The Top 10 Immigration Lawyers in New York vs. the USA

Immigration law can be overwhelming. Every year, thousands of people come to the United States for various reasons to study, work, be with family, or seek refuge from dangerous situations. The laws governing immigration are complicated and ever-changing, which is why many people seek out the help of immigration lawyers. These legal professionals are experts in navigating the system, ensuring that the immigration process is as smooth as possible.

In this blog, we’ll take a look at some of the best immigration lawyers in New York City, and compare them to the top immigration attorneys across the entire United States. By the end of this post, you’ll have a clearer understanding of who they are, why they matter, and how they can help guide you toward a successful immigration journey.

📌 What Is an Immigration Lawyer?

An immigration lawyer specializes in laws and legal issues related to people coming to or leaving the United States. They assist with various aspects of immigration law, such as:

• Visas: Including student or work visas
• Green Cards: Permanent residence applications
• Citizenship and Naturalization: Assisting with U.S. citizenship applications
• Asylum and Refugee Cases: Helping those seeking asylum or refuge in the U.S.
• Deportation Defense: Representing individuals facing removal (deportation)

These attorneys help you navigate the complexities of the immigration system, ensuring your documents are filled out properly, and represent you in court if needed.

🌟 Top 10 Immigration Lawyers in NYC

New York City, with its large and diverse immigrant population, is home to many top immigration lawyers. These professionals have earned their reputation through years of experience, positive client feedback, and peer endorsements. Here are some of the best immigration lawyers in NYC (in no particular order):

1. Khagendra Gharti Chhetry – Chhetry & Associates PC
• Specializes in family and business immigration cases. Known for helping immigrants achieve citizenship and handle complex immigration matters.
• Named a top immigration lawyer in NYC by Forbes.
2. Michael Z. Goldman – The Law Offices of Michael Z. Goldman
• Represents clients before federal immigration courts and USCIS. Active in community citizenship programs.
• Named among the best NYC immigration attorneys by Forbes.
3. Michael Mandel – Kauff Gregory and McGrath McConnell & Patrick, P.C.
• Focuses on green cards and visas, especially for business and family purposes.
• Featured as one of New York's best lawyers by Forbes.
4. Robert Tsigler – Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC
• Extensive experience in deportation defense and asylum cases.
• Highly rated on Justia.
5. Caridad Pastor – Immigration Lawyer
• Over 30 years of experience in immigration law.
• Top-rated for years in NYC by Justia.
6. R. David Ades – Contract Immigration
• Provides advocacy for adults, children, and families, offering strong support through complex immigration processes.
• Listed in legal directories like Justia.
7. Ian E. Scott – Immigration Lawyer
• Expertise in addressing various immigration issues.
• Listed among NYC's top lawyers on Justia.
8. Simon Craven – Immigration Lawyer
• Known for high customer satisfaction and clear communication.
• Named among NYC’s best lawyers by Justia.
9. Nina Frances Juncewicz – Immigration Lawyer
• Extensive experience in visas and naturalization.
• Featured on the NYC guide by Justia.
10. Monica Yanna Balyasny – Immigration Attorney

• Specializes in immigration applications and legal strategies.
• Well-rated for experience on Justia.

🗽 Why New York Lawyers Are Different

New York City is one of the most immigrant-dense areas in the U.S., with millions of immigrants living, working, and studying there. Immigration lawyers in NYC deal with a wide variety of cases, including:

• Multilingual and multicultural issues: Lawyers often encounter diverse cultural backgrounds and languages.
• High-volume immigration cases: The city sees a large number of immigration cases due to its immigrant population.
• Complicated legal cases: Lawyers in NYC handle some of the most complex cases at both the federal and state level.

As a result, immigration lawyers in New York must be highly skilled, experienced, and capable of handling a range of complex issues.

🌎 Top 10 Best Immigration Lawyers/Firms in the U.S.

Taking a broader approach, here are some of the top immigration law firms and attorneys across the United States, known for their success and expertise in various immigration matters:

1. Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP
• One of the world’s largest immigration law firms, specializing in business and employment immigration.
• Regularly featured in national polls.
2. Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP (BAL LLP)
• Recognized for its corporate immigration expertise and global mobility programs.
• Among the leading U.S. immigration law firms.
3. Greenberg Traurig, LLP
• Ranked in the top tier of national immigration law listings.
4. Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
• Represents both individuals and employers in immigration matters.
• Consistently featured as one of the top U.S. immigration firms.
5. Seyfarth Shaw LLP
• Focuses on business immigration and compliance.
• Well-regarded in national immigration law rankings.
6. Jackson Lewis P.C.
• Known for its strong immigration group, assisting businesses with immigration-related compliance.
7. Antonini & Cohen Immigration Law Group, PC
• Renowned for family and employment-based visa work.
• Published in national immigration databases.
8. Global Esquire Law Firm
• Specializes in immigration, asylum, and business immigration services.
• Featured on national immigration lawyer lists.
9. Law Offices of Jamie B. Naini
• Handles most types of U.S. immigration matters, regularly ranked as one of the best firms.
10. Shakya Immigration Law, PLLC

• Famous for providing family, asylum, and immigration assistance.
• Appears in nationwide rankings.

🧠 NYC Lawyers vs. U.S. Lawyers: How to Choose the Right One for You

When selecting an immigration lawyer, consider the following tips:

Know Your Case

If you’re applying for a family visa, choose a lawyer experienced with family law. For business or work visas, look for someone proficient in employment immigration.

Look at Experience

The more experienced a lawyer is, the better equipped they will be to handle complex cases and navigate the latest immigration laws.

Check Reviews and Reputation

Client testimonials and legal directories like Justia and Super Lawyers can give you a sense of a lawyer’s reputation and success.

Ask for a Consultation

Many lawyers offer free initial consultations. Take advantage of this to discuss your case and determine if the lawyer is a good fit for you.

📍 Additional Research Sites

Here are some helpful resources to explore further and find the best immigration lawyers:

• Super Lawyers – New York Immigration Lawyers
• Justia Lawyer Directory
• Forbes – Best Immigration Lawyers NYC
• Lawzana – Leading Immigration Lawyers in the U.S.
• Best Lawyers – Immigration Law Rankings

Final Thoughts

The right immigration lawyer can make all the difference in your immigration journey. Whether you're seeking assistance in New York City or across the United States, it's essential to choose a lawyer who is experienced, highly-rated, and trustworthy. Take your time to research your options and ensure that the lawyer you select is the right fit for your specific immigration needs.

Remember, a good immigration lawyer can guide you through the complicated process and improve your chances of success.