Immigration Court Lawyer New York County, NY
When the Department of Homeland Security initiates removal proceedings by issuing a Notice to Appear, the individual must appear before an immigration judge at the designated immigration court. For residents of New York County (Manhattan), that court is typically the New York Immigration Court at 26 Federal Plaza or the Varick Street Immigration Court. An immigration court case involves complex federal statutes, strict procedural deadlines, and potentially severe consequences—including deportation, bars to re‑entry, and long‑term separation from family. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients in immigration court proceedings throughout New York County, drawing on extensive combined legal experience between Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys have handled immigration matters across multiple jurisdictions and are familiar with the local procedures and expectations of the immigration bench in Manhattan. From bond hearings and master calendar appearances to merits hearings and appeals, the firm works to pursue favorable outcomes in every case. For a consultation about your immigration court matter, contact (888) 437-7747. Results may vary.
What Immigration Court Means in New York County
Immigration court proceedings are federal civil administrative hearings conducted by the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) under the Immigration and Nationality Act. In New York County, these proceedings are heard at the New York Immigration Court, located at 26 Federal Plaza, Manhattan, or at the Varick Street Immigration Court. The court handles removal (deportation) cases, applications for cancellation of removal, asylum claims, adjustment of status in removal proceedings, and bond redeterminations.
New York has strong sanctuary policies that limit the cooperation of local law enforcement with federal immigration authorities. Executive Order 41, issued by the City of New York, restricts city agencies from honoring ICE detainers or participating in civil immigration enforcement except under certain narrow exceptions. While such policies can affect how immigration detainers are handled at the local level, they do not alter the federal removal process; a person placed in removal proceedings still must appear before an immigration judge and present a defense.
Because immigration court falls under federal jurisdiction, the procedural rules—including the rules of evidence and the burdens of proof—differ from those in state and local courts. Individuals do not have a right to court‑appointed counsel; they may either represent themselves or retain private counsel. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys prepare clients for each stage of the proceeding, from the initial master calendar hearing through the individual merits hearing, and explore all available forms of relief under applicable law.
How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Immigration Court Cases
Every immigration court case begins with a careful review of the Notice to Appear, the charging document that states the government’s factual allegations and the legal basis for removal. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys examine whether the Department of Homeland Security has properly served the NTA and whether any jurisdictional defects exist—such as a failure to include the required time and date of the hearing in a single document, as addressed by the U.S. Supreme Court in Pereira v. Sessions and Niz‑Chavez v. Garland. If a threshold defect is identified, the firm may move to terminate proceedings or seek other procedural relief.
Once the legal issues are analyzed, the firm develops a defense strategy tailored to the client’s specific situation. Potential forms of relief include adjustment of status based on an approved family or employment‑based petition, asylum or withholding of removal for individuals who qualify under the refugee definition, cancellation of removal for eligible lawful permanent residents and non‑permanent residents, and waivers of inadmissibility under provisions such as INA § 212(h) or § 601. In cases where the client is detained, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys request a bond redetermination hearing and advocate for release on reasonable bond.
At the master calendar hearing, the firm enters an appearance, responds to the charges, and identifies the forms of relief it will pursue. As the case progresses to an individual hearing, the attorneys present evidence, examine witnesses, and make legal arguments before the immigration judge. Throughout the process, the firm remains available to answer client questions and to address any developments that arise—including the possibility of an appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals if an adverse decision is rendered.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris is Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. A former prosecutor with experience in criminal trial work, Mr. Sris has practiced since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He leads the firm’s immigration practice and personally handles immigration court matters in New York County and across the state. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).
The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to immigration court representation. Each Of Counsel attorney contracts directly with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. and contributes experience across multiple practice areas, enabling the firm to address the overlapping criminal, family, and immigration‑law issues that often arise in removal proceedings. Together, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work to develop thorough, well‑prepared defenses for every client. Results may vary. in your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the immigration court for New York County (Manhattan), New York?
Removal proceedings for New York County residents are generally heard at the New York Immigration Court, 26 Federal Plaza, Manhattan, or at the Varick Street Immigration Court. The court is part of the Executive Office for Immigration Review and handles deportation cases, bond hearings, and applications for relief. USCIS field offices, such as the one at 26 Federal Plaza, process affirmative applications, but contested removal matters are adjudicated by an immigration judge. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys appear regularly at these courts and are familiar with their procedures. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How long does an immigration court case take in New York?
The timeline for an immigration court case in New York depends on the type of relief sought, the court’s docket, and the complexity of the legal issues. Cases involving removal defense can take several years to resolve, particularly in the currently backlogged New York Immigration Court. Master calendar hearings are typically scheduled within months of the initial Notice to Appear, but the time to an individual merits hearing can extend significantly. The firm works to move each matter forward efficiently while ensuring that the client’s defense is fully prepared. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Do I need a lawyer for immigration court in New York County?
You are not required to have a lawyer in immigration court, but representation can significantly affect the course of the case. Immigration court is a complex federal administrative forum; the government is represented by a trial attorney, and the immigration judge applies the Immigration and Nationality Act, regulations, and case law. Without counsel, an individual must identify potential forms of relief, meet evidentiary burdens, and present legal arguments—tasks that are challenging to navigate alone. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys help clients understand their options, prepare the necessary filings, and present a well‑supported case. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at (888) 437-7747.
What are possible outcomes in immigration court?
Possible outcomes in immigration court include termination of proceedings, a grant of relief that allows the person to remain in the United States, voluntary departure, or an order of removal. If a respondent is granted relief—for example, cancellation of removal, asylum, or adjustment of status—the removal case is resolved favorably. If the judge denies relief and orders removal, the respondent generally has the right to appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys evaluate every available avenue of relief and work to obtain the most favorable result permitted by the facts and the law. Results may vary.
How much does an immigration court lawyer cost in New York?
Fees for immigration court representation vary depending on the complexity of the case, the types of relief sought, and the time the matter is expected to take. Some cases are resolved after a single master calendar hearing, while others require a full evidentiary hearing and briefing. The firm provides a consultation to discuss the client’s situation and the scope of work involved. Because no two immigration court cases are identical, a precise fee can be quoted only after the attorney understands the specific facts. To schedule a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Can immigration court proceedings be stopped or withdrawn?
Immigration court proceedings may be terminated or administratively closed under certain circumstances, but a formal motion must be filed with the court and granted by the immigration judge. The Department of Homeland Security may also move to dismiss the Notice to Appear if it determines, for example, that the respondent is eligible for prosecutorial discretion or that the charges are legally insufficient. Once proceedings are terminated, the respondent is no longer in removal proceedings, though other immigration limitations may still apply. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys assess whether a motion to terminate is appropriate and, if so, present the grounds fully to the court.
Our firm also serves clients in nearby areas. Learn more about our immigration representation in Kings County (Brooklyn), Queens County (Queens), and Nassau County (Long Island).
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Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Results may vary.