Porthole Headshot Image of Fragomen [Matawan][Associate][SonyaCole]

Senior Associate

Sonya Berenfeld Cole

Landscape hero image of Fragomen [Matawan][Associate][SonyaCole]
Porthole Headshot Image of Fragomen [Matawan][Associate][SonyaCole]
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Senior Associate

Sonya Berenfeld Cole

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  • United StatesUnited States

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  • English
  • Russian

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[email protected]

T:+1 917 628 0561

F:+1 212 480 9930

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Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

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  • English
  • Russian

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Email

[email protected]

T:+1 917 628 0561

F:+1 212 480 9930

New York

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Russian

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 917 628 0561

F:+1 212 480 9930

New York

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Connect via Linkedin
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Sonya is a Senior Associate in the firm’s Knowledge group, which provides internal and client guidance on new, changing and complex global immigration issues and maintains the firm’s extensive global immigration knowledge library. As the team's head writer, Sonya spearheads the Fragomen Client Alert writing process and the award-winning Worldwide Immigration Trends Report, and drafts client materials related to global immigration policy. Sonya also played an integral role in the firm’s communication standardization project, which helped to simplify client communications using visuals and succinct, direct language.

Prior to joining Fragomen, Sonya was a civil litigator in New Jersey and New York.

Throughout her career, Sonya has been involved in pro bono work through various organizations such as Partners for Women and Justice and Immigration Equality, and she is currently a career coach with Upwardly Global, an organization that provides free assistance to immigrants and refugees in career and job placement efforts. She also assisted with asylum cases through Seton Hall Law School’s Immigration and International Human Rights Clinic.

Sonya speaks English and Russian

Education

  • Seton Hall University School of Law, J.D., 2010
  • New York University, B.A., cum laude , 2006

More from Sonya

Admissions

Bar Admissions: New Jersey, New York​

Practice Limited to Federal Immigration & Nationality Law

Awards

Named a Thought Leader of the Year for Shaping the Conversation in Immigration Law, The Build Fellowship’s Immies Awards, 2026

Excellence in Pro Bono Representation Award, Immigration Equality, 2016

Professional accomplishments

Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association

Member, South Carolina Women Lawyers Association

Publications and lectures

Co-Author, “Why Climate Disruptions Are Reshaping Mobility Strategy.” Fragomen, 13 March 2026.

Co-author, “Venezuela’s Energy Reset: Unlocking Opportunity, Managing Risk and Deploying Talent Strategically.” Fragomen, 20 February 2026.

Co-author, “Digital Nomads and Hybrid Work: A Deep Dive into the Benefits, Drawbacks and Possible Ways to Improve Uptake of Digital Nomad Visa Programmes.” Global Forum for Migration Development Business Advisory Group for Migration, December 2023.

Author, “How is Immigration Policy Adapting in the Face of Growing Skills Gaps and the War for Talent?” Global Mobility Executive, 10 May 2023.

Co-author, “Data Privacy in the Post-Pandemic World – Trends and Projections in the Global Immigration Environment.” Worldwide ERC, 7 November 2022.

Author, “Digital Nomads and Remote Workers.” Worldwide ERC, 25 July 2022.

Contributor, “The Future of Remote Work: Digital Nomads and the Implications for Immigration Systems.” Migration Policy Institute, 23 June 2022.

Author, “Ukraine Situation and Its Impacts on Immigration Policy.” Global Mobility Executive, 26 May 2022.

Author, “COVID-19: Though it Exacerbated Anti-Immigrant Sentiments, it Could Accelerate Immigration’s Digital Transformation.” Worldwide ERC, 19 October 2020.

Author, “It’s A Tough Gig – Do work authorization systems meet the needs of nontraditional, or ‘gig,’ workers?.” Mobility, January 2020.

Author, “2019: Looking Back on a Year of Increased Government Rule Enforcement.” Fragomen Blog, 19 December 2019.

Author, “The Digital Transformation - Immigration Systems in 2019 and Beyond.” Worldwide ERC, 21 October 2019.

Speaker, “Peering into the Crystal Ball: Immigration Trends and Implications.” Worldwide ERC's Global Workforce Symposium, Boston, MA, October 18, 2019.

Author, “Global Immigration Trends in 2019 and Projections for 2020.” International HR Adviser, Summer 2019.

Author, “Immigration Policies for Dependent Spouses and Same-Sex Partners: What is the Road Ahead?” Worldwide ERC, 13 May 2019.

Co-author, “Chapter 22: Immigration Considerations for International Assignments” and “Appendix 22A.” International Corporate Practice: A Practitioner's Guide to Global Success, 2015, 2016, 2017.

Author, “Pro Bono Opportunities to Represent Unaccompanied Minors.” New Jersey Law Journal, 14 August 2014.

Author, “E-Verify: A Tool for Employers in the Age of ICE Audits.” New Jersey Law Journal, November 2012.

Sonya’s insights

March 13, 2026 | Blog post

Why Climate Disruptions Are Reshaping Mobility StrategyRead more

February 20, 2026 | Blog post

Venezuela’s Energy Reset: Unlocking Opportunity, Managing Risk and Deploying Talent StrategicallyRead more

July 8, 2025 | Blog post

2025 APAC and Europe Immigration Trends: Shared Goals, Diverging Tools Read more
More related insights

Related content

Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsRead more

Sonya’s insights

March 13, 2026 | Blog post

Why Climate Disruptions Are Reshaping Mobility StrategyRead more

February 20, 2026 | Blog post

Venezuela’s Energy Reset: Unlocking Opportunity, Managing Risk and Deploying Talent StrategicallyRead more

July 8, 2025 | Blog post

2025 APAC and Europe Immigration Trends: Shared Goals, Diverging Tools Read more
More related insights

Related content

Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsRead more

Sonya’s insights

March 13, 2026 | Blog post

Why Climate Disruptions Are Reshaping Mobility StrategyRead more

February 20, 2026 | Blog post

Venezuela’s Energy Reset: Unlocking Opportunity, Managing Risk and Deploying Talent StrategicallyRead more

July 8, 2025 | Blog post

2025 APAC and Europe Immigration Trends: Shared Goals, Diverging Tools Read more
More related insights

Related content

Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsRead more

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Russian

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 917 628 0561

F:+1 212 480 9930

New York

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Sonya’s insights

March 13, 2026 | Blog post

Why Climate Disruptions Are Reshaping Mobility StrategyRead more

February 20, 2026 | Blog post

Venezuela’s Energy Reset: Unlocking Opportunity, Managing Risk and Deploying Talent StrategicallyRead more

July 8, 2025 | Blog post

2025 APAC and Europe Immigration Trends: Shared Goals, Diverging Tools Read more
More related insights

Related content

Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsRead more

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Russian

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 917 628 0561

F:+1 212 480 9930

New York

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Sonya’s insights

March 13, 2026 | Blog post

Why Climate Disruptions Are Reshaping Mobility StrategyRead more

February 20, 2026 | Blog post

Venezuela’s Energy Reset: Unlocking Opportunity, Managing Risk and Deploying Talent StrategicallyRead more

July 8, 2025 | Blog post

2025 APAC and Europe Immigration Trends: Shared Goals, Diverging Tools Read more
More related insights

Related content

Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsRead more

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Russian

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 917 628 0561

F:+1 212 480 9930

New York

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Sonya’s insights

March 13, 2026 | Blog post

Why Climate Disruptions Are Reshaping Mobility StrategyRead more

February 20, 2026 | Blog post

Venezuela’s Energy Reset: Unlocking Opportunity, Managing Risk and Deploying Talent StrategicallyRead more

July 8, 2025 | Blog post

2025 APAC and Europe Immigration Trends: Shared Goals, Diverging Tools Read more
More related insights

Related content

Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsRead more

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

Business Insider: 3 Lawyers React to Trump's New Limits on Student Visas

Counsel Brian Hunt discusses how proposed changes to F-1 student visas could create uncertainty for international students transitioning to the US workforce.

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Deutscher AnwaltSpiegel: Rechtliche Risiken bei Mitarbeitereinsätzen aus dem Ausland

Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer explains how employers and clients can reduce legal risks during cross-border employee assignments in Germany.

Learn more

Blog post

Mainland vs. Free Zone in the UAE: Choosing the Right Company Structure in 2026

Senior Manager Zak Hynes explores the key factors businesses should consider when establishing a presence in the UAE—from operating model and visa requirements to banking, office needs and long-term growth plans—in our new blog. The right structure is the one that best supports your business strategy, not simply the lowest upfront cost.

Learn more

Video

2026 Regional Immigration Overviews | #MobilityMinute

Partner Catherine Macris highlights key findings from Fragomen’s 2026 regional immigration overviews, including tighter compliance controls, digital border transformation and emerging pathways for global talent.

Learn more

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Gazeta Prawna: Unijny parasol nad pracownikami z Ukrainy rozpięty do 2028 r. Polscy pracodawcy mogą spać spokojnie, ale czas ucieka

Partner Karolina Schiffter discusses how the EU's extension of temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens through 2028 will affect employers in Poland.

Learn more

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Center for Strategy and Applied Insights Senior Director Leah Rogal examines how employers can use the J-1 Research Scholar visa to retain eligible global research talent, support long-term research initiatives and strengthen workforce and immigration planning.

Learn more

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Twenty Years Forward: What the Middle East Reveals About the Future of Global Mobility

In this blog, Middle East and Africa Private Client Practice Director Nofi Mojidi-Bayna explores how evolving residency frameworks across the region are reshaping long-term mobility planning and examines the three global forces transforming immigration strategy for businesses, investors and internationally mobile families.

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In this blog, Senior Associate Charlotte Roberts explains what these changes mean for employers, why salary discounts may no longer be a reliable long-term strategy and how early workforce planning can help businesses continue to access international talent while managing compliance and costs.

Learn more

Media mentions

Markt und Mittelstand: EU-Entsendung: Diese Fehler kosten Unternehmen bis zu 500.000 Euro

Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler outlines the key compliance considerations for employers with employees working across the EU.

Learn more

Media mentions

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Counsel Brian Hunt discusses how proposed changes to F-1 student visas could create uncertainty for international students transitioning to the US workforce.

Learn more

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Deutscher AnwaltSpiegel: Rechtliche Risiken bei Mitarbeitereinsätzen aus dem Ausland

Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer explains how employers and clients can reduce legal risks during cross-border employee assignments in Germany.

Learn more

Blog post

Mainland vs. Free Zone in the UAE: Choosing the Right Company Structure in 2026

Senior Manager Zak Hynes explores the key factors businesses should consider when establishing a presence in the UAE—from operating model and visa requirements to banking, office needs and long-term growth plans—in our new blog. The right structure is the one that best supports your business strategy, not simply the lowest upfront cost.

Learn more

Video

2026 Regional Immigration Overviews | #MobilityMinute

Partner Catherine Macris highlights key findings from Fragomen’s 2026 regional immigration overviews, including tighter compliance controls, digital border transformation and emerging pathways for global talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

Gazeta Prawna: Unijny parasol nad pracownikami z Ukrainy rozpięty do 2028 r. Polscy pracodawcy mogą spać spokojnie, ale czas ucieka

Partner Karolina Schiffter discusses how the EU's extension of temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens through 2028 will affect employers in Poland.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen's Immigration Guide for the UK Tech Sector

Fragomen’s "Immigration Guide for the UK Tech Sector" introduces visa options available for those working and recruiting in the tech sector.

Learn more

Blog post

The J-1 Research Scholar Visa: An Underutilized Pathway for Employers to Retain Global Research Talent

Center for Strategy and Applied Insights Senior Director Leah Rogal examines how employers can use the J-1 Research Scholar visa to retain eligible global research talent, support long-term research initiatives and strengthen workforce and immigration planning.

Learn more

Blog post

Twenty Years Forward: What the Middle East Reveals About the Future of Global Mobility

In this blog, Middle East and Africa Private Client Practice Director Nofi Mojidi-Bayna explores how evolving residency frameworks across the region are reshaping long-term mobility planning and examines the three global forces transforming immigration strategy for businesses, investors and internationally mobile families.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Launches Visa Fees Reimbursement Scheme for Scale Ups Hiring Global Talent

In this blog, Associate Halil Kaya outlines the UK Visa Fees Reimbursement Scheme for Scale Ups, including eligibility requirements, available funding and key considerations for high-growth businesses recruiting international talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: Canada Fraud Case Exposes “Acute” Sector Integrity Issues

Partner Jack Kim discusses how fraud has shaped Canada's international student reforms and ongoing integrity efforts.

Learn more

Blog post

Skilled Worker Salary Changes: What Employers Need to Know

In this blog, Senior Associate Charlotte Roberts explains what these changes mean for employers, why salary discounts may no longer be a reliable long-term strategy and how early workforce planning can help businesses continue to access international talent while managing compliance and costs.

Learn more

Media mentions

Markt und Mittelstand: EU-Entsendung: Diese Fehler kosten Unternehmen bis zu 500.000 Euro

Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler outlines the key compliance considerations for employers with employees working across the EU.

Learn more
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Important Updates
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July 22, 2026 | United StatesBusiness Insider: 3 Lawyers React to Trump's New Limits on Student Visas
July 23, 2026 | Ireland Ireland: Temporary Residence Permission Renewal Measures Extended Amid Processing Delays
July 23, 2026 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: Migration Advisory Committee Publishes Second Stage Temporary Shortage List Report
July 23, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: Pilot Program Offering Expedite Fee for B-1/B-2 Visa Appointments Begins at U.S. Consulates in Mexico
July 23, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: The New Rule on Fixed Periods of Stay for F, J, and I Nonimmigrants: What Foreign Nationals and Employers Need to Know
July 22, 2026 | United StatesBusiness Insider: 3 Lawyers React to Trump's New Limits on Student Visas
July 23, 2026 | Ireland Ireland: Temporary Residence Permission Renewal Measures Extended Amid Processing Delays
July 23, 2026 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: Migration Advisory Committee Publishes Second Stage Temporary Shortage List Report
July 23, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: Pilot Program Offering Expedite Fee for B-1/B-2 Visa Appointments Begins at U.S. Consulates in Mexico
July 23, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: The New Rule on Fixed Periods of Stay for F, J, and I Nonimmigrants: What Foreign Nationals and Employers Need to Know
July 22, 2026 | United StatesBusiness Insider: 3 Lawyers React to Trump's New Limits on Student Visas
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