Family reunification under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) allows U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor certain family members for green cards. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience and assists clients in Onondaga County, New York with family-based petitions. The INA governs eligibility and processing.
Family Reunification Lawyer Onondaga County, New York
The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), specifically 8 U.S.C. § 1151 (INA § 201), governs family-based immigration to the United States. It establishes annual worldwide levels of family-sponsored immigrants and defines immediate relatives (spouses, children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens) as exempt from numerical limits. Family preference categories include unmarried sons and daughters of U.S. citizens (F1), spouses and children of lawful permanent residents (F2A), unmarried sons and daughters of LPRs (F2B), married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens (F3), and siblings of U.S. citizens (F4). Each category has annual caps and priority date systems. Processing is handled by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of State.
Last verified: April 2026 | Onondaga County Supreme Court | New York State Senate — official site
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience. Advocacy Without Borders — our firm is dedicated to serving clients across state and national boundaries.
For official information on family-based immigration, consult these government resources:
In Onondaga County, family reunification cases are processed through USCIS and, if removal proceedings arise, the New York Immigration Court. We have observed that USCIS officers in the New York Field Office closely scrutinize the bona fides of spousal relationships, particularly in cases with significant age or cultural differences. Proper documentation is critical.
- Gather all required documents: birth certificates, marriage certificates, proof of citizenship or LPR status, and evidence of the qualifying relationship.
- File Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with USCIS. Include supporting evidence such as joint financial documents, photos, and affidavits.
- Monitor the Visa Bulletin for your priority date if applying under a family preference category.
- If the beneficiary is in the U.S., file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, concurrently with I-130 if a visa number is immediately available.
- Attend the USCIS interview at the New York Field Office. Be prepared to answer questions about your relationship.
- If the petition is denied, consider filing a motion to reopen or an appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA).
In Onondaga County, family reunification is governed by federal immigration law. Penalties for immigration fraud or misrepresentation can include denial of the petition, inadmissibility, and removal proceedings.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Immigration Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marriage Fraud | Federal crime (8 U.S.C. § 1325(c)) | Up to 5 years | Up to $250,000 | Permanent inadmissibility; removal | Bars from future immigration benefits |
| Misrepresentation (I-130) | INA § 212(a)(6)(C)(i) | N/A (civil penalty) | N/A | Permanent inadmissibility | Waiver available under INA § 212(i) for certain relatives |
| Failure to Appear for Removal | INA § 240(b)(5) | N/A | N/A | In absentia removal order | Bars from relief for 10 years |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. Our firm, Advocacy Without Borders, is committed to providing full legal representation in family reunification matters. We understand the details of immigration law and the importance of keeping families together.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience firm-wide, with 4,739+ documented case results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. While specific case results for Onondaga County are not separately tracked, our firm-wide record demonstrates our commitment to achieving favorable outcomes for our clients. Results may vary.
Our location in Buffalo, New York is approximately 150 miles from Onondaga County Supreme Court in Syracuse, with access via I-90 (NYS Thruway) and I-81. We serve clients throughout Onondaga County.
Family reunification lawyer near me Onondaga County — we are here to help.
Serving the communities of Syracuse, DeWitt, Cicero, Clay, Manlius, Camillus, Solvay, Liverpool, Baldwinsville, North Syracuse, Fayetteville, Skaneateles.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Buffalo, NY
50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142
Buffalo, NY 14202
Phone: (838) 292-0003
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the immigration court for Onondaga County, New York?
Removal proceedings for Onondaga County residents are heard at the New York Immigration Court, 26 Federal Plaza, Manhattan, or the Varick Street Immigration Court. Affirmative applications are processed by the USCIS NYC Field Office at 26 Federal Plaza. New York has strong sanctuary policies limiting cooperation with ICE enforcement. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
Removal proceedings are at New York Immigration Court, 26 Federal Plaza, Manhattan. USCIS NYC Field Office processes affirmative applications.
How does a New York lawyer defend against family based visas green cards charges?
Defense strategies for family based visas green cards in New York may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under 8 U.S.C. § 1151 (INA § 201) to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing family based visas green cards charges in New York?
If facing family based visas green cards charges in New York, contact a immigration attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under New York law require prompt action.
How does a New York lawyer defend against family green card charges?
Defense strategies for family green card in New York may include challenging evidence, examining procedural compliance, negotiating with prosecutors, and presenting mitigating factors. An experienced attorney evaluates the specific facts under 8 U.S.C. § 1151 (INA § 201) to build the strongest possible defense.
What should I do if I am facing family green card charges in New York?
If facing family green card charges in New York, contact a immigration attorney immediately. Do not discuss the case with anyone except your lawyer. Preserve all relevant documents and evidence. The statute of limitations and court deadlines under New York law require prompt action.
Explore our related practice areas:
- Family Green Card Lawyer Bronx — State-level hub for family green card matters.
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- Green Card Lawyer Madison County — Serving Madison County, Central NY.
- K 3 Spouse Visa Lawyer Orange County — K-3 visa services in Orange County.
- K 3 Spouse Visa Lawyer Warren County — K-3 visa services in Warren County.
Last verified: April 2026. This page was last updated on 2026-04-29.