Motion to Reopen Lawyer in Union County, NJ — How Can We Help?
If your immigration case was decided in absentia or you missed a critical deadline, filing a Motion to Reopen may be your only legal recourse. In Union County, this demanding process is handled before the Newark Immigration Court or USCIS. A Motion to Reopen lawyer Union County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
What Is a Motion to Reopen in Immigration Law?
A Motion to Reopen asks an immigration judge or the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) to reconsider a decision based on new facts or evidence that was not available at the time of the original hearing. It is governed by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and corresponding federal regulations found in Title 8 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Unlike an appeal, which argues the law was misapplied, a Motion to Reopen presents new material evidence that could change the outcome of your case.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage | USCIS Laws & Policy
The firm was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Success in these motions requires a precise understanding of both procedural deadlines and the substantive legal standards for “new evidence.”
Official Government Resources
For the official regulations governing Motions to Reopen, refer to the e-CFR Title 8 (Aliens and Nationality). For information on the Newark Immigration Court where many Union County cases are heard, visit the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) page.
The Process for Filing a Motion to Reopen in Union County
The procedural path for a Motion to Reopen is narrow and deadline-driven. In Union County, cases are typically heard at the Newark Immigration Court or involve filings with the USCIS Newark Field Office. The most common ground for reopening is presenting new, material evidence that was not discoverable or available at the time of the prior proceeding.
- Case Evaluation & Deadline Calculation: Immediately determine if the 90-day filing deadline (or 180-day deadline for certain in absentia orders) applies to your situation. There are very few exceptions.
- Evidence Gathering & Legal Argument Drafting: Compile all new, material evidence and draft a legal brief that ties this evidence directly to the eligibility requirements for the immigration benefit you seek.
- Form Preparation & Filing: Complete the correct EOIR or USCIS form (e.g., Form I-290B, Notice of Appeal or Motion), ensuring every field is accurate to avoid rejection on technical grounds.
- Filing with the Correct Authority: File the motion with the court or office that issued the original decision, paying the required fee or submitting a fee waiver request.
- Preparation for Potential Hearing: If the motion is granted, the case is reopened and a new hearing is scheduled. Begin immediate preparation for this hearing.
Why Choosing the Right Representation Matters
Filing a Motion to Reopen is a high-stakes procedural maneuver with a low statistical success rate when filed pro se. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997, brings a foundational understanding of immigration court procedures. Our approach involves a meticulous review of your prior case file to identify procedural errors or new evidence angles that meet the legal standard.
Case Results & Firm History
While specific results for Motions to Reopen in Union County are not enumerated here, the firm’s immigration team applies a rigorous, evidence-focused strategy to reopening proceedings. Our goal is to construct a compelling narrative that your new evidence is material and warrants a fresh look at your case.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Union County Immigration Lawyers
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) 651-0900
By appointment only.
Our New Jersey location serves clients with matters at the Union County courts and the Newark Immigration Court. We represent individuals in Elizabeth, Union Township, Plainfield, Westfield, Scotch Plains, Cranford, Summit, Linden, Rahway, Clark, Roselle, and Springfield. Looking for a Motion to Reopen lawyer near me Union County? We offer 24/7 phone consultations — call (888) 437-7747 — with meetings by appointment only.
Motion to Reopen in Union County: Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main grounds for filing a Motion to Reopen?
It depends. The primary grounds are: 1) presentation of new, material evidence that was not available previously; 2) a claim of “exceptional circumstances” for failing to appear at a hearing (for in absentia orders); or 3) a change in law that applies retroactively to your case. An affordable Motion to Reopen lawyer Union County can evaluate which ground applies to you.
How long do I have to file a Motion to Reopen?
Generally, you have 90 days from the date of the final immigration order. For removal orders issued in absentia (because you missed your hearing), you may have 180 days to file if you can prove you did not receive proper notice. There is no time limit if you are seeking reopening based on a joint motion with ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement).
Can I file a Motion to Reopen if I was deported?
Yes, but it is extremely difficult. If you were deported, you typically must file the motion from outside the United States. also, you must overcome the high bar of proving your new evidence is material and was not previously available. Consulting with a Motion to Reopen lawyer Union County is important to assess any possible avenue.
What is the difference between a Motion to Reopen and a Motion to Reconsider?
A Motion to Reopen asks the court to consider new facts or evidence. A Motion to Reconsider argues that the original decision was incorrect based on a mistake of law or fact that was already in the record. They have the same filing deadlines but serve different legal purposes.
How much does it cost to hire a lawyer for a Motion to Reopen?
Costs vary based on the issues in dispute. also to legal fees, there is a USCIS filing fee (or EOIR fee) which can be several hundred dollars, though fee waivers are sometimes available. An affordable Motion to Reopen lawyer Union County will provide a clear consultation about potential costs and strategies.
Related Legal Services in Union County
If you are exploring other immigration or legal options in Union County, our firm can help. You may also need a business lawyer in Union County for employer-related issues, or a federal criminal defense lawyer in Union County if your case involves criminal matters. For broader state-level resources, visit our New Jersey Civil Litigation hub page. We also serve neighboring areas like Bergen County and Burlington County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance regarding your Motion to Reopen in Union County.
Your case in Union 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 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 the federal Immigration and Nationality Act. 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 · Motion to Reopen Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Motion to Reopen Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Motion to Reopen Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.