Federal Immigration Appeals Lawyer New York County, NY

When an immigration judge or the Board of Immigration Appeals issues a decision that is unfavorable, you have the right to seek review through the federal immigration appeals process. For residents of New York County (Manhattan), this process involves presenting legal arguments to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) or, in some cases, to a federal circuit court. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys represent individuals in federal immigration appeals, working to identify legal errors, challenge improper rulings, and pursue relief. Our firm’s New York location serves clients throughout Manhattan—from Midtown to the Financial District—and we appear regularly before the immigration courts at 26 Federal Plaza and Varick Street. To discuss your appeal with an experienced attorney, call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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Understanding Federal Immigration Appeals in New York County

Federal immigration appeals arise when a person disagrees with a decision made by an immigration judge, a USCIS officer, or the Board of Immigration Appeals. The appeal is filed with the BIA, which reviews the record to determine whether the lower decision contained legal error, factual mistake, or abuse of discretion. If the BIA affirms an unfavorable decision, the next level of review is a petition for review in the appropriate U.S. Court of Appeals. For cases originating in New York County, that is the Second Circuit.

New York County residents have several federal immigration venues nearby. The New York Immigration Court at 26 Federal Plaza and the Varick Street Immigration Court handle removal proceedings and bond hearings. USCIS applications are processed at the New York City Field Office, also at 26 Federal Plaza. The firm’s familiarity with these courts and the tendencies of their adjudicators helps us build focused arguments when an appeal is necessary. Additionally, New York City’s sanctuary policies under Executive Order 41 limit local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, which can affect the detention context surrounding an appeal.

Our Approach to Federal Immigration Appeals

Appeals are not retrials; we do not re-argue the facts. Instead, we examine the record for legal errors—such as misapplication of the Immigration and Nationality Act, procedural due‑process violations, or incorrect statutory interpretation—that may warrant reversal. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys begin by obtaining the complete administrative record, analyzing the immigration judge’s decision, and determining whether an appeal to the BIA or a petition for review is appropriate.

The timeline for an immigration appeal depends on several factors, including BIA caseloads and the complexity of the legal issues. Once the appeal is docketed, we prepare a comprehensive brief detailing the legal errors and arguing why the decision should be overturned. Throughout the process, we keep clients informed and work toward a favorable result. Our representation extends to motions to reopen, motions to reconsider, and, where necessary, further review before the Second Circuit.

Legal Team Experience

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has been practicing immigration law since 1997. He is a former prosecutor and understands how government agencies build their cases—a perspective that informs our appellate strategy. Mr. Sris is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He 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 contribute extensive experience in immigration matters, including family‑based petitions, removal defense, asylum, and federal appeals. Together, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys have documented case results across all practice areas since 1997. Results may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the immigration court for New York County (Manhattan), New York?

Removal proceedings are held at the New York Immigration Court at 26 Federal Plaza, Manhattan, or the Varick Street Immigration Court. The USCIS New York City Field Office, also at 26 Federal Plaza, handles affirmative applications such as adjustment of status and naturalization. Our firm’s New York location is familiar with both venues and appears there on behalf of clients from across Manhattan. To schedule a consultation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

How does a federal immigration appeal work?

An appeal is filed with the Board of Immigration Appeals after an immigration judge or USCIS officer issues a final decision. The appellant submits a written brief arguing legal error, and the BIA reviews the record without hearing live testimony. If the BIA denies the appeal, a petition for review may be filed with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. The process requires strict adherence to filing deadlines and precise legal argument. An experienced immigration appeals attorney can assess whether a reversible error exists and handle the briefing.

What are the grounds for appealing an immigration decision?

Common grounds include legal error, incorrect application of the Immigration and Nationality Act, abuse of discretion, and violation of due process or procedural rules. An appeal is not a new trial; it is a review of the existing record. To succeed, the appellant must show that the decision below was based on mistake of law or fact, or that the proceedings were fundamentally unfair. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Do I need a lawyer for a federal immigration appeal?

While you are not legally required to have a lawyer, the complexity of immigration appeals makes experienced legal representation strongly advisable. BIA rules and federal appellate procedures are technical, and a misstep can result in dismissal or forfeiture of appellate rights. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys handle the entire appellate process—from reviewing the record to drafting the brief—and work to identify the strongest legal arguments. To discuss your case, contact us at (888) 437-7747.

What happens if my appeal is denied?

If the BIA denies your appeal, you may be able to file a motion to reopen or reconsider, or a petition for review with the Second Circuit Court of Appeals. A motion to reopen is based on new evidence, while a motion to reconsider argues that the BIA overlooked key legal authority. The deadlines for these filings are strict, and each option has its own procedural requirements. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at (888) 437-7747.

How do I choose an immigration appeals lawyer in New York County?

Look for an attorney with experience handling Board of Immigration Appeals cases and federal petitions for review. Confirm that the lawyer is licensed in the relevant jurisdictions and has a track record of appellate work. Ask about the firm’s familiarity with the New York Immigration Court and the Second Circuit. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offers multi-state representation, and Mr. Sris is admitted in New York. To schedule a consultation, call (888) 437-7747.

Last reviewed: July 2026

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder

Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York

Practicing since 1997

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.

Results may vary.