Washington University Professor Appointed to D.C. Immigration Post

A Washington University professor who has earned international recognition as an immigration expert has been appointed chief counsel for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in Washington, D.C., a news release from the school states.

Stephen Legomsky, a University City resident, will take a leave of absence from the university's law school to assume the position effective Oct. 24 in DC. As chief counsel, Legomsky will manage a staff of 160 attorneys, advise the director of the agency on legal and policy issues, and serve as a member of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and immigration services leadership teams.

“He also is a dedicated teacher who cares about people and about getting things done right," law school dean Kent D. Syverud stated. "I can’t imagine a better choice for this vital public service position.”

Legomsky has served as a consultant on immigration and refugee policies to the transition teams of President Barack Obama and former President Bill Clinton; President George H.W. Bush’s commissioner of immigration; the U.N. high commissioner for refugees; and several foreign governments.

His coursebook, Immigration and Refugee Law and Policy, has been the required text at 175 law schools since its inception.