Cancellation of Removal Lawyer Serving Somerset County, New Jersey
If you are a green card holder in Somerset County facing deportation, a Cancellation of Removal Lawyer Somerset County can be your strongest defense. This form of relief from removal lawyer Somerset County experience is critical under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: March 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Somerset Vicinage | Somerset Vicinage Court website
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ToggleWhat Is Cancellation of Removal for Lawful Permanent Residents?
Cancellation of removal is a defense against deportation available to certain lawful permanent residents (green card holders). Governed by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), specifically 8 U.S.C. § 1229b(a), it allows an immigration judge to cancel removal and allow you to keep your green card. To qualify, you must meet strict criteria: you must have been a lawful permanent resident for at least five years, have continuously resided in the U.S. for seven years after being lawfully admitted, and not have been convicted of an aggravated felony. Most critically, you must demonstrate that removal would result in exceptional and extremely unusual hardship to your U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse, parent, or child. This is a discretionary form of relief, meaning the judge weighs all factors. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm understands the high stakes and meticulous evidence required for a successful cancellation case.
Official Resources and Legal Authority
Understanding the legal framework is essential. The primary authority is federal law, not state statute. You can review the official text of the Immigration and Nationality Act governing cancellation of removal on the U.S. House of Representatives website. For local procedure, the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), which oversees immigration courts, provides critical resources. In New Jersey, removal proceedings for Somerset County residents are typically heard at the Newark Immigration Court. The Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) hears appeals from these decisions.
- Receive a Notice to Appear (NTA): The process begins when the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) serves you with an NTA, placing you in removal proceedings and listing the charges against you.
- File the Application (Form EOIR-42B): You must formally apply for cancellation of removal by filing Form EOIR-42B, Application for Cancellation of Removal, with the immigration court. This must be done before the individual hearing.
- Gather and Submit Evidence: Compile extensive evidence to meet all eligibility requirements, with a heavy focus on documents proving the exceptional hardship to your qualifying relative (medical records, psychological evaluations, school reports, affidavits).
- Attend the Individual Hearing: You will present your case before an immigration judge. You and your witnesses will testify, and your attorney will argue why you merit this discretionary relief.
- Await the Judge’s Decision: The immigration judge will issue a written decision. If granted, your removal proceedings are terminated, and you retain your lawful permanent resident status.
- Appeal if Necessary: If denied, you generally have 30 days to appeal the decision to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA).
Potential Consequences and Defenses
In federal immigration proceedings, a final order of removal can result in deportation, separation from family, and bars to returning to the U.S. for years or permanently.
A successful cancellation of removal defense stops deportation and allows you to remain a permanent resident. The primary defense is proving you meet all statutory eligibility requirements and merit a favorable exercise of the judge’s discretion. Strong legal arguments often center on meticulously documenting the “exceptional and extremely unusual hardship” standard, which is far more severe than ordinary hardship. An experienced deportation cancellation lawyer Somerset County will also challenge the government’s charges of removability if there are legal weaknesses.
Mr. Sris
Owner & CEO, Managing Attorney
Bar Admissions: Virginia; multi-state practice across VA, MD, DC, NJ, NY
A former prosecutor who founded the firm in 1997, Mr. Sris provides strategic oversight on contested immigration matters including cancellation of removal and deportation defense. His background in accounting and information systems provides a unique advantage in cases involving evidence documentation.
Our Experience with Immigration Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys bring a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. Firm-wide, we have handled over 4,739 documented case results. We provide focused representation for cancellation of removal and other deportation defenses for Somerset County residents.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Cancellation of Removal Lawyer Near Somerset County
Our New Jersey location serves clients in Somerset County and is accessible via I-287, Route 22, Route 206, and Route 28. We represent individuals from Somerville, Bridgewater, Franklin Township, Bound Brook, Hillsborough, Warren Township, Watchung, Bernardsville, and Bedminster.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
By appointment only.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Cancellation of Removal in Somerset County: Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the USCIS office for Somerset County, New Jersey?
It depends. Immigration applications for Somerset County residents are processed at USCIS Newark Field Office, Peter Rodino Federal Building, 970 Broad St, Newark, NJ 07102. Removal at Newark Immigration Court. Detained cases: Elizabeth Contract Detention Facility. NJ’s Immigrant Trust Directive limits local law enforcement cooperation with ICE.
What is the main difference between cancellation of removal and asylum?
Asylum is for individuals who fear persecution in their home country based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Cancellation of removal for permanent residents is a defense against deportation based on long-term residence, good moral character, and exceptional hardship to qualifying U.S. family members. The legal standards and forms are completely different.
Can I apply for cancellation of removal if I have a criminal record?
It depends on the conviction. Certain crimes, especially aggravated felonies, make you statutorily ineligible for cancellation of removal. Other crimes may affect the discretionary analysis of “good moral character” or weigh against a favorable decision. A detailed review of your record by a qualified relief from removal lawyer Somerset County is essential to determine eligibility.
How long does a cancellation of removal case take?
The timeline varies widely. From the initial Notice to Appear to a final decision from the immigration judge can take two to four years or more due to extensive backlogs in the immigration court system. The process involves multiple hearings, evidence submission deadlines, and waiting periods for the judge’s decision.
What happens if my cancellation of removal application is denied?
If the immigration judge denies your application, they will issue a final order of removal. You generally have 30 days to appeal that decision to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). If the BIA denies the appeal, you may be able to seek review in a federal circuit court of appeals, though such review is often limited.
For more information on related legal matters in Somerset County, see our pages on criminal defense and family law. For immigration help in nearby areas, our Hunterdon County immigration lawyers and Morris County immigration lawyers are also available. Learn more about our firm’s approach on our New Jersey immigration hub page.
Last verified: March 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance regarding your specific situation.
Your case in Somerset County, New Jersey
Immigration matters are federal: removal cases for New Jersey residents are heard at the Newark Immigration Court and applications are decided by USCIS. County criminal charges that can affect immigration status are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Somerset County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Somerset Vicinage (13th Vicinage), 20 North Bridge Street, Somerville, NJ 08876, telephone (908) 231-7000, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is the federal Immigration and Nationality Act. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Somerset County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Somerset County NJ lawyers directory · Cancellation of Removal Attorney Bergen County, NJ · Cancellation of Removal Attorney Hudson County, NJ · Cancellation of Removal Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.