary restraining order on the 2017 Travel Ban. Through her pro bono work, she has helped many immigrants obtain asylum.
Involvement
- Guest, The Middle Way: Journeys from There to Here, with host Jay Fidell
- Guest, Niskanen Center and the National Immigration Forum, "Journeys from There to Here: Stories of Immigrant Trials, Triumphs, and Contributions"
- Guest, Talk Back Missoula’s World Affairs Council show April, 2021
- 10+ year Co-chair, Immigration Subcommittee, ABA International Law and Practice Section
- President, Board of Directors, Political Asylum/Immigration Representation (PAIR) Project
- Advisor, Commonwealth of Massachusetts Global Entrepreneur in Residence Program
- Frequent Guest Lecturer, MIT
- Advisor, MIT Venture Mentoring Center
- Member, Immigration Editorial Advisory Board, Law 360
- Past chair, Immigration Committee, Boston Bar Association International Section
