Gus Shihab

closely with clients to help them address complex immigration matters while keeping them informed throughout the legal process.

Mr. Shihab has been actively involved in professional organizations related to immigration law. He is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and previously served in several leadership roles within the organization, including Chairman of the Ohio Chapter and member of the national Board of Governors. He also served as Vice Chapter Chair for three years and chaired the Legislative Committee. During his involvement with AILA, Mr. Shihab led delegations of Ohio immigration lawyers to Washington, D.C., where they met with members of Congress to discuss immigration policy and legislative proposals. He has also testified before the Ohio Senate on issues affecting immigrants and immigration policy within the state.

In addition to his immigration practice, Mr. Shihab has represented clients in litigation matters before state and federal courts as well as courts of appeals. One of his cases reached the United States Supreme Court and involved the retroactive application of certain immigration laws. He has also handled wage and hour matters before the U.S. Department of Labor related to H-1B visa employment issues and has represented clients in immigration courts across the United States.

Mr. Shihab works with individuals, families, and employers on a wide range of immigration matters. His experience includes assisting with employment-based visas such as H-1B, L-1, and E-2 visas, as well as permanent residence processes including PERM labor certification and employment-based immigrant visa categories such as EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, and national interest waiver (NIW) petitions. He has also represented scientists, professors, researchers, artists, performers, and athletes seeking temporary and permanent immigration benefits through visa categories such as O-1, P-1, and J-1.

Family-based immigration is another important part of Mr. Shihab’s practice. He assists families seeking to reunite in the United States through processes involving spouses of U.S. citizens, fiancé visas including K-1 and K-3 visas, immediate relatives, and family preference categories for children and adult sons and daughters of permanent residents and U.S. citizens. These matters can involve complex legal considerations, including issues related to the Child Status Protection Act and other provisions affecting eligibility. Mr. Shihab also assists individuals with naturalization and citizenship applications, including cases that involve questions regarding criminal history or good moral character.

Mr. Shihab’s professional background also includes experience in engineering and public service. He came to the United States on July 10, 1979, as an F-1 international student and later graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. After graduation, he worked as a construction engineer for an international contractor in Kuwait City before returning to Ohio. He later worked with the Ohio Department of Transportation, where he served as Chairman of the Highway Safety Program Committee and State Director of the Ohio Highway Safety System. Mr. Shihab is also a licensed professional engineer, a background that can be helpful when addressing technical issues that arise in certain immigration matters.

Throughout his career, Mr. Shihab has participated in public discussions related to immigration law and policy. He has been interviewed by local and international media outlets, including the British Broadcasting Corporation and National Public Radio. He has also spoken at educational programs and professional events hosted by organizations such as The Ohio State University, the Ohio Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, the Columbus Bar Association, and the Cleveland Bar Association, as well as at continuing legal and engineering education seminars.