Immigration Lawyer New York, NY
Immigration law affects individuals and families across New York City—from those seeking a green card through family sponsorship in Manhattan to a person facing removal proceedings at the U.S. Immigration Court at 26 Federal Plaza. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., practicing since 1997, represents clients in all five boroughs and surrounding counties in matters before USCIS, the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), and the Board of Immigration Appeals. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys work with New York residents on family-based petitions, adjustment of status, naturalization, deportation defense, asylum applications, and consular processing. Reach the firm’s New York location at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Immigration Law Means in New York
Immigration practice in New York is shaped by the concentration of federal agencies and courts in the metropolitan area. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) New York City Field Office at 26 Federal Plaza processes affirmative applications for adjustment of status, naturalization, and family-based petitions. Removal proceedings for New York City residents are heard at the New York Immigration Court, also at 26 Federal Plaza, or at the Varick Street Immigration Court. Cases originating from Long Island, the Hudson Valley, and upstate regions may be routed to other USCIS field locations or the Buffalo Immigration Court.
New York City’s sanctuary policy under Executive Order 41 limits city agency cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. While this does not shield a person from federal removal proceedings, it affects the way certain government interactions intersect with immigration status. An experienced immigration attorney can explain how these local policies interact with federal law in a specific case. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Appears regularly at the New York Immigration Court and before USCIS for clients throughout the New York metropolitan region.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Immigration Cases
Immigration matters handled by the firm begin with a review of the client’s history, goals, and current immigration posture. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys identify the available pathways—whether a family green card through an immediate-relative petition, an employment-based visa adjustment, a removal defense strategy, or a humanitarian application. Because eligibility criteria and processing policies change frequently, early guidance from a lawyer who concentrates in immigration work helps avoid mistakes that can create bars to relief.
When a case involves removal proceedings at the New York Immigration Court, the representation includes evaluating the Notice to Appear for jurisdictional defects under Pereira v. Sessions and Niz-Chavez v. Garland, preparing applications for cancellation of removal, asylum, or adjustment of status in removal proceedings, and advocating at bond hearings. For affirmative applications filed with USCIS, the firm ensures that forms, supporting documents, and legal arguments meet current adjudication standards. Throughout the process, the firm’s attorneys coordinate with attorneys, translators, and family members as needed to build a complete record.
About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has handled immigration matters since founding the firm in 1997. He is admitted to practice in New York, Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and New Jersey, and has represented clients in immigration proceedings across multiple jurisdictions. 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 bring experience across a range of immigration and related legal areas. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys have documented case results across all practice areas since 1997. Results may vary. The team’s combined experience in federal administrative immigration practice allows the firm to address cases from initial filing through appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an immigration lawyer do in New York City?
An immigration lawyer in New York City helps clients with applications for green cards, citizenship, visas, asylum, and removal defense before USCIS and the immigration court. A lawyer reviews eligibility, prepares petitions and evidence, represents clients at interviews and hearings, and challenges adverse decisions through motions or appeals. In a city with a high volume of immigration filings, legal guidance helps avoid procedural errors that can result in denial or removal.
Where is the immigration court for New York City?
Removal proceedings for New York City residents are heard at the New York Immigration Court, 26 Federal Plaza, Manhattan, or the Varick Street Immigration Court, also in Manhattan. The USCIS NYC Field Office at 26 Federal Plaza handles affirmative applications such as adjustment of status and naturalization. Some cases from Long Island, Westchester County, and other suburban areas are routed to the Holtsville USCIS office or the Buffalo Immigration Court depending on ZIP code.
Do I need an immigration lawyer to apply for a green card?
You are not legally required to hire a lawyer to file a green card application, but legal representation can reduce the risk of a denial or delay caused by incomplete or incorrect filing. An experienced immigration attorney can confirm eligibility, prepare the appropriate forms, assemble the supporting evidence, and respond to Requests for Evidence (RFEs) from USCIS. For cases involving prior immigration violations, criminal history, or complex family relationships, professional assistance is often critical.
How long does an immigration case take in New York?
The timeline for an immigration case in New York varies significantly depending on the type of application and the caseload of the adjudicating agency. Removal hearing dates can extend for several years under current backlogs. Naturalization and adjustment of status interview schedules fluctuate. An attorney can provide a realistic estimate for a particular case type after reviewing the current processing times and the client’s circumstances.
How much does an immigration lawyer cost in New York?
The cost of an immigration lawyer in New York depends on the complexity of the case and the services required. Fees are typically discussed during an initial consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can discuss the fee arrangement applicable to your matter when you call (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.
What is a Notice to Appear (NTA) and what should I do if I receive one?
A Notice to Appear is the charging document that initiates removal proceedings in immigration court. It lists the factual allegations and statutory charges. Recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions require that the NTA include the time and place of the hearing to vest jurisdiction. If you receive an NTA, contact an immigration attorney immediately to review the document for procedural defects and to begin preparing a defense.
Can I apply for asylum in New York?
A person who is physically present in the United States and fears persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group may apply for asylum. The application must generally be filed within one year of arrival, subject to certain exceptions. Asylum cases in New York can be filed affirmatively with USCIS or defensively in removal proceedings at the New York Immigration Court.
What is adjustment of status?
Adjustment of status is the process by which an eligible noncitizen who is already in the United States applies for lawful permanent resident status without having to return to their home country for consular processing. Eligibility depends on the applicant’s immigration category, maintenance of lawful status, admissibility, and the availability of a visa. The application is filed with USCIS, and the applicant may be interviewed at the local field office.
Is New York a sanctuary city, and how does that affect my immigration case?
New York City operates under Executive Order 41, which limits city agency cooperation with federal immigration enforcement in certain circumstances. This policy does not prevent federal immigration authorities from initiating removal proceedings or arresting individuals. It may affect the sharing of information between city police and ICE. A qualified attorney can explain how these local policies interact with your specific situation.
Does Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handle immigration cases for New York residents?
Yes, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients in immigration matters throughout New York City and surrounding counties. Mr. Sris, the firm’s Owner and Founder, is admitted in New York and four other jurisdictions. The firm’s location in New York is available by appointment; call (888) 437-7747 to discuss your immigration needs and schedule a consultation.
Also serving: Manhattan immigration lawyer | Brooklyn immigration lawyer | Queens immigration lawyer | Staten Island immigration lawyer | Long Island immigration lawyer
Official resources: USCIS Filing Fees | Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) | New York City Immigration Court
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