Biography Photo of Suzanne K Sukkar

Suzanne K. Sukkar

Suzanne Sukkar has years of experience in all areas of immigration law, including, obtaining non-immigrant employment-based visas (such as H, L, E, O, P, R, TN, NAFTA visas), immigrant employment-based visas (EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, EB-5 and PERM labor certifications), outbound (global) immigration, family-based immigration, and naturalization.

She is experienced in conducting I-9 and LCA file audit training. She has also developed a niche in the area of E-1/E-2 (treaty trader/investor) visa applications, consular processing, and start-up ventures. Suzanne services a multiple array of employment and business related industries including: automotive, healthcare, education, financial services, hospitality/food, IT/technology, engineering, religious, and not-for-profit. She has a solid foundation in various areas of the law which strengthens her ability to represent immigration clients.

Suzanne represents clients before government agencies including the Department of Homeland Security, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of State, and Department of Labor. She renders strategic and tactical counsel to a broad clientele base including visa matters for client’s employees at all levels of the corporate organizational structure, from the high-profile CEO or President, to the entry-level business professional. Suzanne has represented high-profile companies in the process of changing its executive-level leadership. Through strategic planning and by offering creative solutions, she has assisted with the seamless transfer of numerous executives and professionals to U.S. subsidiaries or affiliates. Additionally, Suzanne has counseled and offered immigration advice to a CEO Search Committee composed of Board Members of two public companies merging. 

Education & Credentials

Education

University of Michigan

B.A., 2000

Wayne State University Law School

J.D., 2004

Bar Admission

  • Michigan

Spoken Languages

  • Arabic
  • Spanish

Acknowledgements

  • Michigan Lawyers Weekly
    • Influential Woman of Law, 2023
  • Chambers USA, America's Leading Lawyers for Business
    •   Immigration Law, 2024
  • Crain's Detroit Business
    • "Notable Women in Law," 2019
  • Best Lawyers in America®
    • Immigration Law, 2015-2025
  • Michigan Super Lawyers®
    • "Rising Star," Immigration Law, 2012-2018
  • National Association of Professional Women
    • National Woman of the Year Award, 2011
  • Arab American National Museum
    • Recognition of Prominent Arab American Women
  • DBusiness Magazine
    • "Top Lawyers," 2017-2021, 2023
    • "Leading Lawyer," 2018

Prominent Assignments

  • Provided comprehensive legal representation to a leading global IT company, addressing various immigration matters crucial to their operations.
  • Advised on and facilitated compliance with immigration requirements for diverse categories, including intracompany transferees, investors, individuals of extraordinary ability, trainees, holders of advanced degrees, professional workers, and skilled laborers.
  • Represented clients in a spectrum of corporate transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, restructurings, and divestitures, ensuring seamless navigation of immigration considerations and post-transaction work authorizations for foreign nationals.
  • Orchestrated global immigration strategies and shepherded clients through the intricate processes of securing nonimmigrant visas (H-1B, TN-1/2, L-1A/B, E-1/2, E-3, O-1), green cards, and permanent employment-based immigrant visas.
  • Offered counsel to major corporations grappling with U.S. Department of State consular challenges hindering the issuance of work-authorizing visas, adeptly resolving issues and facilitating visa procurement.
  • Provided legal representation to corporations seeking entry of knowledge, managerial, and executive-level foreign personnel, ensuring compliance with immigration regulations.
  • Assisted employers in navigating Form I-9 inspections and other work site enforcement actions by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, safeguarding against potential legal liabilities.
  • Supported clients through Department of Labor audits of H-1B labor condition applications and PERM labor certification applications, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards.
  • Acted as legal counsel for a global architecture firm, overseeing all U.S. temporary and permanent work visa sponsorships, streamlining processes and ensuring compliance.
  • Served as legal counsel for an aerial firefighting company, facilitating numerous E-2 work visas and non-immigrant visa sponsorships for employees, and providing ongoing legal guidance to Human Resources on policy development, management, and immigration compliance.

Professional Involvement

  • Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs - Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Development, Chair 
  • American Bar Foundation, Fellow
  • American Bar Association
  • State Bar of Michigan
  • Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, President
  • American Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC), Board Treasurer
  • Arab American Professionals Network, AACC, Chair; 2010-2014
  • American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), Past Chair of Conferences Committee, Michigan Chapter
  • Washtenaw County Bar Association
  • University of Michigan Alumni Association
  • Women’s Exchange
  • National Association of Women Lawyers

Community Involvement

  • In August 2018, reappointed to a four-year term by Governor Rick Snyder to the State of Michigan’s Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs (CMEAA)

  • In June 2015, appointed to a three-year term by Governor Rick Snyder to the State of Michigan’s Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs (CMEAA)

  • Host of television program “Immigration Today," broadcast by Comcast, Verizon and other cable carriers, 2011-2012
  • Mistress of Ceremonies, American Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC), American Arab Professionals Network Banquet (AAPN), 2010-2014
  • Washtenaw County Bar Association, Bias Awareness and Inclusion Week Committee, 2011
  • Contest Coordinator and Judge for the American Immigration Council (AIC) “Celebrate America” Creative Writing Contest for 5th graders, 2009-2011
  • AILA Citizenship Day: Participant by offering pro-bono legal advice to immigrants seeking to obtain naturalization
  • Washtenaw County Bar Association Law Day: Participant offering pro-bono legal advice regarding all areas of immigration law

Publications/Presentations

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