Immigration Lawyer New York County, NY
Immigration matters touch nearly every community in New York, and Manhattan—the heart of New York County—is no exception. Whether you are seeking a family-based green card, fighting removal proceedings, or pursuing naturalization, the federal immigration system involves statutes and regulations that are not self‑explanatory. At Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys assist individuals and families throughout New York County with a broad range of immigration matters. Our practice is grounded in the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. § 1101 et seq.) and the regulations administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Executive Office for Immigration Review, and the Board of Immigration Appeals. For New York County residents, that often means navigating the USCIS field office at 26 Federal Plaza or appearing before the immigration courts at 26 Federal Plaza and Varick Street. Mr. Sris, who has practiced since 1997, and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work with clients on family petitions, adjustment of status, naturalization, deportation defense, asylum, cancellation of removal, and VAWA‑based relief. To discuss how we can assist with your immigration matter, reach our firm at (888) 437‑7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Immigration Matters Mean for New York County (Manhattan) Residents
New York County—the borough of Manhattan—is one of the most diverse urban centers in the world. Immigration law governs who may enter, remain, work, and become a citizen of the United States. For a Manhattan resident, where an immigration case is processed depends on the type of benefit sought and the stage of the proceeding. Most affirmative applications—family petitions, adjustment of status, naturalization, and work permits—are handled by the USCIS New York City Field Office at 26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278. Residents of Long Island may have their cases routed to the Holtsville office, and upstate residents to other field offices, but for someone living in neighborhoods such as the Upper East Side, Harlem, Greenwich Village, or the Financial District, the Federal Plaza location is the primary USCIS touchpoint.
Removal (deportation) defense proceedings take place at the New York Immigration Court, 26 Federal Plaza, and the Varick Street Immigration Court. These courts are part of the Executive Office for Immigration Review and are distinct from the state courts of New York. A key local nuance: New York City has strong sanctuary policies. NYC Executive Order 41 restricts city agencies from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement in many situations, but it does not stop removal proceedings initiated by the Department of Homeland Security. A noncitizen who is placed in removal proceedings still must respond to the Notice to Appear and present any available defenses. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys regularly appear in the New York Immigration Courts and represent clients at all stages—from bond hearings to appeals before the Board of Immigration Appeals.
How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Approach Immigration Cases
Every immigration case begins with a thorough review of the client’s immigration history, family relationships, and any prior interactions with immigration authorities. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys assess eligibility for the various forms of relief under the Immigration and Nationality Act. For family‑based petitions, that often means determining whether a qualifying relationship exists—spouse, parent, child, or sibling—and whether any bars, such as unlawful presence, affect the application. For clients already in removal proceedings, the firm evaluates defenses that may include cancellation of removal, asylum, withholding of removal, or protection under the Convention Against Torture.
Once a strategy is identified, the firm prepares and files the appropriate petitions or applications with USCIS, the immigration court, or the Board of Immigration Appeals. Mr. Sris and the Of Counsel attorneys appear at master calendar hearings, individual merits hearings, bond hearings, and interviews. Throughout the process, the firm emphasizes clear communication, so the client understands what is required at each stage. While the timeline for any immigration case depends on agency backlogs and the complexity of the matter, the firm’s goal is always to advance the client’s interests efficiently under the applicable law.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. He began practicing law in 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. As a former prosecutor, he has firsthand experience with courtroom practice and cross‑examination, skills that translate directly to the adversarial setting of removal proceedings. 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 are experienced practitioners who contract directly with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Together, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys handle immigration matters for clients in New York County and across the firm’s five‑state practice area. The immigration practice includes family‑based petitions, naturalization, adjustment of status, consular processing, deportation defense, asylum, cancellation of removal, and VAWA petitions. Each client’s matter receives careful attention from the attorneys working on the file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the immigration court for New York County (Manhattan)?
Removal proceedings for New York County residents are heard at the New York Immigration Court, 26 Federal Plaza, Manhattan, or the Varick Street Immigration Court. Affirmative applications, such as family petitions and naturalization, are processed at the USCIS New York City Field Office, also at 26 Federal Plaza. Because New York has strong sanctuary policies, local law enforcement cooperation with ICE is limited, but federal removal cases proceed independently. Our firm represents clients at both court locations.
How long does an immigration case take in New York?
The time to resolve an immigration matter in New York varies significantly based on the type of case, the agency involved, and current backlogs. USCIS processing times for family petitions and adjustment of status fluctuate. Removal cases in the New York Immigration Court can take several years due to heavy dockets. While we cannot guarantee a specific timeline, Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work to move each case forward as efficiently as the system allows. For a current estimate on your particular matter, speak with our firm directly.
How much does an immigration lawyer cost in New York?
Attorney fees for immigration representation are not set by statute; they depend on the complexity of the case and the services required. Fees are discussed during an initial consultation, after the attorney understands the scope of work. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. offers consultations by appointment. To request a consultation and learn about fee arrangements, call (888) 437‑7747.
What are the penalties for immigration violations?
Immigration penalties are federal and can include removal (deportation), bars to re‑entry, and in some cases criminal prosecution. Unlawful presence can trigger three‑year, ten‑year, or permanent bars to returning to the United States. Certain criminal convictions can result in mandatory detention and removal. The consequences depend on the specific immigration history and any criminal record. An experienced attorney can assess your exposure and identify potential waivers or defenses.
Can immigration charges be dropped?
In removal proceedings, the Department of Homeland Security may decline to pursue removal, or an immigration judge may grant relief from removal, effectively ending the case. Relief can take the form of cancellation of removal, adjustment of status, asylum, or other protections. Whether a case can be terminated depends on the grounds of removability and the noncitizen’s eligibility for relief. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys evaluate each client’s situation to determine an appropriate $1 forward.
Do I need a lawyer for immigration matters in New York County?
You are not required by law to hire an attorney for immigration proceedings, but having experienced counsel can substantially affect the outcome. Immigration law is complex, and mistakes in paperwork or procedure can result in serious consequences, including removal. An attorney familiar with the New York Immigration Court and USCIS procedures can prepare applications correctly, present your strong case, and protect your rights. Contact our firm to discuss whether representation is appropriate for your matter.
Internal resources — our immigration practice also serves nearby counties:
Kings County (Brooklyn) immigration lawyer ·
Queens County (Queens) immigration lawyer ·
Richmond County (Staten Island) immigration lawyer ·
Nassau County (Long Island) immigration lawyer ·
Suffolk County (Long Island) immigration lawyer
Official sources — primary government references for immigration matters:
USCIS New York Field Office ·
EOIR New York Immigration Court ·
Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. § 1101)
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.