Just because your immigration case resulted in an adverse decision doesn’t mean you’ve lost your chance to remain in the United States. An experienced immigration appeals lawyer for New York City residents is essential for protecting your rights and for pursuing every possible legal avenue to challenge the decision. Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. is a Chicago-based law firm with over three decades of nationwide experience. We represent individuals and families both in New York City and throughout the United States in immigration appeals.
Whether they involve a denial from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a removal order from an immigration judge, or an adverse decision by the Board of Immigration (BIA), immigration appeals are highly complex, time-sensitive, and procedurally demanding. In cases like yours, our skilled appellate advocacy can make a critical difference.
Why Choose Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. as Your Immigration Appeals Lawyer in New York City?
Our firm has extensive experience handling complex appeals for individuals and families nationwide. We assist New York City residents with appeals regarding removal orders, asylum denials, adjustment-of-status refusals, and adverse visa decisions. Our attorneys will carefully evaluate your case, identify any errors (such as procedural mistakes or misinterpretations), and present legally sound and persuasive counterarguments grounded in immigration law.
The knowledgeable attorneys at Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. have prepared and filed appeals with the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO), and federal appellate courts. We are known for handling difficult cases and advocating strongly for our clients.
We are honored to have received recognition for our dedication and success over the years.
- Our founder, Scott D. Pollock, has been included on the Illinois Super Lawyers list for excellence in immigration law since 2007.
- The Martindale-Hubbell association reports that our peers rated us as AV (very high to preeminent), reflecting our strong reputation and dedication to excellence in immigration law.
- Our firm is rated a 10, or superb, by Avvo for immigration law.
- We are active in professional organizations, including the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).
Our lawyers provide New York City residents with personalized, compassionate support and clear communication during every stage of their case.
Steps to Take During an Appeal in New York City
Act quickly when you are given an adverse decision by an immigration court or by USCIS.
We will discuss any legal errors made previously and provide our recommendation for the best strategy moving forward. We will also help you track your case and respond promptly to any court requests.
Thoroughly review your decision notice and ensure you understand your appeal deadline.
Contact an immigration attorney immediately. Appeals require fast action, and having your case reviewed early improves your chance of success.
Gather all records, such as hearing transcripts, USCIS notices, submitted evidence, and any written decisions.
Our attorneys will prepare an appellate brief with clear, well-supported arguments.
Immigration Challenges Unique to New York City
New York City has one of the largest immigrant populations in the world. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s latest calculations, in 2024, over 36% of the city’s residents were born abroad. New York City’s large and diverse immigrant community is central to what makes the city special and world-renowned, but it also means the city’s immigration system is heavily overburdened.
Syracuse University’s Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC) analyzed data from the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) and found that, as of early 2026, New York City Immigration Courts have over 314,000 backlogged immigration cases. This large number of cases reflects the region’s high immigration volume.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) New York City Field Office reports average processing times of several months to over a year, depending on case type. USCIS provides information on processing times for specific petitions.
The immigration landscape of New York City has become increasingly complex. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has escalated its detainment and enforcement activities in New York City. Navigating this challenging and uncertain environment can be frightening and stressful. Having our experienced team at your side significantly improves your chances of achieving a successful outcome in your appeals case.
How Immigration Appeals Work in New York City
Any immigration appeal has strict deadlines and must be filed within 30 days of an unfavorable decision. Appeals are primarily based on existing immigration records, which an experienced immigration attorney will use to identify legal or procedural errors that they can then present to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) or the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO).
Immigration appeals depend on the type of decision being challenged and the agency or court that issued it. USCIS denials are appealed to the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) within USCIS, while immigration court decisions are usually appealed to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). Sometimes, further review is done in federal courts.
Successful appeals can result in the original decision being overturned, your immigration status being secured, or your case being reopened for further review. Our skilled attorneys aim to maximize these positive outcomes for New York City residents.
New York City Immigration Court Locations and Jurisdictions
The New York City Federal Plaza Immigration Court primarily handles deportation cases for New York City and its surrounding boroughs. Serving an area with a large immigrant population results in extensive court backlogs. Appeals of these decisions are not filed with the court but are submitted online to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) in Virginia via the EOIR Courts & Appeals System (ECAS).
Federal Plaza Immigration Court
26 Federal Plaza, 1st Floor
New York, NY 10278
(212) 602-6500
If the BIA denies an appeal regarding a final order of removal, the case can be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit.
Thurgood Marshall U.S. Courthouse
40 Foley Square
New York, NY 10007
(212) 857-8500
If U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) denies your visa or asylum application, adjustment of status, or waiver of inadmissibility, you may appeal to the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) within USCIS.
USCIS Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, #0127
New York, NY 10278
(800) 375-5283
Common Immigration Appeals in New York City
New York City residents may need an appeals lawyer for a wide range of issues. Our attorneys work tirelessly to advocate for our clients, regardless of their circumstances or type of case.
Common cases include:
Denial of asylum or humanitarian relief
Removal orders issued by an immigration judge
Visa petition denials for employment or family cases
Adjustment-of-status denials
Waiver of inadmissibility for unlawful presence or misrepresentation
Denial of motions to reopen or reconsider
Our Appeals Experience
Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. has over 30 years of experience preparing appellate briefs, identifying legal errors in rulings, and rebuilding cases that were not adequately presented the first time. Our attorneys are skilled at argumentation in immigration courts.
We regularly assist clients from New York City’s diverse communities and offer bilingual Spanish support. We take pride in creating a comfortable environment where clients feel supported and informed during the stressful appeals process.
Local Resources for Immigrants in New York City
New York City residents in the appeals process may find help through the following organizations:
- New York Immigration Coalition: Advocacy and assistance for New York City immigrants
- Catholic Charities Community Services of New York: Immigrant and refugee support services
- Make the Road New York: Resources for those in need of English language skills, citizenship preparation, health services, and more
- Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA): Assists immigrants in understanding their rights and helps connect them to resources, including language services and healthcare
Although these organizations offer important support, working with an experienced immigration appeals attorney is vital for increasing your chances of success.
Frequently Asked Questions About Immigration Appeals in New York City
Yes. File Form EOIR-26, Notice of Appeal, to the BIA within 30 days of the judge’s decision.
In many cases, yes. Filing a timely appeal generally prevents deportation while the case is under review.
BIA appeals take about six months to two years. AAO appeals for USCIS denials aim to be completed within 180 days.
An appeal must clearly and specifically identify factual or legal errors in the original decision. Vague or unsupported arguments may be dismissed. An experienced immigration lawyer will ensure that your appeal is accurate and comprehensive.
Speak to an Experienced Appeals Lawyer for New York City Residents
If you believe your immigration case was decided incorrectly, you still have options. The appeals process is your opportunity for a fair review. Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. understands how to manage appeals with skill, precision, and dedication.
Call our office or contact us online to schedule a secure video or phone consultation today.