Removal proceedings are one of the most serious situations a foreign national can face in the United States, and New York residents have limited time to respond once proceedings begin. Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. is a trusted immigration legal services law firm that has spent over 30 years building deportation defense cases for individuals and families across the country, working to protect their rights and futures in the U.S.
Why Choose Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. as Your Removal Proceedings Lawyer in New York City?
Our firm has represented thousands of clients in removal proceedings in New York City and nationwide. For over 30 years, Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. has built a reputation of excellence in even the most complex immigration cases.
With experience in removal defense, including withholding of removal, cancellation, waivers, and status adjustments, we focus on developing the best strategies for New York City residents challenging removal proceedings.
We provide our clients with award-winning representation:
- 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).
Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. combines decades of legal experience with a tailored, client-specific approach to help New York City residents remain in the United States.
Steps to Take If You Face Removal Proceedings in New York City
When confronted with removal proceedings, it is vital to be proactive and take the following critical steps:
Read your Notice to Appear (NTA). Verify all information and charges, as well as your court date.
Immediately hire a respected immigration lawyer. Early legal guidance is vital to identifying the best defense for your circumstances.
Gather documents that could apply to your case, including identification, visas, prior applications, criminal records (if any), and proof of residence.
Attend all court hearings. Failure to do so may result in immediate removal.
Follow your attorney’s advice and legal strategy, including responding to deadlines and gathering evidence.
Appeal decisions promptly if a judge denies your case. You generally have 30 days to appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA).
Stay informed about court updates, especially given New York City’s immigration court backlog.
Immigration Challenges Unique to New York City
New York City is home to one of the world’s largest immigrant populations—as of 2024, 36% of the city’s residents were born abroad—making it a vibrant and culturally diverse city. However, because of this large immigrant population, New York City is experiencing particularly difficult immigration challenges. As of late 2025, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has increased its activity in the city, increasing the risk of detention and disrupting daily life for many residents.
That volume has consequences for the immigration system itself. 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 cases. 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.)
How Removal Proceedings Work in New York City
Removal proceedings begin when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issues you a Notice to Appear (NTA). Removal proceedings are civil administrative cases, not criminal cases, and take place in immigration court.
Your case will likely be assigned to a New York City Immigration Court and may be litigated in person, via video, or by phone. If you are moved to a detention center in another jurisdiction, including out of state, your case will likely be reassigned to a different immigration court, but you can file a motion to change venue.
Our firm provides complete representation for New York City residents in removal proceedings at any location nationwide. We will:
- Review and challenge allegations in the NTA
- File motions to suppress, terminate, or reopen proceedings
- Prepare applications for asylum, withholding of removal, Convention Against Torture (CAT) protection, or cancellation of removal
- Coordinate USCIS applications that affect removability (I-130, waivers, U Visas, etc.)
- Represent clients during the Master Calendar Hearing and individual hearings
- Advocate for prosecutorial discretion
- File appeals with the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA)
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 will likely be ordered to appear at one of these immigration court locations:
Federal Plaza Immigration Court
26 Federal Plaza, 1st Floor
New York, NY 10278
(212) 602-6500
Litigates the majority of cases of residents in Manhattan and the surrounding boroughs
Varick Immigration Court
201 Varick St., #507
New York, NY 10014
(212) 620-6279
Litigates cases of residents in New York City, New Jersey, and Orange County, NY
Broadway Immigration Court
290 Broadway, 15th Floor
New York, NY 10007
(212) 240-0289
Litigates cases of residents across New York State
We 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
(800) 375-5283
Common Removal Proceedings Cases in New York City
New York City immigrants face a range of causes for removal proceedings.
Minor offenses can also result in removal proceedings. Working with an experienced immigration attorney offers you the best chance of avoiding deportation for any criminal wrongdoing.
Unlawful Presence or Overstays: Individuals accused of entering the country without inspection or remaining in the country after their visa or authorized stay expired
Inadmissibility at Entry: These cases are those in which the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) alleges that the individual was inadmissible at the time of entry
Unauthorized Employment: Accusations of working in the U.S. without work authorization
Immigration Fraud Accusations: Cases involving alleged document fraud, marriage fraud, or misrepresentations at entry are common in large metropolitan areas
Involvement in Criminal Activity: The most common types of criminal activity that lead to removal proceedings are: aggravated felonies, crimes of moral turpitude, controlled substance violations, firearms offenses, and domestic violence.
Our Removal Proceedings Experience
Scott D. Pollock and Associates, P.C. assists clients facing removal proceedings nationwide. New York City residents rely on us for:
- Our familiarity with and cultural sensitivity to diverse immigrant communities, including those from the Dominican Republic, China, Mexico, and Jamaica (Many of our attorneys and staff members are bilingual and speak Spanish)
- Our strong and strategic advocacy at the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) and in federal court
We have a long record of successful appeals and motions, helping our clients successfully avoid deportation. We are honored to have earned our clients’ trust over the years. We are committed to providing thorough case preparation and compassionate representation for clients navigating one of the most stressful situations of their lives.
Local Resources for Immigrants in New York City
New York City residents in removal proceedings can find assistance from 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
While these groups do not replace legal counsel, they are valuable and supportive partners for those navigating the immigration system.
Frequently Asked Questions About Removal Proceedings in New York City
Timelines vary widely due to backlogs at the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) and depend on case complexity. Some cases take months, others several years. In general, detained cases are prioritized and take less time to resolve.
Yes. Your case can be appealed to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) and, in some cases, to federal court.
New York City Removal Proceedings Attorney Page Schema
Yes. Some individuals can pursue adjustment of status, waivers, or humanitarian relief.
An initial brief hearing in which an immigration judge reviews the charges and sets deadlines for applications.
It is possible to be deported immediately through expedited removal if you are caught at the border or shortly after entry. If you are placed in formal removal proceedings, you generally have the right to a hearing in front of an immigration judge.
Speak to an Experienced Removal Proceedings Lawyer for New York City Residents
Confronting removal proceedings is extremely stressful, and you should not do it without knowledgeable legal consultation. Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. provides the guidance, preparation, and dedicated advocacy you need to protect your future in the United States. Our compassionate attorneys take the time to understand your circumstances and build a personalized defense to improve your chances of avoiding deportation.
Call our office or contact us online to schedule a secure video or phone consultation today.