Yes. Immigration courts and the Board of Immigration Appeals are federal, and federal regulations allow any attorney who is a member in good standing of the bar of any U.S. state, territory or the District of Columbia to represent clients before them (8 C.F.R. §§ 1001.1(f), 1292.1(a)(1)). Ali R. Nassiripour is licensed in New York (Reg. #4189924), and his practice is limited to federal immigration law.
Why can a lawyer licensed in another state handle my immigration case?
Immigration law is federal law, applied by federal agencies and federal courts in every state. Representation before the immigration courts and the BIA is governed by federal regulations, which recognize attorneys licensed in any state who are in good standing and registered with EOIR (8 C.F.R. § 1292.1). The U.S. Supreme Court has held that a state cannot prohibit practice before a federal agency that federal law authorizes (Sperry v. Florida ex rel. Florida Bar, 373 U.S. 379 (1963)).
Does this also apply to USCIS applications?
Yes. DHS and USCIS likewise recognize attorneys who are members in good standing of the bar of any U.S. state (8 C.F.R. §§ 1.2, 292.1(a)(1)). An attorney files Form G-28 to appear in a USCIS matter and Form EOIR-28 in immigration court.
What can’t a New York–licensed attorney do in California?
Advise on California state-law matters. State criminal cases, family court matters and other state-law issues require a lawyer licensed in California. These often affect an immigration case, for example a criminal conviction’s immigration consequences, so the two lawyers may need to coordinate. Ali R. Nassiripour does not advise on California state-law matters.
How can I check that an immigration lawyer is properly licensed?
- Check the state bar record. For a New York attorney, use the New York State Unified Court System’s attorney search; for a California attorney, use the State Bar of California’s attorney search. The record shows admission date and status.
- Check EOIR’s discipline list. EOIR publishes a list of currently disciplined practitioners who may not appear before the immigration courts or the BIA.
- Be cautious of “notarios” and consultants. Generally, only attorneys and accredited representatives of recognized organizations may represent you in immigration court.
See also: how to verify your immigration attorney and avoid scams.
What about federal court?
Admission to a federal court is separate from a state license and is granted court by court. Ali R. Nassiripour is admitted to the U.S. District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York.
How does Nassiripour Law Firm handle immigration cases in California?
Nassiripour Law Firm provides attorney-led immigration representation, combining Ali R. Nassiripour’s legal experience and strategic oversight with the dedicated support of the firm’s paralegals and legal staff. Each case is approached with careful preparation, individualized legal analysis, and a commitment to protecting the client’s rights throughout the immigration process.
The firm’s office is in Irvine, and its work is limited to federal immigration law: removal defense in immigration court, detained cases and bond, appeals and motions, and USCIS matters.
Related: Ali R. Nassiripour · Deportation and removal defense · Santa Ana Immigration Court guide
How to reach Nassiripour Law Firm
Nassiripour Law Firm, 15615 Alton Parkway, Suite 450, Irvine, CA 92618. Phone (718) 916-4407, or use the contact form. Ali R. Nassiripour speaks English, Farsi and French. Staff also assist clients in Spanish, Hindi, Punjabi, Mandarin and Arabic.
Attorney advertising. This page is general information about U.S. immigration law, not legal advice, and the law in this area changes often. Reading it, or contacting the firm, does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case depends on its own facts, and no outcome can be promised. Ali R. Nassiripour is licensed in New York; his practice is limited to federal immigration law.