Rusten C. Hurd
Founding Partner
Rusten C. Hurd is a founding partner of Colombo & Hurd, PL, a nationally recognized immigration law firm that helps foreign nationals, professionals, investors, and founders achieve their American dream. Under his leadership, the firm has grown from a boutique practice into a powerhouse global organization, now with over 350 team members worldwide and thousands of successful green card approvals on behalf of high-skilled professionals and entrepreneurs.
With over two decades of experience in immigration law, Mr. Hurd brings a deep understanding of both the legal intricacies and strategic considerations of U.S. immigration. He has successfully represented clients in a broad spectrum of business-based immigration matters, including:
- Self-sponsored green card categories such as EB-2 National Interest Waivers and EB-1A for aliens of extraordinary ability;
- Employer-sponsored visas, including L-1 intracompany transferees, E-1/E-2 treaty traders and investors, H-1B specialty occupations, and TN professionals
- Permanent residence through labor certification and complex consular processing cases across dozens of countries
Mr. Hurd is also widely regarded for his expertise in the EB-5 investor visa program, guiding clients from investment strategy through to lawful permanent residency and beyond. In the wake of changing federal policies and evolving adjudication standards, he has been a trusted advisor to foreign investors and business professionals navigating high-stakes U.S. immigration paths.
Mr. Hurd also has a long track record of representing clients in removal defense and federal appellate litigation. He has appeared before every Immigration Court in Florida, and many others across the U.S., defending clients through asylum claims, cancellation of removal, and complex waivers. He represented numerous Syrian nationals fleeing civil war, underscoring his firm commitment to using the law to protect the vulnerable. He is admitted to practice before the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the 2nd and 11th Circuits, as well as all U.S. District Courts in Florida.
Mr. Hurd’s legal excellence has earned him accolades in the profession. He holds an AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell, reflecting the highest level of professional integrity and legal ability, and a perfect 10.0 “Superb” rating from AVVO.
As a law firm builder, Mr. Hurd focuses not only on case results but also on the development of a values-driven, scalable organization. He plays an active role in shaping the legal strategy, internal systems, and leadership culture that allow Colombo & Hurd to maintain excellence while expanding its global reach. He has been instrumental in recruiting and mentoring top-tier legal talent and fostering a culture rooted in the firm's mission of changing lives through immigration.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Hurd is deeply committed to giving back. He has served as a Guardian ad Litem for children in need, been recognized by the Legal Aid Society of Orange County for his pro bono work and contributed his time to the Jobs Partnership of Florida to support employment readiness for underserved communities.
Mr. Hurd’s dedication to immigration law is personal. His wife is an immigrant, and together they have raised three boys, now aged 22, 20, and 16. As a father and advocate, he understands what’s at stake when families and professionals place their trust in his team. He remains driven by the opportunity to help people from around the world build a future in the United States.
In his free time, Rusten enjoys world travel, Broadway musicals, and supporting the Florida Gators, Orlando Magic and the Arsenal.
Knowledge & Experience
Education
- Florida State University (B.S. in Finance, 1995)
- University of Florida College of Law (J.D., 1998). Order of Barristers
Memberships
- The Florida Bar
- American Immigration Lawyers Association
- Orange County Bar Association
- United States District Court, Middle District of Florida
- United States Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit
- United States Court of Appeals, 2nd Circuit
Professional and Community Involvement
- Employment Counselor, The Jobs Partnership of Florida, 2012
- Board Member, Small Business Advisory Board for Florida’s Eighth Congressional District, 2010
- University of Florida Trial Competition Team, 1996-1998 (President, 1998)
- Mock Trial Champion, 1997, 1998
- Moot Court Team 1997-1998
- Finalist, InterAmerican Human Rights Moot Court Competition, 1998
- Golden Key National Honor Society
- Recipient, Gerald T. Bennett Outstanding Graduate Service Award
- Rusten Carlson HurdClients’ ChoiceAward 2017