Emerging Importance of Individual Lobbying in Immigration
Jiv Rightsman has officially registered as a lobbyist with Ellis & Company LLC, focusing on immigration issues. This filing, completed on May 1, 2026, marks Mr. Rightsman’s first entry in the lobbying disclosure database, highlighting a noteworthy trend of private individuals seeking assistance from lobbying firms on immigration matters. Traditionally, lobbying in this area is dominated by businesses, industry groups, or advocacy organizations. Mr. Rightsman’s decision to engage a lobbying firm underscores the complexities surrounding private immigration cases amid a shifting political landscape. Notably, the disclosure lacks references to specific legislation, suggesting a more personal concern rather than a concerted policy initiative.
Overview of Registration Details
The lobbyist registration indicates a disclosure fee of $0, which is typical for initial filings before the submission of quarterly activity reports. Peggy Ellis from Ellis & Co. LLC is identified as the sole lobbyist. Historical records of Mr. Ellis’ lobbying activities show limited recent engagements, with her last known active client being the Monoamine Oxidase Deficiency Foundation. There, she filed three disclosures between late 2023 and mid-2024, reporting a total compensation of $64,500 while pursuing federal funding for preclinical medical research.
Ellis & Co. LLC boasts a significant history in immigration-focused lobbying, having represented clients such as Mr. Esperanza on immigration reform from 2009 to 2018 and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 2010 and 2014 on similar issues. Rightsman’s entry into the lobbying domain marks a shift for the firm, transitioning back to immigration work following a period concentrated on medical advocacy.
The registration exclusively highlights immigration as the focal issue, yet it provides no details about specific legislation or concerns being addressed. As such, the nature of the lobbying activities—including whether they relate to visa processing, green card issues, or other immigration procedures—remains obscure without forthcoming quarterly reports.
This development comes at a time when federal immigration enforcement is more aggressive than in recent decades. As of May 1, 2026, the Trump administration has deported over 605,000 individuals, with an additional 1.9 million opting for voluntary deportation, according to the White House’s Border Priorities page. In December 2025, an executive order was issued to restrict the entry of foreign nationals due to high visa overstay rates and national security fears. The Trump administration also imposed a complete ban on asylum application reviews in March 2026, a suspension that continues to affect approximately 40 countries.
Political Climate and Congressional Activity
As Rightsman’s filing occurs amidst heightened lobbying efforts on immigration, a broader examination of Congressional records reveals 3,562 communications on this topic in recent months. Key events include a hearing by the House Subcommittee on Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement in June 2025, entitled “Restoring the Integrity and Security of the Visa Process.” Additionally, the Joint Economic Committee held a public hearing in March 2026 regarding labor inflows and high-skilled immigration policies, and the House Judiciary Committee convened to discuss the implications of Plyler v. Doe on federal education and immigration policies.
Implications of Increased Scrutiny
The release of Rightsman’s registration comes at a pivotal juncture as federal immigration enforcement is witnessing a reassessment of mass deportation strategies in response to changing public sentiment. Reports indicate that 2026 will see the reinstatement and expansion of the “public charge” test for green card applicants, providing immigration officers with increased discretion in handling individual cases. The Manifesto Act has further amplified scrutiny over the digital profiles and personal histories of those utilizing the U.S. immigration system.
