Family Reunification Lawyer Serving Union County, New Jersey
A family reunification lawyer Union County can help you petition for a spouse, child, or parent to live in the U.S. The process is governed by the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.) and involves filing an I-130 petition with USCIS. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
What Is Family Reunification Under U.S. Law?
Family reunification is the cornerstone of U.S. immigration policy, allowing U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green card holders) to sponsor certain family members for lawful status. The process is defined by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and its implementing regulations in Title 8 of the Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.). The primary goal is to keep families together, but strict eligibility categories, annual visa quotas, and procedural steps govern every case.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to immigration cases. We understand that a successful family reunification case requires precise documentation, adherence to strict deadlines, and proactive strategy, especially if a family member faces removal proceedings.
Official Government Resources
For the most current forms, fees, and processing times, always refer to official .gov sources. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website is the primary source for family-based petition information. For matters involving the immigration courts, such as deportation defense connected to a family case, the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) provides court schedules and practice manuals.
The Family Reunification Process in Union County
For Union County residents, the family reunification process typically involves the USCIS Newark Field Office at the Peter Rodino Federal Building for applications like adjustment of status. If a sponsored relative is placed in removal proceedings, their case will be heard at the Newark Immigration Court. New Jersey’s Immigrant Trust Directive limits local law enforcement cooperation with ICE detainers, which can be a critical factor in some cases.
- Determine Eligibility: Confirm the petitioner’s status (U.S. citizen or LPR) and the family relationship category (immediate relative or family preference).
- File Form I-130: The U.S. citizen or LPR petitioner files the Petition for Alien Relative with USCIS, including all supporting evidence and fees.
- Wait for Visa Availability: For preference categories (like siblings or married adult children), you must wait for a visa to become available, which can take years.
- Apply for Immigrant Visa or Adjustment: Once the I-130 is approved and a visa is available, the beneficiary applies for an immigrant visa abroad or files to adjust status in the U.S.
- Attend Interviews: Both the petitioner and beneficiary may be interviewed by USCIS or a consular officer to verify the relationship and eligibility.
- Receive Decision: If approved, the beneficiary receives a green card. If denied, options for appeal or motion to reopen may be available.
Potential Challenges in Family Reunification
In Union County, family reunification cases face challenges like visa backlogs, proving relationship legitimacy, and handling removal proceedings if a family member is undocumented.
| Issue | Description | Potential Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Backlogs | More applicants than available visas in family preference categories (F1-F4). | Wait times of several years to decades. |
| Request for Evidence (RFE) | USCIS demands more proof of relationship or eligibility. | Case delay; risk of denial if response is insufficient. |
| Consular Processing Denial | A U.S. consulate abroad denies the immigrant visa application. | Family member cannot enter the U.S.; may trigger a permanent bar. |
| Removal Proceedings | Beneficiary is in the U.S. and placed in deportation defense. | Demanding dual process of defending removal while pursuing family petition. |
| Unlawful Presence | Beneficiary accrued illegal presence before filing. | May trigger 3-year, 10-year, or permanent bars to re-entry. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Family Reunification Case
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, provides “Advocacy Without Borders.” With over 120 years of combined attorney experience and more than 4,739 documented case results firm-wide, we bring a depth of knowledge to contested immigration matters. Mr. Sris, our managing attorney, is a former prosecutor with a multi-state practice and is frequently consulted by Indian Consulate officials in Washington, D.C., on U.S. legal matters. We focus on the precise, detail-oriented work required for successful family-based petitions and deportation defense.
Case Results and Client Focus
SRIS actively practices immigration law in New Jersey. While specific counts for Union County are integrated into our firm-wide results, our approach is consistent: meticulous case preparation and aggressive advocacy. Our firm-wide record includes over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We handle the full spectrum of family reunification work, from clear I-130 petitions to deportation defense cases intertwined with family-based relief.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Family Reunification Lawyer Near Me Union County
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Union County. We are accessible via the NJ Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, Route 22, and I-78. If you are searching for an affordable family reunification lawyer Union County, we offer 24/7 phone consultations to discuss your case and options.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (732) 651-3900
By appointment only.
Serving: Elizabeth, Union Township, Plainfield, Westfield, Scotch Plains, Cranford, Summit, Linden, Rahway, Clark, Roselle, Springfield and surrounding communities.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Family Reunification Lawyer Union County FAQ
What does a family reunification lawyer do?
Yes. A family reunification lawyer helps U.S. citizens and green card holders file petitions (like Form I-130) to sponsor family members for lawful permanent residence. They handle USCIS procedures, handle requests for evidence, and represent clients in immigration court if deportation defense becomes necessary.
How long does the family reunification process take?
It depends on the family category and visa availability. For immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (spouses, minor children, parents), processing often takes 8-14 months. For family preference categories (like siblings or married adult children), wait times can extend for many years due to annual visa caps and country-specific backlogs.
Can I sponsor a sibling for a green card?
Yes, but only if you are a U.S. citizen. Lawful permanent residents cannot sponsor siblings. This is a family preference category (F4), and wait times are extremely long, often exceeding a decade for beneficiaries from many countries due to high demand and limited visa numbers.
What if my family member is already in the U.S. illegally?
This creates significant complications. Filing a family petition does not grant legal status or protect from deportation. If the family member is placed in removal proceedings, the petition may form the basis for cancellation of removal or another defense. An experienced family reunification lawyer Union County can assess the risks and possible strategies.
What evidence is needed for a spousal petition?
You need proof of the petitioner’s U.S. status, a valid marriage certificate, and extensive evidence of a “bona fide” marriage. This includes joint financial accounts, leases or mortgages, insurance policies, photos, affidavits from friends/family, and communication records. USCIS scrutinizes these petitions closely to prevent marriage fraud.
What happens if my I-130 petition is denied?
You typically have 30 days to file an appeal (Form I-290B) with the appropriate fee. Alternatively, you may file a motion to reopen or reconsider. The best course depends on the reason for denial. An attorney can review the denial notice and advise on the most effective response to try to overturn the decision.
Related Practice Areas: Criminal Defense Lawyer Union County | Divorce & Family Law Lawyer Union County
Also Serving: Hunterdon County Immigration Lawyer | Somerset County Immigration Lawyer
Learn More: New Jersey Immigration Lawyer Hub
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your family reunification case in Union County.
Your case in Union County, New Jersey
Divorce, custody, support and domestic-violence matters are heard in the Family Part of the Chancery Division. In Union County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage (12th Vicinage), 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07207, telephone (908) 787-1650, 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 N.J.S.A. 2A:34-2 (grounds for divorce) and N.J.S.A. 9:2-4 (custody). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Union 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: Union County NJ lawyers directory · Family Reunification Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Family Reunification Attorney Middlesex County, NJ · Family Reunification Lawyer Essex County, NJ.