Immigration Court Lawyer New York, NY
If you or a family member has been placed in removal proceedings or has a pending matter before the U.S. Immigration Court in New York City, the stakes could not be higher. A deportation order can separate families permanently and close the door to legal status. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represent individuals in immigration court matters throughout New York, including at the New York Immigration Court at 26 Federal Plaza and the Varick Street Immigration Court. The firm concentrates a portion of its multi-state immigration practice on defending noncitizens in removal proceedings, seeking bond, applying for cancellation of removal, asylum, adjustment of status, and other forms of relief. Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. is a multi-state law firm admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Reach the firm at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Practicing since 1997. Admitted in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY. Phones answered during business hours. Consultations by appointment. Reach our location at (888) 437-7747.
What Immigration Court Means in New York, NY
The New York Immigration Court is part of the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), a federal agency that adjudicates removal (deportation) cases. In New York City, the primary immigration court sits at 26 Federal Plaza in lower Manhattan, with additional dockets heard at the Varick Street Immigration Court. These courts handle a wide range of matters including removal proceedings, bond redetermination hearings, asylum claims, cancellation of removal, adjustment of status applications in removal, and motions to reopen or reconsider. Because immigration court is a civil administrative proceeding, individuals are not entitled to a government-appointed attorney; the right to counsel is at no expense to the government. Many respondents appear without representation, which can severely limit their ability to present a defense. New York City’s sanctuary policies—including Executive Order 41 and subsequent local legislation—generally limit local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration detainers, but those policies do not alter the jurisdiction or procedures of the immigration court itself. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys appear on behalf of clients detained or released, preparing applications for relief and advocating at master calendar and individual merits hearings.
How the Firm Handles Immigration Court Cases in New York
Representation before the immigration court begins with a careful review of the client’s immigration history, any criminal record, family ties, and potential avenues of relief. The firm identifies all viable defenses to removal and determines whether the client is eligible for bond. In bond proceedings, the firm presents evidence of community ties, family support, and absence of flight risk to seek the client’s release from detention. At the master calendar hearing, the attorney enters an appearance and addresses the factual allegations and legal charges in the Notice to Appear. Where appropriate, the firm concedes removability to streamline the case and focus on the application for relief. If a contested hearing is necessary, the firm prepares the client, witnesses, and documentary evidence. The firm’s approach is grounded in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and its implementing regulations, as well as the controlling decisions of the Board of Immigration Appeals and the Second Circuit. Because many removal cases in New York take years to resolve, the firm maintains consistent communication with clients throughout the pendency of the matter. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys also handle appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals and, when warranted, petitions for review in the federal circuit court.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced law since founding the firm in 1997. He is a former prosecutor with experience in trial work and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience to immigration court defense. Results may vary. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). The firm is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and consultations are by appointment. For Spanish-language assistance, the firm has staff members who can facilitate communication.
Where the New York Immigration Court Operates
Removal proceedings for New York City residents are generally heard at the New York Immigration Court at 26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278, or at the Varick Street Immigration Court. The Queens and Brooklyn immigration court dockets are also administered from these locations. USCIS field offices in the city—including the New York City Field Office at 26 Federal Plaza—handle affirmative applications such as naturalization interviews and adjustment of status, but immigration court matters are handled exclusively by EOIR. The firm’s attorneys are familiar with the local practices, filing procedures, and court rules at these venues. While the firm does not guarantee any particular result, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work to protect the rights of individuals facing removal in New York’s immigration courts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a master calendar hearing and an individual hearing?
The master calendar hearing is a preliminary appearance where the judge schedules the case and addresses preliminary issues, while the individual hearing is the trial on the merits. At the master calendar, the respondent and attorney appear; the judge may set deadlines for filing applications for relief. The individual hearing is where witnesses testify and evidence is presented. The timing of these hearings varies depending on the court’s calendar. An experienced immigration court lawyer can explain the full process.
Can I be released from immigration detention on bond?
Detained individuals may request a bond redetermination hearing before an immigration judge, who decides whether the person poses a danger to the community or a flight risk. The judge considers factors such as family ties, employment history, length of residence in the United States, and criminal record. The firm can present evidence to support a bond request. If bond is granted, the amount is set and non-refundable; if denied, an appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals may be possible. Every case is different.
What is cancellation of removal?
Cancellation of removal is a discretionary form of relief that allows a noncitizen in removal proceedings to obtain lawful permanent resident status if they meet certain statutory requirements. Eligibility depends on the applicant’s time in the United States, good moral character, and a showing that removal would cause dedicated and extremely unusual hardship to a qualifying relative who is a U.S. Citizen or lawful permanent resident. For nonpermanent residents, the applicant must have ten years of continuous physical presence and demonstrate that hardship. Cancellation is not automatic; the immigration judge weighs all the evidence before granting it.
How long does an immigration court case take in New York?
The timeline for an immigration court case in New York varies significantly depending on the type of relief sought, the complexity of the case, and the court’s docket. Cases can take several years to reach a final resolution due to the backlog. The firm monitors case status and keeps clients informed throughout the process. There is no fixed duration because each matter depends on its own facts and the availability of court dates.
Do I need a lawyer for immigration court?
You are not required by law to have a lawyer in immigration court, but the government is represented by an experienced trial attorney and the consequences of removal are severe. Individuals represented by counsel are generally better positioned to identify and apply for the forms of relief that may be available to them. The firm can provide an assessment of your immigration court matter. To discuss your situation, call (888) 437-7747.
What happens if I miss my immigration court hearing?
If you fail to appear for a scheduled immigration court hearing, the judge can enter an order of removal in absentia—that is, in your absence. The government may then begin the process of physically removing you from the United States. In some circumstances, a motion to reopen may be filed if the failure to appear was due to exceptional circumstances. It is important to notify the court and your attorney immediately if you cannot attend a hearing. Contact the firm for guidance on your specific situation.
Can I work legally while my immigration court case is pending?
Whether you can obtain work authorization depends on the type of immigration relief you are seeking and your current immigration status. Certain applications, such as a pending asylum case, may allow you to apply for an Employment Authorization Document after a specific period of time. The firm can help determine your eligibility for work authorization during court proceedings. This area of law is complex, and the rules can change.
How do I find a dependable immigration court lawyer in New York City?
Look for an attorney who regularly practices in immigration court, is licensed to practice law, and has experience with the type of relief you may need. Verify the attorney’s bar admissions and ask about their familiarity with the local immigration court procedures. Mr. Sris is admitted in New York and has been practicing since 1997. You can reach the firm at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation.
Related New York Immigration Pages:
Manhattan Immigration Lawyer |
Brooklyn Immigration Lawyer |
Queens Immigration Lawyer |
Staten Island Immigration Lawyer |
Nassau County Immigration Lawyer
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. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, serves clients across Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Reach our location at (888) 437-7747.