Confronting possible deportation, otherwise known as removal proceedings, is one of the most frightening experiences for immigrants and their families. If you live in New York City and are at risk of being deported, working with an experienced and knowledgeable deportation defense lawyer for New York City residents can make a critical difference. Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C., a nationally recognized immigration law firm based in Chicago, represents clients nationwide, including those based in New York City.
Our firm understands that deportation is not just a legal issue, but rather something that affects your livelihood, your family unity, and your future. We will provide compassionate and strategic representation tailored to your specific circumstances and to the immigration enforcement realities of New York City.
Why Choose Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. as Your Deportation Defense Lawyer in New York City?
Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. has focused exclusively on immigration law for over 30 years. Although our headquarters are located in Chicago, we have extensive experience representing clients across the United States, including many cases heard in New York City immigration courts. We will consult with you via secure video and phone calls, and travel to you whenever necessary.
Our recognition and leadership in immigration law illustrate our expertise and devotion to our clients.
- The Martindale-Hubbell association, a respected legal directory, reports that our peers have rated us AV, the highest rating for legal ability and ethical standards.
- Our founder, Scott D. Pollock, has been recognized on the Illinois Super Lawyers list for excellence in immigration law since 2007.
- We are rated a “10” (superb) by Avvo for immigration law.
- We are active in professional organizations, including the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).
The talented and trusted team at Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. will determine the course of action that offers the best possible outcome for your individual circumstances, keeping you informed at every step of the process with sensitivity and respect.
Steps to Take If You Face Deportation in New York City
There are some typical steps and guidelines to follow if you find yourself facing removal proceedings.
Acting quickly, staying organized, and working with experienced legal counsel puts you in a better position to protect your future in the United States.
Read your NTA carefully to understand the charges and verify your court date.
Do not make statements to immigration authorities without a lawyer.
Contact our office immediately. The sooner you start working with an immigration attorney, the better chance you will have of a successful outcome.
Gather any documents that could apply to your circumstances, including identification, visas, prior applications, travel records, criminal records (if any), and proof of residence.
Attend all court hearings. Failure to do so may result in immediate removal.
Follow our experienced legal advice closely. We will keep you informed and prepared at every step of the way.
Immigration Challenges Unique to New York City
New York City is home to one of the largest and most diverse 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 foreign-born. This large immigrant community is an integral part of what makes New York City world-renowned—but it also means that its immigration system is heavily overburdened.
According to Syracuse University’s Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC), which analyzes Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) data, as of mid-2025, the New York City Immigration Court had over 240,000 pending immigration cases. This large number of cases reflects the region’s extraordinary 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.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has increased its detainment and enforcement activities in New York City. Navigating this heightened atmosphere can be frightening and challenging, but having an experienced immigration lawyer at your side significantly increases your chances of achieving a successful legal outcome.
How Deportation Defense Works in New York City
Our attorneys assist New York City residents during the entire deportation defense process. We:
- Review charging documents and allegations
- Identify defenses and relief options
- Prepare applications, evidence, and testimony
- Represent clients at hearings and appeals
New York City Immigration Court Locations and Jurisdictions
Several immigration courts in New York City handle removal proceedings. If you receive an NTA in New York, you’ll likely need to appear at one of these offices:
Federal Plaza Immigration Court
26 Federal Plaza, 1st Floor
New York, NY 10278
Handles the majority of cases of residents in Manhattan and the surrounding boroughs.
Varick Immigration Court
201 Varick St., #507
New York, NY 10014
Handles cases of residents in New York City, New Jersey, and Orange County, NY.
Broadway Immigration Court
290 Broadway, 15th Floor
New York, NY 10007
Handles cases of residents across New York State.
We also coordinate with the USCIS New York City Field Office if forms such as an I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility, or Form I-918, Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status are relevant to your defense.
USCIS District Office
26 Federal Plaza, #0127
New York, NY 10278
Common Deportation Defense Cases in New York City
New York City residents may face a range of circumstances that set removal proceedings in motion. Some of the most common scenarios are allegations of:
Criminal convictions for serious crimes or repeated misdemeanors
Visa overstays
Entry without inspection
Marriage fraud
National security concerns
Our lawyers personalize their defense strategy to each case by reviewing your immigration history, criminal history, and eligibility for relief. Working with a deportation defense attorney significantly improves your chances of a successful outcome.
Our Experience with Deportation Defense
Scott D. Pollock and Associates, P.C has decades of experience protecting countless individuals nationwide from deportation. Our attorneys advocate passionately and diligently for our clients.
Our team understands the cultural, linguistic, and legal issues that commonly affect immigrant communities in New York City. We have worked with clients from all over the world. Many of our attorneys and staff members are also bilingual and speak Spanish.
There are many legal options available to avoid deportation. Our knowledgeable and experienced attorneys have experience with numerous deportation defense strategies. We will advise you on the best possible form of relief for your situation. We have expertise in:
Adjustment of Status (AOS): Allows eligible individuals to apply for lawful permanent residence, often based on a family relationship or employment opportunity.
Asylum: Protects individuals who fear persecution in their home country due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
Cancellation of Removal: Allows certain non-citizens to remain in the U.S. if they meet strict requirements, including continuous presence and demonstrating that removal would cause exceptional hardship to qualifying family members.
Withholding of Removal: Prevents deportation to a specific country where the individual is likely to face persecution, offering protection even when asylum is unavailable.
Convention Against Torture (CAT): Relief under CAT protects individuals from removal to a country where they would likely face torture by, or with the consent of, government officials.
INA 212(h) Waivers: A 212(h) waiver may forgive specific criminal grounds of inadmissibility, allowing eligible individuals to pursue lawful status or avoid removal based on family hardship factors.
Voluntary Departure: Permits an individual to leave the United States on their own terms within a set timeframe, avoiding a formal removal order and potentially preserving future immigration options.
Local Resources for Immigrants in Los Angeles
New York City residents facing removal proceedings 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 attorney is essential when defending against deportation and removal proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deportation Defense in New York City
Timelines vary depending on immigration court caseloads, backlogs, and the type of relief sought.
Yes. Decisions may be appealed to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) and, in some cases, to federal court.
Yes. Many New York City clients apply for asylum in immigration court defensively.
Having legal representation is not required, but it drastically improves your chances of success.
Yes. Immigration law is federal. Our firm regularly assists clients nationwide.
Speak to an Experienced Deportation Defense Lawyer for New York City Residents
If you or a loved one is facing removal proceedings, you do not need to take on this difficult and stressful process alone. Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. is committed to protecting the rights of immigrants nationwide.
Contact our office today to schedule a confidential and secure phone or video consultation to discuss how we can best advocate for you.