Sang M. Shin
Practice Areas
Experience
- Diversity & Inclusion Counseling
- Employment Policies, Procedures, & Handbooks
- Employment Practice Audits
- International
- International Taxation
- South Korea
“Sang is awesome to work with. He is very professional while being personable and approachable.”
— Source Quoted in Chambers USA Guide, 2024
Biography
Sang M. Shin delivers strategic, comprehensive counsel, guiding U.S. companies through complex immigration matters and advising international businesses on establishing and expanding their presence in the United States.
Sang helps clients navigate the evolving landscape of U.S. immigration law with clarity and confidence. He works with organizations of all sizes—from multinational corporations to start-ups—offering practical solutions that support growth and operational goals. By understanding each client’s industry and objectives, Sang crafts strategies that address immediate immigration needs while anticipating future challenges, ensuring long-term compliance and success.
Clients value Sang’s ability to manage complex legal processes, whether bringing key talent to the U.S., expanding operations, or responding to government audits. Known for his proactive approach, he guides clients through every step and provides clear, actionable advice. Beyond legal counsel, Sang acts as a trusted advisor, connecting clients with resources and networks to help them thrive in the competitive U.S. market.
Sang is adept at handling a wide range of employment and investment-based nonimmigrant visa petitions, and provides advanced, strategic advice on immigrant visas (EB1, National Interest Waiver, Schedule A) and labor certifications (PERM) for numerous occupations. He also represents companies in audits, investigations, and worksite enforcement by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Department of Labor, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
For international companies entering or expanding in the United States, Sang offers seamless guidance on market entry, regulatory compliance, and ongoing operational support. He also partners with entrepreneurs and investors, helping them identify and pursue opportunities that align with their business and personal goals.
Named among The Best Lawyers in America (2021-2025) for immigration law, Sang is committed to being more than just a legal advisor—he is a business partner invested in his clients’ success.
Additional Languages
Korean
Education
B.A., University of North Carolina
J.D., Charlotte School of Law
Diversity and Inclusion Certification, Cornell University
Bar Admissions
Texas
- Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Up and Coming in Immigration – Texas, 2024-2025
- Texas Rising Star, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2022
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), Immigration Law, 2021-2025
- “Top Lawyer: Immigration” in Best of Houstonia, Houstonia Magazine, 2021
- Best Under 40 Award, Asian Pacific Interest Section (APIS) of the State Bar of Texas, 2020
Publications
- Co-author, “Presidential Proclamation Halts Foreign Student Visas at Harvard University,” (June 2025)
- Co-author, “U.S. Implements Sweeping Travel Bans Affecting 19 Countries: Key Details and Exemptions,” (June 2025)
- “When the Government Comes to Visit: Preparing for an Audit or Workplace Raid,” Jackson Walker Insights (February 2025)
- Co-author, “A Summary of President Trump’s Immigration-Related Executive Orders,” Jackson Walker Insights (January 2025)
- “The Politics of Immigration and Its Impact on Business,” Texas Lawyer (November 2024)
- “Business Immigration Expectations Under a Second Trump Administration,” Jackson Walker Insights (November 2024)
- Co-author, “Student-Athletes as Employees Spells Legal Stressors for Schools,” Bloomberg Tax – Tax Management Memorandum (March 2024)
- Co-author, “Worker Intake and Classification Issues and the Related Legal Challenges for Employers,” 64 Tax Mgmt. Memo No. 4, 53 (Feb. 13, 2023)
- Co-author, “Worker Intake and Classification Issues and the Related Legal Challenges for Employers,” 51 Tax Mgmt. Comp. Plan J. No. 2 (Feb. 3, 2023)
- “Channeling Struggles to Create Opportunity,” The Texas Lawbook (May 2022)
- “Foreign Worker Policies Likely to Improve for Business,” Texas Lawyer (March 2021)
- “COVID-19 and Foreign National Workers in the United States,” The Houston Lawyer magazine (July 2020)
- “Impacts of COVID-19 on U.S. Immigration and Travel Policies,” Jackson Walker Business Immigration & Compliance Resources (July 2020)
Speaking Engagements
- Speaker, “Solid STEM OPTions: Keeping Talent In the United States,” UT Law CLE’s 48th Annual Conference on Immigration and Nationality Law (October 2024)
- Speaker, Annual Aberdeen-Houston Gateway (March 2024)
- Speaker, “National Interest Waivers: Updates, Effective Strategies for the Exceptional and STEM, and How to Handle Complex RFEs,” TexasBarCLE Course for Advanced Immigration Law (February 2024)
- Speaker, “Legal: How to Impact Law Firm Diversity,” FutureCast 2022 (October 2022)
- Panelist, “U.S. Business Immigration Virtual Roundtable,” Jackson Walker Webinar (September 2022)
- Speaker, “Surviving an Unpredictable Economy: Legal Considerations You Can’t Afford to Ignore,” 2022 Asian Chamber Business Conference & Expo (August 2022)
- Speaker, “Market Update and Doing Business in Houston” Session of Aberdeen-Houston Gateway 2022 (March 2022)
- Speaker, “Preparation for Upcoming H-1B CAP Season,” State Bar of Texas Immigration & Nationality Law Section (January 2022)
- Panelist, “Recruiting & Retaining Diverse Talent,” Houston Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators (November 2021)
- Moderator, “Behind the Hiring Curtain,” Houston Young Lawyers Association (HYLA) First Generation Attorneys Committee panel (February 2020)
In the News
- “Houston’s Business With South Korean Companies Nearly Quadrupled Over the Last Decade,” KHOU 11 (May 25, 2023)
- “Trade with South Korea is booming, but these Houston locals want more,” Houston Business Journal (May 7, 2023)
- “Banks, fintechs weigh fallout from H1-B work visa restrictions,” Banking Dive (July 15, 2020)
- “How Trump’s latest H-1B visa suspension will impact hiring at tech companies,” TechRepublic (June 30, 2020)
- “Trump’s H-1B work visa ban creates six-month headache,” TechTarget (June 24, 2020)
- “Suspending immigration could hurt international companies,” KPRC 2 Click2Houston (April 21, 2020)
Jackson Walker Fast Takes Podcast
- “Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month,” Jackson Walker Fast Takes Podcast (May 2022)
- “What Happens to President Trump’s Immigration Proclamations During President Biden’s First 100 Days?” (January 2021)
- “Immigration Policies Under a Biden Administration” (November 2020)
- “Employment Visa Restrictions: Past, Present, and Future” (July 2020)
- “H-1B Visa Considerations During Periods of High Unemployment” (June 2020)
- “Immigration Issues to Consider During the Coronavirus Epidemic” (April 2020)
- American Immigration Lawyers Association
- Asian American Bar Association of Houston
- Chair of Board of Directors, 2019-2022
- President, 2018
- Vice President of Community Relations, 2016
- Social Committee, 2015
- Law School & Mentorship Committee, 2014
- Asian American Bar Foundation of Houston
- Trustee, 2019-present
- State Bar of Texas, Asian Pacific Interest Section
- Chair-Elect, 2023
- Secretary, 2021-2022
- State Bar of Texas, Immigration Section
- Council Member, 2021-2023
- Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD), Fellows Program, 2022
- United Way
- Asian Chamber of Commerce
- Greater Houston Partnership, Business Resource Group–Business Beyond Borders
- Houston Advisory Council Development Committee, Wonders & Worries
June 30, 2025
Insights
The First 100 Days: Practical Implementations of President Trump’s Executive Orders On Immigration | The Houston Lawyer
By Sang M. Shin, Christian A. Triantaphyllis, and Kelly D. Cobb
June 6, 2025
Insights
Presidential Proclamation Halts Foreign Student Visas at Harvard University
By Sang M. Shin and Yenmi Tang
On June 4, 2025, President Trump issued a Presidential Proclamation that restricts the issuance of foreign student visas at Harvard University. Following this action, Secretary of State Marco Rubio directed U.S. embassies and consulates to halt the scheduling of new interview appointments for F, M, and J visas.
June 6, 2025
Insights
U.S. Implements Sweeping Travel Bans Affecting 19 Countries: Key Details and Exemptions
By Sang M. Shin and Yenmi Tang
The United States has announced a new set of travel restrictions targeting nationals from 19 countries, with full entry bans imposed on 12 nations and partial restrictions on 7 others. The policy, set to take effect on June 9, 2025, is part of a broader initiative to tighten immigration controls.
June 5, 2025
Spotlight
Chambers and Partners Releases 2025 USA Guide Featuring 79 Jackson Walker Attorneys and 28 Ranked Departments
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that Chambers and Partners has selected 79 attorneys and 28 departments for inclusion in the 2025 edition of the Global and USA guides. Attorneys were ranked across 29 departments, with 4 attorneys listed among multiple areas, 9 ranked nationwide in their respective areas, and 12 recognized for the first time.
May 30, 2025
Newsletters
JW Belonging & Inclusion Newsletter – May 2025
View Jackson Walker’s May 2025 Belonging & Inclusion Newsletter, Perspectives.
February 10, 2025
Insights
When the Government Comes to Visit: Preparing for an Audit or Workplace Raid
By Sang M. Shin
The Trump Administration has signaled its intention to ramp up immigration enforcement activities, including workplace inspections and raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other government enforcement agencies. This article provides practical guidelines and best practices to prepare for and respond to any government actions at your workplace in a calm, professional, and lawful manner.
January 24, 2025
Insights
A Summary of President Trump’s Immigration-Related Executive Orders
By Phillip Pullig, Yenmi Tang, Sang M. Shin, and Christian A. Triantaphyllis
On January 20 and 21, 2025, President Trump declared a national emergency and issued several executive orders on immigration. The Declaration and Executive Orders address “enhanced vetting” of visa applicants, birthright citizenship, border security, the U.S.‑Mexico-Canada Agreement, asylum, and refugee program.
December 16, 2024
Newsletters
JW Belonging & Inclusion Newsletter – December 2024
View Jackson Walker’s December 2024 Belonging & Inclusion Newsletter, Perspectives.
November 20, 2024
Insights
The Politics of Immigration and Its Impact on Business | Texas Lawyer
In this Texas Lawyer article, Sang M. Shin delves into the often-overlooked business side of immigration, highlighting how employment-based visas and investment options are crucial for filling labor gaps and fostering economic growth in the U.S. The article also discusses the potential negative impacts of reducing immigrant labor.
November 12, 2024
Insights
Business Immigration Expectations Under a Second Trump Administration
By Sang M. Shin
With the re-election of former President Donald Trump, employers and international investors should prepare for significant changes in U.S. immigration policies. Based on his first term, campaign promises, and recent analyses, we can anticipate a range of actions that will impact business immigration. In this article, we summarize potential Trump administration policies related to business immigration and provide key actions and considerations for employers.
Immigration Attorney Serving Austin, Dallas, Houston, & San Antonio Texas
Sang’s extensive background working with clients on their immigration matters allows him to assist clients in all aspects of:
- Labor & Employment-based Visas
- Investment-related Visas
- Naturalization
- Permanent Residence Processes
- Immigration Compliance
Recognition & Accolades
- Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, Up and Coming in Immigration – Texas, 2024-2025
- Texas Rising Star, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2022
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), Immigration Law, 2021-2025
- “Top Lawyer: Immigration” in Best of Houstonia, Houstonia Magazine, 2021
- Best Under 40 Award, Asian Pacific Interest Section (APIS) of the State Bar of Texas, 2020
Publications & Speeches
Publications
- Co-author, “Presidential Proclamation Halts Foreign Student Visas at Harvard University,” (June 2025)
- Co-author, “U.S. Implements Sweeping Travel Bans Affecting 19 Countries: Key Details and Exemptions,” (June 2025)
- “When the Government Comes to Visit: Preparing for an Audit or Workplace Raid,” Jackson Walker Insights (February 2025)
- Co-author, “A Summary of President Trump’s Immigration-Related Executive Orders,” Jackson Walker Insights (January 2025)
- “The Politics of Immigration and Its Impact on Business,” Texas Lawyer (November 2024)
- “Business Immigration Expectations Under a Second Trump Administration,” Jackson Walker Insights (November 2024)
- Co-author, “Student-Athletes as Employees Spells Legal Stressors for Schools,” Bloomberg Tax – Tax Management Memorandum (March 2024)
- Co-author, “Worker Intake and Classification Issues and the Related Legal Challenges for Employers,” 64 Tax Mgmt. Memo No. 4, 53 (Feb. 13, 2023)
- Co-author, “Worker Intake and Classification Issues and the Related Legal Challenges for Employers,” 51 Tax Mgmt. Comp. Plan J. No. 2 (Feb. 3, 2023)
- “Channeling Struggles to Create Opportunity,” The Texas Lawbook (May 2022)
- “Foreign Worker Policies Likely to Improve for Business,” Texas Lawyer (March 2021)
- “COVID-19 and Foreign National Workers in the United States,” The Houston Lawyer magazine (July 2020)
- “Impacts of COVID-19 on U.S. Immigration and Travel Policies,” Jackson Walker Business Immigration & Compliance Resources (July 2020)
Speaking Engagements
- Speaker, “Solid STEM OPTions: Keeping Talent In the United States,” UT Law CLE’s 48th Annual Conference on Immigration and Nationality Law (October 2024)
- Speaker, Annual Aberdeen-Houston Gateway (March 2024)
- Speaker, “National Interest Waivers: Updates, Effective Strategies for the Exceptional and STEM, and How to Handle Complex RFEs,” TexasBarCLE Course for Advanced Immigration Law (February 2024)
- Speaker, “Legal: How to Impact Law Firm Diversity,” FutureCast 2022 (October 2022)
- Panelist, “U.S. Business Immigration Virtual Roundtable,” Jackson Walker Webinar (September 2022)
- Speaker, “Surviving an Unpredictable Economy: Legal Considerations You Can’t Afford to Ignore,” 2022 Asian Chamber Business Conference & Expo (August 2022)
- Speaker, “Market Update and Doing Business in Houston” Session of Aberdeen-Houston Gateway 2022 (March 2022)
- Speaker, “Preparation for Upcoming H-1B CAP Season,” State Bar of Texas Immigration & Nationality Law Section (January 2022)
- Panelist, “Recruiting & Retaining Diverse Talent,” Houston Chapter of the Association of Legal Administrators (November 2021)
- Moderator, “Behind the Hiring Curtain,” Houston Young Lawyers Association (HYLA) First Generation Attorneys Committee panel (February 2020)
In the News
- “Houston’s Business With South Korean Companies Nearly Quadrupled Over the Last Decade,” KHOU 11 (May 25, 2023)
- “Trade with South Korea is booming, but these Houston locals want more,” Houston Business Journal (May 7, 2023)
- “Banks, fintechs weigh fallout from H1-B work visa restrictions,” Banking Dive (July 15, 2020)
- “How Trump’s latest H-1B visa suspension will impact hiring at tech companies,” TechRepublic (June 30, 2020)
- “Trump’s H-1B work visa ban creates six-month headache,” TechTarget (June 24, 2020)
- “Suspending immigration could hurt international companies,” KPRC 2 Click2Houston (April 21, 2020)
Jackson Walker Fast Takes Podcast
- “Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month,” Jackson Walker Fast Takes Podcast (May 2022)
- “What Happens to President Trump’s Immigration Proclamations During President Biden’s First 100 Days?” (January 2021)
- “Immigration Policies Under a Biden Administration” (November 2020)
- “Employment Visa Restrictions: Past, Present, and Future” (July 2020)
- “H-1B Visa Considerations During Periods of High Unemployment” (June 2020)
- “Immigration Issues to Consider During the Coronavirus Epidemic” (April 2020)
Community Involvement
- American Immigration Lawyers Association
- Asian American Bar Association of Houston
- Chair of Board of Directors, 2019-2022
- President, 2018
- Vice President of Community Relations, 2016
- Social Committee, 2015
- Law School & Mentorship Committee, 2014
- Asian American Bar Foundation of Houston
- Trustee, 2019-present
- State Bar of Texas, Asian Pacific Interest Section
- Chair-Elect, 2023
- Secretary, 2021-2022
- State Bar of Texas, Immigration Section
- Council Member, 2021-2023
- Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD), Fellows Program, 2022
- United Way
- Asian Chamber of Commerce
- Greater Houston Partnership, Business Resource Group–Business Beyond Borders
- Houston Advisory Council Development Committee, Wonders & Worries
Areas of Service
Immigration Attorney Serving Austin, Dallas, Houston, & San Antonio Texas
Sang’s extensive background working with clients on their immigration matters allows him to assist clients in all aspects of:
- Labor & Employment-based Visas
- Investment-related Visas
- Naturalization
- Permanent Residence Processes
- Immigration Compliance