FROM THE BENCH TO THE FIGHT
Former Immigration Judge
Former ICE Prosecutor
20 plus years experience
Rare insight from years on the bench and expertise in federal investigations
A boutique immigration law firm
Focused on complex removal defense, asylum and high stakes cases
9000 cases
Cases adjudicated as an immigration judge
9 Years
on the federal immigration bench
Experience Matters
Immigration cases can carry enormous consequences for individuals and families. In that kind of moment, clients need more than paperwork help -- they need judgment, strategy, and an advocate who understands what is at stake.
At Thompson Immigration Group, the practice is intentionally focused on serious immigration matters, including removal defense, asylum, appeals and complex case assessment. The firm delivers thoughtful, personal representation built around careful preparation and strong advocacy.
Donald Thompson has been practicing law for more than 20 years.
He is an expert on Immigration law and removal defense.
From April 2017 to April 2025, Mr. Thompson was appointed by President Obama to serve as an Immigration Judge at 26 Federal Plaza in New York City. During his time as an Immigration Judge, Mr. Thompson adjudicated thousands of individual hearings and was selected to mentor and train new Immigration Judges.
From September 2007 to April 2017, Mr. Thompson served as Assistant Chief Counsel for the Department of Homeland Security. During his ten years with the Agency, he was embedded with Homeland Security Investigations. He advised Homeland Security Investigations on criminal investigations and cutting edge Constitutional issues, including border search authority. He trained ICE Fugitive Operations Officers on Fourth and Fifth Amendment authority. He also represented the Department in Immigration Court proceedings in both detained and non detained settings.
Practice Areas
01
Removal Defense
Representation in removal proceedings with a focus on preparation, strategy and strong courtroom advocacy
02
Asylum
Careful development of asylum claims, including legally and factually complex cases
03
Appeals
Targeted appellate advocacy for clients seeking review of adverse immigration decisions
04
Waivers and complex relief
Case assessment and representation in matters involving difficult procerual or discretionary issues
05
Consulting and Second Opinions
Strategic review for clients or counsel seeking a fresh assessment of challenging cases
06
Strategic Advising Services
We work with attorneys and law firms to ensure optimal outcomes
Our Firm In The Media
Presiding Under Pressure
WNYC News
According to TRAC, Judge Donald Thompson granted asylum to 75 percent of immigrants in the last year. Not surprisingly, immigration lawyers call him “a wonderful judge.”
Executive Office for Immigration Review Swears in Seven Immigration Judges
DOJ Press Release
Attorney General Jeff Sessions appointed Donald W. Thompson to begin hearing cases in April 2017.
As seen on:
Reviews From Our Clients
“I want to sincerely thank you for standing by me and helping me during my hearing. Your support, advice and professionalism gave me confidence and hope throughout the process. I truly appreciate the time and effort you put into my case. Thank you again for everything you are doing for me and my future. May God bless you.”
K.H.
“ Thank you very much for your support and kindness. I will never forget your help. Wishing you continued success and blessings.”
F.T.
“Exceptional Representation During the Most Stressful Time of Our Lives. Our Immigration case hit a wall and we reached out to Mr. Thompson. He was thorough, responsive, and clearly knew the system inside and out. He explained each part of the process and kept us informed as it progressed. He fought hard when the Government raised issues we had not anticipated. I highly recommend his services for anyone trying to navigate this complex process.”
M.M.
Proudly Serving Areas
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Associations & Memberships
