Immigration proceedings in Monroe County, New York, are governed by the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.) and EOIR regulations. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with a favorable-outcome rate above 93%.
Immigration Court Lawyer Monroe County, New York
Immigration law in the United States is primarily governed by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), codified at 8 U.S.C. § 1101 et seq., along with Title 8 of the Code of Federal Regulations (8 C.F.R.) and the regulations of the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). The INA establishes the grounds for admissibility, removability, and the various forms of relief available to non-citizens. In Monroe County, New York, removal proceedings are adjudicated by immigration judges at the New York Immigration Court, which operates under the EOIR. The INA provides for several forms of relief, including cancellation of removal, asylum, adjustment of status, and waivers of inadmissibility, each with specific eligibility requirements. New York has strong sanctuary policies, including NYC Executive Order 41, which limits local cooperation with ICE detainers and enforcement actions. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience to every case.
Last verified: April 2026 | New York Immigration Court (26 Federal Plaza) | New York State Legislature
For the official text of the Immigration and Nationality Act, visit USCIS.gov — Immigration and Nationality Act (official site). For EOIR regulations and immigration court procedures, visit Justice.gov — Executive Office for Immigration Review (official site).
In the New York Immigration Court at 26 Federal Plaza, prosecutors from ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) routinely argue for removal based on the grounds alleged in the Notice to Appear (NTA). We have observed that the court’s docket is heavily backlogged, with cases often taking years to resolve. This delay can work in your favor if you are seeking relief such as cancellation of removal or asylum, as it allows time to build a strong case.
- Contact an immigration court lawyer Monroe County immediately upon receiving a Notice to Appear (NTA) or any correspondence from USCIS or EOIR.
- Gather all immigration-related documents, including your I-94 arrival/departure record, visa, passport, and any prior applications or denials.
- Attend your Master Calendar Hearing at the New York Immigration Court. Your attorney will enter a plea and set the case schedule.
- File all applications for relief (e.g., I-589 for asylum, I-485 for adjustment of status) with supporting evidence before the deadline set by the immigration judge.
- Prepare for your Individual Merits Hearing, where you will testify and present evidence. Your attorney will cross-examine government witnesses and argue your case.
- Await the judge’s written decision. If the decision is unfavorable, your attorney can file an appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) within 30 days.
In Monroe County, New York, removal proceedings under the Immigration and Nationality Act can result in deportation, bars to re-entry, and loss of lawful status.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Removal (Deportation) | Civil (immigration) — not criminal | Detention pending removal | N/A | N/A | Bars to re-entry: 3-year, 10-year, or permanent bar depending on grounds |
| Unlawful Presence | Civil violation | N/A | N/A | N/A | 3-year bar if over 180 days; 10-year bar if over 1 year |
| Aggravated Felony | Criminal (state/federal) | Varies by underlying crime | Varies | N/A | Mandatory removal; ineligible for most forms of relief |
Results may vary.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, 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%. The firm has extensive experience handling immigration matters for clients in Monroe County and throughout New York State. Mr. Sris is consulted by Indian Consulate officials in Washington, D.C. on U.S. legal matters, reflecting the firm’s deep knowledge of immigration law. The firm’s approach combines thorough case preparation with a client-centered focus, ensuring that every client receives personalized attention and strategic representation.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. While specific case results for Monroe County are not separately tracked, the firm’s extensive experience in immigration matters demonstrates a consistent record of achieving favorable outcomes for clients. Results may vary.
Our location in Buffalo, New York, is approximately 70 miles from the New York Immigration Court at 26 Federal Plaza, with access via I-90 (NYS Thruway) and I-81. We serve as an immigration court lawyer Monroe County for clients throughout the Finger Lakes region. Serving the communities of Rochester, Irondequoit, Greece, Brighton, Pittsford, Fairport, Henrietta, Webster, Brockport, Penfield, Spencerport, and Gates. 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 About Immigration Court in Monroe County
Where is the immigration court for Monroe County, New York?
Removal proceedings for Monroe County residents are heard at the New York Immigration Court at 26 Federal Plaza, Manhattan, or the Varick Street Immigration Court. USCIS affirmative applications are processed at the NYC Field Office at 26 Federal Plaza. New York has strong sanctuary policies limiting cooperation with ICE enforcement. SRIS handles immigration for Monroe County residents. SRIS actively practices here — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes.
What should I do if I am facing removal proceedings in Monroe County?
Contact an immigration court lawyer Monroe County 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 the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.) require prompt action.
Can I apply for cancellation of removal if I live in Monroe County?
Yes. Cancellation of removal is available under the Immigration and Nationality Act for certain non-permanent residents who have been physically present in the U.S. for 10 years, have good moral character, and can show exceptional and extremely unusual hardship to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, parent, or child. A removal proceedings defense lawyer Monroe County can evaluate your eligibility.
How long does an immigration judge hearing take in Monroe County?
Immigration judge hearing lawyer Monroe County cases typically face significant backlogs. Removal proceedings at the New York Immigration Court can take 2 to 5 years or more from the initial hearing to a final decision. Naturalization applications through USCIS take 8 to 14 months. The timeline depends on the complexity of your case and the court’s docket.
What is the difference between removal proceedings and affirmative applications?
Removal proceedings are initiated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) when a person is charged with being removable under the INA. These cases are heard by an immigration judge at the New York Immigration Court. Affirmative applications, such as adjustment of status or naturalization, are filed directly with USCIS and are not heard in court unless referred by USCIS.
Internal links to related pages:
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- Green Card Lawyer Orange County (sibling page)
- Green Card Lawyer Madison County (sibling page)
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For more information about our immigration services, visit our Family Green Card Lawyer Bronx hub page. You may also be interested in our Green Card Lawyer Orange County and Green Card Lawyer Madison County pages.
Last verified: April 2026. This page was last updated on 2026-04-30.