Columbia Student Mohsen Mahdawi Freed
Columbia University student Mohsen Mahdawi released after detention by immigration authorities sparked widespread campus protests.
A Propos de Notre Cabinet
Quelqu'un de Competent S'en Occupe. Des Maintenant.
Vous faites face a quelque chose de terrifiant. Une date d'audience. Une lettre que vous ne comprenez pas. La peur que tout s'effondre au moindre faux pas. Nous avons passe vingt ans a aider des gens dans exactement cette situation. Vous n'avez plus a tout porter seul.
20+
Annees d'Experience
5,000+
Dossiers Traites
Multiple
Langues Disponibles
100%
Focus Immigration
Notre Engagement
Ce Qui Change Quand Vous Nous Engagez
Vous avez porte ce poids seul—a essayer de decoder les lettres du gouvernement a 2h du matin, a demander conseil sur Facebook, a vous demander si ce notario du coin est fiable. Voici ce qui change des que vous nous engagez.
Votre Cas Est Unique. Notre Préparation Ne L'Est Pas.
La situation de chaque personne est différente—mais après vingt ans consacrés exclusivement au droit de l'immigration, nous avons vu des milliers de scénarios. Quoi que vous affrontiez, nous avons l'expérience et l'approche pour le gérer.
Rien Ne Passe Entre les Mailles
Votre dossier est surveille par toute une equipe—avocats, assistants juridiques et personnel de soutien qui communiquent vraiment entre eux. Les delais ne sont pas manques. Les papiers ne sont pas perdus.
Vous Saurez Toujours Ou Ca en Est
On repond aux appels et emails sous 48 heures. Fini les nuits blanches a vous demander si quelqu'un travaille sur votre dossier. Vous saurez toujours ou en sont les choses.
On Vous Dira la Verite—Meme Si Ca Fait Mal
Si on ne peut pas vous aider, on vous le dira. Si votre dossier est fragile, vous le saurez. Personne ne prend votre argent pour un dossier sans espoir. Vous meritez la verite des le depart.
Qualite Reelle, Honoraires Honnetes
Une bonne aide juridique ne devrait pas necessiter une deuxieme hypotheque. Nous proposons des honoraires justes avec des plans de paiement, parce que l'avenir de votre famille ne devrait pas dependre de combien d'argent vous avez maintenant.
Votre Dossier Vous Appartient Toujours
Chaque document, chaque depot, chaque piece de votre dossier—vous recevez des copies de tout. Si vous devez aller ailleurs un jour, vous repartez avec votre dossier complet.
"La terreur commence a se dissiper des qu'un professionnel competent prend le relais."
Les Gens Dans Votre Camp
Avec Qui Vous Allez Travailler
Chaque personne ici a choisi le droit de l'immigration parce que ca compte. On a tous vu ce qui se passe quand ca tourne mal—et ce qui se passe quand ca se passe bien.
Attorneys
Joshua E. Bardavid
Founding Attorney
Avant de devenir avocat en immigration, j'ai travaille avec le Haut Commissariat des Nations Unies pour les refugies. J'ai vu ce qui arrive aux gens quand les gouvernements les abandonnent—et ce qui arrive quand quelqu'un se bat pour eux. Vingt ans de droit de l'immigration. Des centaines de dossiers. Avocat principal sur des appels qui ont change le fonctionnement de la loi. J'ai plaide devant les cours d'appel federales et gagne des affaires qui semblaient impossibles. J'ai obtenu mon diplome cum laude de la Faculte de droit de St. John's, ou j'etais redacteur en chef de la New York International Law Review. J'ai vecu a Washington D.C., en Afrique de l'Ouest et au Moyen-Orient. L'immigration n'est pas abstraite pour moi—j'ai vu ce qui pousse les gens a tout quitter. Quand je ne suis pas au tribunal, je joue au football et je souffre en tant que fan des Mets. Membre de l'AILA (American Immigration Lawyers Association).
Formation
- J.D., cum laude, St. John's University School of Law
- B.A., Presidential Scholar With High Honors, University of Maryland
Admissions au Barreau
- New York State Bar
- Immigration Court (EOIR)
- Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA)
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York
- U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York
- First Circuit Court of Appeals
- Second Circuit Court of Appeals
- Third Circuit Court of Appeals
- Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals
- Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals
- Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals
- Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals
- Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals
- Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
- Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals
- Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals
David Dominguez
Senior Associate Attorney
I'm a first generation American who grew up in a bilingual household. Growing up with immigrant parents, I understood from a very young age how difficult life can be for those who come from another country. As a dual citizen of the U.S. and Spain, I've lived between two worlds my entire life. I know what it means to have the freedom to move, to visit family, to build a life where you choose. I also know what it looks like when someone doesn't have that freedom. When a border separates you from the people you love. The moment that most impacted me was when my uncle was deported from the United States. Watching my family torn apart by an immigration system that treated him like a number. That was the moment that guided me towards becoming a lawyer who works with the immigrant community. Since 2018, I've been working exclusively on immigration law. I focus on removal defense, family-based immigration, and humanitarian relief. I know what's at stake because I've watched it happen to my own family. Freedom of movement isn't abstract to me. It's the difference between a family staying together or being separated by thousands of miles.
Formation
- J.D., Brooklyn Law School
Admissions au Barreau
- New York State Bar, 2018
Languages
- Spanish
Elizabeth Thomas
Supervisory Attorney
Je suis moi-meme immigrante—j'ai commence en Chine, j'ai trouve mon chemin vers New York, et je suis maintenant en train de refaire le processus d'immigration pour obtenir la residence permanente en Espagne. Je sais ce que c'est de naviguer dans un systeme qui n'a pas ete concu pour vous aider. Je suis chez Bardavid Law depuis 2018. Je parle couramment anglais, espagnol et mandarin. J'ai represente des clients dans des tribunaux d'immigration a travers le pays et dans des tribunaux aux affaires familiales a travers New York. Ce travail compte pour moi parce que j'ai ete de l'autre cote. Je comprends la peur, la confusion, la frustration. Mon travail est de m'assurer que vous n'ayez pas a traverser ca seul.
Admissions au Barreau
- New York State Bar, 2018
Languages
- Spanish
- Mandarin
David Herscovici
Of Counsel
I've lived and traveled in many countries, learning to navigate unfamiliar systems, communicate across language barriers, and build trust with people from different backgrounds. That experience shapes how I enjoy life and how I practice law. Immigration clients are navigating a legal process that includes the vulnerability of explaining the most important moments of their lives to strangers, often in a language that isn't their first. I have an idea of how difficult that probably feels from my own experiences. I speak Hebrew, Spanish, and Japanese, all of which I learned as an adult. I know firsthand what it takes to make yourself understood when the words don't come easily. Earlier in my career, I bicycled cross-country helping to raise money and awareness for Street Soccer USA, which uses soccer to end homelessness by transferring job and life skills to homeless youth and adults. For weeks, we visited Street Soccer hubs and relied on the generosity of strangers for help and sometimes a place to sleep. It taught me something I carry into every client interaction: when someone opens their door to you, that's not a small thing. You remember it.
Formation
- J.D., Brooklyn Law School
- B.A., Arizona State University
Admissions au Barreau
- New York, 2009
- Southern District of New York
- Eastern District of New York
Languages
- Hebrew
- Spanish
- Japanese
Office Manager & Paralegals
Angie Garcia
Office Manager
Over 25 years in legal work, more than a decade here at Bardavid Law. I run the office—making sure everything works the way it should. I grew up in a Hispanic household where family meant everything. That's why I do this work. Every family that comes through our door deserves a chance at a safe future together. I've seen what happens when immigration goes wrong. I've also seen what happens when it goes right. Outside work, I'm writing my autobiography—over 200 pages so far. If my story can help even one person keep going through hard times, every word will be worth it.
Esmerly Feliz
Senior Paralegal
Je suis chez Bardavid Law depuis plus de six ans. Je suis la personne qui aide a s'assurer que rien ne passe entre les mailles—communication avec les clients, preparation des dossiers, depots au tribunal, traductions. J'ai etudie le Droit et la Societe au John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Je parle couramment anglais et espagnol. Ce qui me tient le plus a coeur, c'est de m'assurer que vous compreniez ce qui se passe avec votre dossier. L'immigration est deja assez confuse sans avoir l'impression d'etre dans le noir. Mon travail est de vous tenir informe et soutenu a chaque etape.
Yenifer Estevez
Paralegal
I come from an immigrant family. I know what it feels like when the system is confusing, when the stakes are your family's future, and when you need someone who actually understands what you're going through. Before joining Bardavid Law, I spent seven years as a paralegal at a nonprofit fighting for immigrants' rights. Advocating for my community, for my neighborhood, and for everything immigrants bring to the vibrancy of our city and our country. Educating people about their options. Making sure nobody got lost in the process. That same mission drives everything I do here. I earned my degree in Political Science from Lehman College. I'm fluent in Spanish. My job is to make sure you feel safe, supported, and informed at every step. You shouldn't have to wonder what's happening with your case. Fun fact: I played basketball in high school.
Languages
- Spanish
Administrative Assistants
Lesliee Zarate
Legal and Administrative Assistant
I grew up in an immigrant household. I watched my parents try to navigate a system that was confusing and often felt hostile. Every client who comes here reminds me of my own family's story. I've worked in offices for over a decade, three years now in immigration law. I know what it feels like to be lost in bureaucracy. I treat every client the way I wish people had treated my parents—with patience, respect, and actual help. Outside work, I hike Bear Mountain with my dog and volunteer at local shelters. I know what a helping hand means when you're going through hard times.
Liany Mercado
Legal Assistant and Receptionist
I grew up translating for my mother—doctor's appointments, government offices, anywhere she needed help. I saw how people's tone changed when they realized she didn't speak English. The impatience. The dismissal. Watching someone I love be treated like she didn't matter. That's why I'm here. Everyone who calls our office should feel welcomed and respected from the first moment. That's my job. I make sure you feel heard, not ignored. Outside work, I travel and explore cuisines around the world. Food brings people together—it tells the story of a place and its people.
Alice Au
Administrative Assistant & Translator (Part Time)
Vingt ans dans le droit de l'immigration. J'ai consacre ma carriere a servir la communaute chinoise—cantonais, mandarin, fuzhounais et autres dialectes. Je sais ce que ca veut dire d'avoir besoin d'aide et de ne pas savoir ou la trouver. C'est pour ca que je fais ce travail. Chaque personne merite quelqu'un qui parle sa langue et comprend ce qu'elle traverse. En dehors du bureau, je suis joueuse de badminton classee au niveau national avec des victoires en tournoi a travers le pays. Mon fils, la joie de ma vie, a voyage dans le monde entier et travaille maintenant a l'Universite de Fordham.
Languages
- Mandarin
- Cantonese
- Fuzhou
Our team, working for you.
Resultats Reels
Quand Ca a Fait les Gros Titres
Des affaires suffisamment importantes pour que le New York Times, le Washington Post et CNN en parlent. Des gens qui avaient besoin d'aide et qui l'ont obtenue.
U.S. Visa Crackdown Hits International Students Under Trump
Investigation into how new visa enforcement policies are disrupting the lives of international students across American universities.
UK Drops Foreign Student Targets, Shifts Focus to Overseas Education Hubs
Report on the UK's policy shift away from foreign student enrollment targets, with implications for global student migration patterns.
Indian Express
US F-1 Foreign Student Visas: FAQs Explained
Comprehensive explainer on F-1 student visa policies, application processes, and recent changes affecting international students in the United States.
The Intercept
ICE Is Entering Churches, Targeting Immigrant Rights Leaders
Investigation into ICE targeting leaders of New York's New Sanctuary Coalition, including surveillance outside churches and detention of movement organizers.
MPR News
Failed Asylum Claims Leave Immigrants Vulnerable to Gang Violence
Minnesota Public Radio investigation into asylum seekers deported back to gang-controlled regions after failed claims in U.S. immigration courts.
Close Call for Haitian Caught in Web of Detention
Following the Haiti earthquake, Bardavid filed habeas corpus to secure his client's release before a planned deportation flight.
What Happens When the Wrong People Get Deported
Commentary criticizing deportation focus on numbers over security, highlighting cases of innocent individuals wrongfully removed.
Un abogado del lado de los inmigrantes
Profile noting Bardavid's prior work with UN refugee agency in Africa and current representation of Spanish-speaking immigrants.
Cancer-Stricken Immigrant Detainee Dies After Being Denied Care
Report on Hiu Lui Ng, a 34-year-old engineer who died in ICE custody after being denied medical care despite losing 30 pounds and suffering a fractured spine.
Dissident Voice
Faith of Ibrahim Redeemed: Texas Family Released from Hutto Prison
Attorneys Cox and Bardavid filed habeas corpus motions detailing troubling detention conditions, leading the BIA to reverse its denial and reconsider an asylum appeal.
U.S. Agrees to Set Free a Stowaway Held in Detention for Four Years
Joshua Bardavid secured release of a stowaway held in immigration detention for four years through habeas corpus litigation.
Detainee in Limbo, Despite Judicial Order
After appellate court ordered release consideration, immigration officials attempted secret deportation via ship without passport.
Jailing Immigrants
Editorial examining the practice of indefinite immigrant detention and its impact on due process rights.
FRANCE 24
'Deportation Machine': How Donald Trump and ICE Are Changing America
France 24 documentary featuring attorney Joshua Bardavid on the impact of aggressive deportation policies on immigrant communities.
Activist & Father of Four Faces Deportation to Devastated Haiti
Democracy Now segment on a community activist facing deportation to Haiti over a decades-old conviction, with commentary from Bardavid.
Dr. Donny / The Book of You
The State of Immigrant Detention in America
Discussion on the conditions and impact of immigrant detention in the United States, featuring immigration attorney Joshua Bardavid.
National Public Radio Story
NPR radio segment featuring Joshua Bardavid discussing immigration law and client advocacy.
U.S. Authorities to Reconsider Asylum for Family
Federal immigration panel reopened asylum case for detained family; attorney anticipated their release and reunification within weeks.
Federal Bar Association
Immigration Law Conference Brochure — New Orleans 2016
Federal Bar Association Immigration Law Conference program featuring panels on asylum, detention, and immigration enforcement.
Affaires Qui Ont Change la Loi
Des Victoires Qui Comptent
Des victoires en cour federale qui n'ont pas seulement aide nos clients—elles ont change le fonctionnement de la loi pour tous ceux qui sont venus apres.
Court found an Immigration Judge abused discretion by basing credibility determinations on unrelated facts from another case.
Appeals court rejected the notion that asylum applicants should abandon beliefs causing persecution.
Zheng v. BCIS — 3rd Circuit
Successfully overturned a habeas corpus denial, with the court noting the client had established community ties.
Court ruled for a Catholic persecution victim, finding the BIA's decision 'fatally flawed' for ignoring testimony.
Landmark ruling allowing naturalization applicants to proceed even after removal proceedings begin.
Court held immigration judges must evaluate applicant explanations and possess an obligation to develop the record.
Second Circuit overruled the BIA on derivative citizenship, holding that LPR status was not required when other statutory conditions were met.
Court found the BIA abused its discretion by failing to address petitioner's ineffective assistance of counsel claim.
Court vacated and remanded, identifying a circuit split on whether misprision of felony constitutes a crime involving moral turpitude.
Novel ruling on stateless alien protections, remanding for BIA to address whether removal countries would transfer petitioner to a persecution country.
Court found USCIS's H-1B visa revocation reasoning flawed and unsupported by the administrative record, remanding for further proceedings.
BIA found the Immigration Judge's adverse credibility determination based solely on demeanor was insufficient, requiring remand.
Matter of M-H-M — Board of Immigration Appeals
Precedential ruling that immigrants have a right to proper service of BIA decisions and can appeal when service is improper.
Jahjaga v. Holder — 3rd Circuit
Pourquoi Nous Existons
On Est Passe Par La Aussi
On a cree ce cabinet parce qu'on a vu trop de gens se faire avoir. Des notarios qui prenaient de l'argent pour des dossiers qu'ils ne pouvaient pas gagner. Des gens bien qui ont tout perdu parce qu'ils ont fait confiance aux mauvais conseils. Des familles dechirées par des delais manques et de mauvaises informations.
Chaque personne de notre equipe a choisi le droit de l'immigration parce que ca compte. On voit ce qui se passe quand ca tourne mal. On voit aussi ce qui se passe quand quelqu'un obtient enfin l'aide dont il a besoin—le soulagement sur son visage quand le poids commence a se lever.
On parle anglais, espagnol, creole haitien, francais et mandarin. Vous n'avez pas a traduire votre peur. Vous n'avez pas a vous demander si on a compris. Vous pouvez expliquer ce qui se passe dans la langue dans laquelle vous pensez.
Concentration
Le droit de l'immigration, c'est tout ce qu'on fait. Pendant que d'autres avocats touchent a une douzaine de domaines, on a passe vingt ans a apprendre chaque recoin de ce systeme. On connait les agents, les juges, les schemas. Votre dossier n'est pas une experience—c'est ce qu'on fait tous les jours.
Qualite
Le gouvernement cherche la moindre raison de vous refuser. Une case oubliee, une date erronee, un document faible—et vous repartez de zero. On detecte ce que d'autres ratent parce qu'on a vu ou les dossiers s'effondrent.
Honnetete
On vous a probablement deja menti. L'ami du cousin qui disait que ce serait facile. Le notario qui promettait des resultats. On vous dit la verite—ce qui est possible, ce qui est risque, ce qui ne marchera pas. Meme quand c'est dur a entendre.
Vous Avez Porte Tout Ca Seul
Ca s'arrete aujourd'hui. Dites-nous ce qui se passe—consultation gratuite, sans jugement, dans la langue qui vous convient le mieux.
Parlons de Votre Situation