Aggressive deportation and removal defense attorneys serving NYC in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Long Island. NTA response, bond hearings, cancellation of removal, asylum defense, appeals, and ICE detention representation at New York Immigration Court.
Aggressive representation in removal proceedings
Respond to Notice to Appear (NTA) charging removability. File written pleadings admitting or denying allegations. Master calendar hearing appearance at New York Immigration Court (26 Federal Plaza). Designation of country of removal, request for relief applications.
Apply for cancellation of removal for long-term NYC residents. Non-LPR cancellation (10+ years residence, good moral character, exceptional hardship to USC/LPR family). LPR cancellation (7+ years as permanent resident, no aggravated felony). Prove extreme hardship to qualifying relatives.
Secure release from ICE detention through bond hearings. Argue for reasonable bond amount or no bond requirement. Custody redetermination hearings. Representation at Bergen County Jail, Orange County Jail, and other NYC-area ICE facilities. Emergency habeas corpus petitions.
Appeal adverse decisions to Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). File motions to reopen or reconsider. Federal Court appeals (Second Circuit, District Court). Stay of removal pending appeal. Prosecutorial discretion requests. Detention challenges and constitutional claims.
Options to fight deportation in NYC Immigration Court
10 years continuous residence, good moral character, exceptional hardship to USC/LPR family member
7 years as LPR, 5 years residence after admission, no aggravated felony conviction
Persecution or well-founded fear based on race, religion, nationality, PSG, or political opinion
Approved immigrant petition, visa number available, admissible
More likely than not will be persecuted in home country, higher standard than asylum
More likely than not will be tortured if removed, government acquiescence to torture
Pay own removal costs, leave U.S. by deadline, avoid deportation order on record
Low priority for enforcement, ties to U.S., humanitarian factors, USCIS cooperation
If you receive an NTA (Notice to Appear) charging you with removability, take immediate action: (1) DO NOT IGNORE IT—ignoring an NTA results in an in absentia removal order and deportation. (2) READ IT CAREFULLY—the NTA lists charges against you, why the government claims you're removable, and your initial court date at New York Immigration Court (usually 26 Federal Plaza). (3) HIRE AN ATTORNEY IMMEDIATELY—deportation defense is complex and you have the right to an attorney (at your own expense, not government-provided). (4) ATTEND ALL HEARINGS—missing a hearing results in automatic deportation order. (5) PRESERVE EVIDENCE—gather documents proving your residence in U.S., family relationships, employment, community ties, tax returns, and anything supporting relief from removal. Common NTA charges for NYC residents: overstayed visa, unlawful entry, criminal conviction, fraud/misrepresentation. Your first hearing is a Master Calendar Hearing where you admit or deny allegations and indicate what relief you're seeking (asylum, cancellation, adjustment, etc.). The Immigration Judge will schedule your case for an Individual Merits Hearing where you present your full case. Our NYC deportation attorneys provide urgent representation—call immediately upon receiving an NTA.
Cancellation of removal is a form of relief that allows certain long-term NYC residents in removal proceedings to obtain lawful permanent residence (green card). There are two types: (1) Non-LPR Cancellation (for non-permanent residents): You must prove: 10 years of continuous physical presence in the U.S. before receiving NTA, good moral character during those 10 years, no disqualifying criminal convictions, and your removal would cause exceptional and extremely unusual hardship to your U.S. citizen or LPR spouse, parent, or child. 'Exceptional hardship' is a very high standard—much higher than regular hardship. You need strong evidence of medical conditions, psychological impact, country conditions, family separation consequences. (2) LPR Cancellation (for green card holders): You must prove: lawful admission for permanent residence for at least 5 years, continuous residence in U.S. for 7+ years after being admitted in any status, no aggravated felony convictions. This is easier to qualify for than non-LPR cancellation. Cancellation is discretionary—even if you meet requirements, the Immigration Judge can deny based on negative factors (criminal history, immigration violations). Only 4,000 non-LPR cancellations granted annually nationwide—it's very competitive. Our NYC deportation attorneys prepare comprehensive cancellation cases with extensive hardship evidence.
Possibly, through a bond hearing or bond redetermination. If you're detained by ICE in NYC-area facilities (Bergen County Jail NJ, Orange County Jail NY, others), you can request a bond hearing before an Immigration Judge. At the bond hearing, the judge determines: (1) Are you a flight risk? Will you appear for future court hearings? (2) Are you a danger to the community? Evidence of ties to NYC (family, employment, residence, community involvement) helps prove you'll appear. Evidence of rehabilitation, character witnesses, and clean record help prove you're not dangerous. If the judge grants bond, you must pay the amount set (typically $5,000-$25,000 in NYC) to be released. Some individuals are subject to mandatory detention (aggravated felonies, certain crimes, recent border crossers) and cannot get bond. Others get bond redetermination hearings if ICE set an unreasonably high bond or denied bond. Our NYC deportation attorneys represent clients at bond hearings, present evidence of ties and rehabilitation, and argue for lowest possible bond or release on own recognizance. Time is critical—bond hearings should be requested immediately upon detention. If detained, you have the right to phone calls to contact an attorney.
NYC removal proceedings are heard at the New York Immigration Court located at 26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278 (Lower Manhattan, accessible via 4/5/6 trains to Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall). The court process: (1) Master Calendar Hearing: Short hearing (15-30 minutes) where you admit or deny the allegations in your NTA, indicate what relief you're seeking (asylum, cancellation, adjustment, etc.), and the judge sets deadlines for filing applications and schedules your Individual Merits Hearing. You may have multiple master calendar hearings. (2) Individual Merits Hearing: This is your trial—lasts 2-6 hours. You present your case for relief through testimony, witness testimony, documentary evidence, and legal arguments. A government attorney (ICE attorney) opposes your case and tries to prove you're removable and don't deserve relief. The Immigration Judge asks questions and ultimately decides whether to grant relief or order removal. (3) Decision: The judge may issue an oral decision at the hearing or take the case under advisement and mail a written decision later. If granted relief, you receive immigration status. If denied, you can appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) within 30 days. All proceedings are on the record (recorded). Bring original documents, witnesses, and your attorney. Dress professionally. The atmosphere is formal like a court. Our NYC deportation attorneys provide full representation through all stages.
Deportation defense attorney fees in NYC vary significantly based on case complexity and relief sought: Bond hearings: $2,000-$5,000 for representation at custody redetermination or bond hearing before Immigration Judge. Master Calendar Hearing only (case assessment): $1,500-$3,000 for initial appearance and case evaluation. Full Removal Defense through Individual Hearing: $5,000-$20,000+ depending on complexity. Simple cases (clear relief, minimal criminal issues): $5,000-$8,000. Complex cases (criminal history, prior orders, fraud): $10,000-$20,000+. Appeals to BIA: $3,000-$8,000 for appellate brief and representation. Federal Court appeals: $5,000-$15,000+ for Second Circuit or District Court. Cancellation of removal cases: $8,000-$15,000 (require extensive evidence gathering, expert witnesses, hardship documentation). Asylum defense: $5,000-$12,000. Many NYC deportation attorneys charge flat fees; some charge hourly ($250-$500/hour). Payment plans may be available. This is money well spent—deportation means permanent separation from family, loss of U.S. ties, and potential danger if returned to home country. Free legal services available for low-income individuals through NYLAG, Legal Aid Society, and other non-profits. Our firm offers book consultations to assess your case and provide honest evaluation of options and costs.
Yes. If the Immigration Judge at New York Immigration Court orders your removal (deportation), you have the right to appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) within 30 days of the judge's decision. The BIA is the highest administrative immigration appeals body in the U.S. Appeal process: (1) File Form EOIR-26 (Notice of Appeal) within 30 days—this is a strict deadline. (2) Filing the appeal automatically stays (postpones) your removal while the appeal is pending. (3) Submit appellate brief (written legal argument) explaining why the Immigration Judge made errors of law or fact. (4) Government submits opposing brief. (5) BIA reviews the record and briefs (usually no oral argument). (6) BIA issues written decision: affirm (uphold removal order), reverse (grant relief), or remand (send back to Immigration Judge for further proceedings). BIA appeals take 6 months-3+ years currently. If BIA denies your appeal, you can petition for review to Federal Court: Second Circuit Court of Appeals (covers NY, CT, VT) or U.S. District Court for habeas corpus. Federal appeals require complex legal arguments on constitutional issues, due process violations, statutory interpretation. Success rates vary—skilled appellate attorneys are critical. Our NYC deportation attorneys handle BIA and federal court appeals for clients who received adverse decisions.
If you were ordered removed in absentia (in your absence because you didn't appear for your Immigration Court hearing in NYC), you have limited options to reopen your case: (1) File Motion to Reopen: You must file within 180 days of the in absentia order AND prove: you didn't receive proper notice of the hearing (NTA sent to wrong address), OR exceptional circumstances prevented your appearance (hospitalization, serious illness, death in family). You must provide evidence (medical records, affidavits). The burden is on you to prove you didn't receive notice or couldn't appear. (2) Rescind Order: If you can show ICE's fault in service of NTA or lack of proper notice, the order can be rescinded. (3) After 180 days: If more than 180 days passed, you can still file a motion to reopen based on changed country conditions, new relief availability, or extraordinary circumstances, but it's much harder. (4) Stay outside the U.S.: If you left the U.S. after an in absentia order, DO NOT return—you'll be immediately detained and deported. You have a 10-year bar from reentering. Consult an attorney about whether you can apply for relief from outside the U.S. In absentia orders are serious—a removal order on your record makes future immigration benefits very difficult. Many NYC residents miss hearings due to address changes, mail issues, or fear. If you have an in absentia order, contact an immigration attorney immediately to evaluate reopening options. Our firm handles motion to reopen cases for NYC clients with in absentia orders.
Prosecutorial discretion (PD) is ICE's authority to deprioritize or close removal cases against certain individuals who are low priorities for enforcement. Under current policy, ICE focuses on: national security threats, border security, public safety threats (serious criminals), and recent border crossers. If you don't fall into these priorities, you may request prosecutorial discretion. To request PD in your NYC removal case: (1) Submit detailed request to ICE Office of Chief Counsel (handles NYC cases) explaining why you're a low priority: long residence in U.S., strong family ties (especially USC/LPR children or spouse), community involvement, employment, lack of serious criminal history, humanitarian factors (health conditions, DACA recipient, military service/family, pending U visa/T visa, etc.). (2) Provide extensive supporting documentation: family evidence, tax returns, employment letters, medical records, community letters, school records for children. (3) ICE attorney decides whether to exercise discretion. Options: administratively close your case (pause proceedings indefinitely), join in motion to terminate proceedings, agree to continuance. Prosecutorial discretion is NOT a legal right—it's discretionary. ICE can deny PD requests. However, strong PD cases result in case closure, allowing you to remain in U.S. and potentially apply for other relief later. Our NYC deportation attorneys prepare comprehensive PD requests with compelling evidence to maximize chances of favorable exercise of discretion.
Time is critical in deportation cases. If you received an NTA, are detained, or have an upcoming immigration court hearing, contact our experienced NYC deportation defense attorneys immediately.