Immigration cases rarely follow a single path. One person may need a family-based green card, another may be seeking an employment visa, while someone else may need help with asylum, naturalization, or removal defense. Because the right legal experience depends heavily on the case, researching several attorneys before making a decision is often worthwhile. This guide to the best 20 immigration lawyers in New York brings together attorneys who appear in established legal directories, professional recognition listings, or other reputable legal resources.

The list is intended as a research starting point rather than an official ranking. Attorney practices, professional recognition, and availability can change, so prospective clients should confirm current information before hiring counsel.

20 Immigration Lawyers to Put on Your Research List

1. Alexis S. Axelrad

Alexis S. Axelrad is a New York immigration attorney with a substantial background in corporate and family-based immigration. She has also held leadership roles within the American Immigration Lawyers Association, including involvement with its New York Chapter.

2. Joan-Elisse Carpentier

Joan-Elisse Carpentier is recognized by Best Lawyers for immigration law in New York. Her work includes immigration and nationality matters affecting individuals, corporations, and businesses, as well as employment visas and citizenship-related issues.

3. Reaz H. Jafri

Reaz H. Jafri is a New York immigration attorney recognized by Best Lawyers. His professional profile includes a specific focus on nationality, making him a name worth researching for clients whose matters involve citizenship or nationality questions.

4. Tara L. Vance

Tara L. Vance is recognized by Best Lawyers for immigration law in New York. Her inclusion in a peer-recognition directory makes her another attorney prospective clients may wish to compare when developing a New York immigration shortlist.

5. Jason A. Dennis

Jason A. Dennis is recognized by Best Lawyers for immigration law beginning in 2026. His New York practice makes him a relevant option to investigate for individuals seeking immigration representation.

6. Rohit Turkhud

Rohit Turkhud is listed by Best Lawyers among New York immigration attorneys, with recognition beginning in 2026. Clients should review his current practice focus and experience when determining whether his background fits their particular matter.

7. Sean G. Hanagan

Sean G. Hanagan is recognized by Best Lawyers for immigration law with a business focus. Based in the New York area, his profile may be particularly relevant to employers, companies, and professionals researching business immigration counsel.

8. Leonard J. D'Arrigo

Leonard J. D'Arrigo is recognized by Best Lawyers beginning in 2026 and leads an immigration practice in Albany. His work includes corporate and professional immigration, employment-based petitions, and family-based immigration.

9. Rosanna Berardi

Rosanna Berardi is the managing partner of Berardi Immigration Law in Buffalo and is recognized by Best Lawyers for immigration law. Her practice serves multinational companies, healthcare organizations, technology businesses, professionals, and individuals.

10. Jennifer Behm

Jennifer Behm is another New York immigration attorney recognized by Best Lawyers. Her professional background includes work with Berardi Immigration Law, providing another option for people researching immigration counsel within New York State.

11. Cyrus D. Mehta

Cyrus D. Mehta has practiced immigration law for decades and handles areas including family immigration, naturalization, asylum, and federal litigation. His professional background also includes teaching immigration law and leadership involvement with AILA.

12. Khagendra Gharti Chhetry

Khagendra Gharti Chhetry has a long-standing New York immigration practice covering matters ranging from family applications to business and employment immigration. Forbes Advisor lists him among its New York City immigration attorney selections.

13. Michael Z. Goldman

Michael Z. Goldman has represented clients before USCIS, immigration courts, and federal courts. His practice includes citizenship, removal defense, and immigration appeals, making his background potentially relevant to more complex proceedings.

14. Michael Mandel

Michael Mandel focuses on business and family immigration, including working visas, family-based visas, and permanent residency. His profile also reflects professional involvement in immigration-law education and organizations.

15. Prashanthi Reddy

Prashanthi Reddy has experience with student visas, green cards, and naturalization. She has also been involved with immigration organizations and community initiatives, particularly within the South Asian community.

16. Suzanne B. Seltzer

Suzanne B. Seltzer is associated with employment-based immigration matters, including extraordinary-ability petitions, professional labor certifications, and outstanding professor or researcher petitions. Her experience may be especially relevant to highly skilled professionals.

17. Carissa Tyler

Carissa Tyler has experience across employment- and family-based immigration, including I-140 petitions, PERM labor certifications, I-130 petitions, permanent residence, and naturalization. Her background covers both individual and business immigration needs.

18. Karin Wolman

Karin Wolman has a practice focused substantially on employment immigration, including employment visas, green cards, and temporary visas. Her background also includes work involving extraordinary-ability cases and professionals in creative fields.

19. Tsui H. Yee

Tsui H. Yee has focused on immigration law since 1999 and has experience with family petitions, asylum, green cards, employment-based matters, and deportation defense. Her broad practice makes her another name worth researching.

20. Alex Cornejo

Alex Cornejo appears in Super Lawyers' current New York immigration listings. His profile highlights experience involving adjustment of status, citizenship, deportation defense, and family reunification.

How to Narrow the List

The largest mistake applicants can make is choosing an attorney simply because the lawyer appears on a “best” list. Instead, compare the attorney's experience with the specific type of immigration matter you are facing.

For example, an employer sponsoring a foreign professional may want someone experienced in employment petitions and compliance, while an individual facing removal proceedings may need an attorney with immigration-court and litigation experience.

Before a consultation, review official USCIS immigration information so you have a basic understanding of your application or immigration pathway.

You can also investigate an attorney's professional credentials using New York attorney registration information rather than relying only on advertisements or online testimonials.

If your matter involves immigration court, removal, or appeals, government EOIR legal representation resources can help you understand the role of attorneys and accredited representatives.

Another useful research option is the AILA Find an Immigration Lawyer resource, which connects users with immigration attorneys through the American Immigration Lawyers Association.

What to Compare Before Hiring

Once you have three or four potential attorneys, compare them using practical criteria:

• Relevant experience: Does the attorney regularly handle cases like yours?

• Communication: Will you communicate directly with the lawyer or primarily with staff?

• Fees: Is the fee structure clearly explained in writing?

• Case strategy: Can the attorney explain the likely process and possible complications?

• Professional standing: Can the lawyer's current authorization and registration be independently verified?

• Availability: Can the attorney realistically take on your matter within your required timeframe?

Do not choose an attorney solely because of an award, directory listing, review score, or years in practice. Those factors can help with research, but the most important question is whether the lawyer's experience matches your particular immigration problem.

Conclusion

The best 20 immigration lawyers in New York can vary depending on the type of case, location, budget, urgency, and legal strategy involved. The attorneys in this guide represent a diverse group of professionals appearing in reputable legal-recognition and attorney-directory resources, giving applicants several names to investigate.

The smartest approach is to create a shortlist, verify each attorney's current credentials, compare relevant experience, ask detailed questions during consultations, and choose representation based on the needs of your individual case. A careful comparison can help you move forward with greater confidence when dealing with the U.S. immigration system.