Navigating the New York – Varick Street Immigration Court: Your Essential Guide

The New York – Varick Immigration Court, located at 201 Varick Street, NY, NY, operates under a Dedicated Docket for specific cases. This initiative, launched in May 2021, aims to expedite the resolution of immigration cases, targeting a decision within 300 days from the initial master calendar hearing. This streamlined process applies to families apprehended between ports of entry on or after May 28, 2021, who are placed in removal proceedings and enrolled in Alternatives to Detention (ATD).

Understanding the Varick Street Immigration Court

Operating under the jurisdiction of the Office of the Chief Immigration Judge, which is part of the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) and the Department of Justice, the New York – Varick Immigration Court plays a crucial role in the immigration legal system. This court is dedicated to fairly and efficiently adjudicating immigration cases in the New York area.

Contact Information for Varick Street, NY Immigration Court

For direct assistance or inquiries, you can reach the court through the following contact details:

Address of the Court

You can find the New York – Varick Immigration Court at:

201 Varick Street, 5th Floor Room 507
New York, NY 10014

Court Hours and Filing Windows

The court operates during standard business hours for most functions:

  • Court Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • Window Filing Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Phone Number

For phone inquiries, please contact the court at:

646-638-5766

Transportation and Accessibility

Image of 201 Varick Street building exterior

Details regarding parking, public transit options, building access, and security screening procedures for the Varick Street location are typically available on the EOIR website or by contacting the court directly. It is advisable to plan your visit in advance, considering potential security protocols.

Key Personnel at the Varick Street Court

The Varick Street Immigration Court is managed by key personnel who oversee its operations and judicial proceedings:

Assistant Chief Immigration Judge

Currently, Ubaid ul-Haq serves as the Assistant Chief Immigration Judge for this location.

Court Administrator

Maria Llerena is the Court Administrator responsible for the daily administrative functions of the Varick Street Immigration Court.

Immigration Judges

The court is staffed by a roster of experienced Immigration Judges, including:

  • Lucy Billings
  • Shayne R. Burnham
  • Charles R. Conroy
  • John E. DeCure
  • Jennifer A. Durkin
  • Margaret Kolbe
  • Lisa W. Ling
  • Thomas Mulligan
  • Thomas J. Mungoven
  • David A. Norkin
  • Francisco R. Prieto
  • Dara F. Reid
  • Shifra Rubin
  • Wendy Wedderburn

Khalilah M. Taylor serves as the Backup Assistant Chief Immigration Judge.

Asylum EAD Clock Requests for Varick Street

For specific requests related to Asylum Employment Authorization Document (EAD) clock corrections at the Varick Street court, you can email: [email protected].

When submitting a request, ensure you include:

  • Applicant’s Full Name
  • Applicant’s A-Number
  • The specific Immigration Court (Varick Street)
  • Detailed case history, current clock status, reason for adjustment request, and the requested clock adjustment time.

Important Note: This email is exclusively for Asylum EAD Clock requests. Other inquiries sent to this mailbox will not receive a response.

Understanding Immigration Court Procedures

Image of courtroom interior

To understand the procedures governing practice before immigration courts, it’s essential to consult the EOIR Policy Manual. This resource provides comprehensive guidance on court protocols and expectations.

Essential Resources and Information

Navigating immigration court processes can be complex. The following resources can provide helpful information and support:

Connections to USCIS and ICE

It’s important to note that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are distinct from the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). USCIS and ICE are components of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). For information related to these agencies, please refer to their respective websites.

Media and Congressional Inquiries

For news media or congressional inquiries specifically about the Immigration Court, please contact the EOIR Communications and Legislative Affairs Division (CLAD).

Court Schedule, Holidays, and Emergency Closures

The Varick Street Immigration Court operates Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. For a list of federal holidays, please refer to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) website. Be aware that unexpected closures due to weather or emergencies can occur. For real-time updates on court closures or changes in operating hours, follow the EOIR on Twitter (@DOJ_EOIR) and Facebook (DOJ.EOIR).

eRegistry for Legal Representatives

Attorneys and accredited representatives must register with EOIR’s eRegistry to represent clients in Immigration Court. Further details are available on the EOIR website regarding the eRegistry Validation Process.

Legal Self-Help Materials

The EOIR’s Office of Legal Access Programs offers a variety of self-help materials designed to assist respondents. These resources include guidance on various topics, such as actions to take if you have moved or missed a court hearing.

Caution Against Notarios

Be cautious of immigration fraud. Notarios often falsely claim to offer legal assistance but are not authorized to represent individuals in immigration court or provide legal advice. Seek qualified legal counsel for immigration matters.

Appeals Process

Decisions from the Immigration Court can be appealed to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). Information on filing appeals, including Form EOIR-26 and detailed instructions, can be found on the EOIR website. The BIA website provides comprehensive information on appeal procedures.

Virtual Law Library

The EOIR Virtual Law Library (VLL) is an invaluable resource, offering a wide range of legal materials, country conditions research tools, and other reference documents pertinent to immigration law.

Observing Court Hearings

Immigration court proceedings are generally open to the public. Guidelines for observing hearings, including circumstances where hearings may be closed and expected conduct, are available on the EOIR website. Note that electronic devices, including recording equipment and cameras, are prohibited in the courtroom.

This guide provides essential information for navigating the New York – Varick Street Immigration Court, located at Varick Street, NY, NY. For the most current and detailed information, always refer to the official website of the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR).

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