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

New York

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

1400 Broadway

New York NY 10018

United States

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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

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

September 1, 2026 | Blog post

APAC Immigration Landscape: Governments Are Using Immigration Policy to Advance National PrioritiesRead more

August 26, 2026 | Blog post

Latin America’s Evolving Mobility Landscape: Opportunity and Complexity Advancing TogetherRead more

August 18, 2026 | Blog post

Africa’s Growing Investment Ambitions Are Reshaping Immigration PolicyRead more
More related insights

Related content

Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsRead more

Sonya’s insights

September 1, 2026 | Blog post

APAC Immigration Landscape: Governments Are Using Immigration Policy to Advance National PrioritiesRead more

August 26, 2026 | Blog post

Latin America’s Evolving Mobility Landscape: Opportunity and Complexity Advancing TogetherRead more

August 18, 2026 | Blog post

Africa’s Growing Investment Ambitions Are Reshaping Immigration PolicyRead more
More related insights

Related content

Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsRead more

Sonya’s insights

September 1, 2026 | Blog post

APAC Immigration Landscape: Governments Are Using Immigration Policy to Advance National PrioritiesRead more

August 26, 2026 | Blog post

Latin America’s Evolving Mobility Landscape: Opportunity and Complexity Advancing TogetherRead more

August 18, 2026 | Blog post

Africa’s Growing Investment Ambitions Are Reshaping Immigration PolicyRead 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

September 1, 2026 | Blog post

APAC Immigration Landscape: Governments Are Using Immigration Policy to Advance National PrioritiesRead more

August 26, 2026 | Blog post

Latin America’s Evolving Mobility Landscape: Opportunity and Complexity Advancing TogetherRead more

August 18, 2026 | Blog post

Africa’s Growing Investment Ambitions Are Reshaping Immigration PolicyRead 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

September 1, 2026 | Blog post

APAC Immigration Landscape: Governments Are Using Immigration Policy to Advance National PrioritiesRead more

August 26, 2026 | Blog post

Latin America’s Evolving Mobility Landscape: Opportunity and Complexity Advancing TogetherRead more

August 18, 2026 | Blog post

Africa’s Growing Investment Ambitions Are Reshaping Immigration PolicyRead 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

September 1, 2026 | Blog post

APAC Immigration Landscape: Governments Are Using Immigration Policy to Advance National PrioritiesRead more

August 26, 2026 | Blog post

Latin America’s Evolving Mobility Landscape: Opportunity and Complexity Advancing TogetherRead more

August 18, 2026 | Blog post

Africa’s Growing Investment Ambitions Are Reshaping Immigration PolicyRead 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

Dziennik Gazeta Prawna: Nielegalne zatrudnienie cudzoziemca? Pracodawca może stracić więcej niż pieniądze

Partner Karolina Schiffter discusses how digitalization is transforming immigration procedures in Poland and how law firms can adapt to evolving client expectations.

Learn more

Media mentions

BioSpace: As H-1B Visa Changes Keep Coming, Biopharmas Adjust Hiring Approach

Partner Audrea Golding discusses how H-1B visa changes, including the $100,000 fee and weighted selection process, are affecting biopharma hiring and access to global talent.

Learn more
Generic Insights

Blog post

EU Visa Code Reform: Priorities for Better Schengen Business Travel

Senior Counsel Jo Antoons and Immigration Supervisor Elisabeth Kamm outline Fragomen Consulting Europe’s recommendations for EU Visa Code reform, including more consistent business travel rules, improved visa appointment access, greater transparency and a potential Schengen-wide trusted-employer framework.

Learn more

Blog post

Argentina Announces New Citizenship by Investment Programme: What Investors Need to Know

In a new blog, Manager Sophie Jo Wasson and Country Manager María Inés Menvielle explore what is known so far, the potential mobility benefits of Argentine citizenship and what prospective applicants should consider as implementation develops.

Learn more

Media mentions

Conexão Ásia: Além da China, profissionais das Filipinas, Índia, Japão e Bangladesh se destacam na imigração laboral asiática para o Brasil

Managing Director Diogo Kloper examines how immigration trends reveal the diverse economic ties between Brazil and Asia and the role of international mobility in supporting business growth.

Learn more

Media mentions

AILA Law Journal: Administrative Proxies in Immigration Adjudication

Partner David Grunblatt examines how USCIS uses administrative proxies in immigration adjudication and explains why these tools must support, rather than replace, statutory standards and individualized legal analysis.

Learn more

Blog post

International Talent in the Netherlands: Building a Talent Pipeline Without Losing Sight of Compliance

Manager Cherida Hooijer and Immigration Assistant Manager Kaatje Droesbeke examine how employers in the Netherlands can build an international student-to-graduate talent pipeline while managing the immigration and employment compliance requirements that apply at each stage.

Learn more

Video

Moving to Costa Rica? Visa and Residency Options Explained

Senior Immigration Program Manager Ana Carro explains Costa Rica's immigration pathways for digital nomads, retirees, individuals with stable income and investors, highlighting key eligibility requirements and considerations for choosing the appropriate option.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Insider: The Winners and Losers of the New H-1B Era

Partner Catherine Macris discusses how evolving H-1B policies are shaping employers’ ability to recruit foreign talent, particularly in highly specialized fields.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Professionals and Employee Network Shortlisted for 2027 TLC Lions Human Awards Europe

Two Fragomen professionals and our BeYou@Fragomen employee network have been shortlisted for the 2027 TLC Lions Human Awards Europe, recognising their contributions to inclusive leadership and a people-centred workplace culture.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen’s Worldwide Immigration Trends Report 2026 Wins at the FEM EMEA EMMAs

Fragomen is honored with the 2026 FEM EMEA EMMA in the "Thought Leadership - Best Survey or Research Study of the Year" category for its 2026 Worldwide Immigration Trends Report. 

Learn more

Media mentions

Law360: How A New Case Redefines The Birthright Citizenship Battle

Partner Daniel Pierce and Senior Associate Daniel D. Schaeffer examine US birthright citizenship challenges and the implications of recent court rulings for nationwide relief in immigration litigation.

Learn more

Media mentions

Dziennik Gazeta Prawna: Nielegalne zatrudnienie cudzoziemca? Pracodawca może stracić więcej niż pieniądze

Partner Karolina Schiffter discusses how digitalization is transforming immigration procedures in Poland and how law firms can adapt to evolving client expectations.

Learn more

Media mentions

BioSpace: As H-1B Visa Changes Keep Coming, Biopharmas Adjust Hiring Approach

Partner Audrea Golding discusses how H-1B visa changes, including the $100,000 fee and weighted selection process, are affecting biopharma hiring and access to global talent.

Learn more
Generic Insights

Blog post

EU Visa Code Reform: Priorities for Better Schengen Business Travel

Senior Counsel Jo Antoons and Immigration Supervisor Elisabeth Kamm outline Fragomen Consulting Europe’s recommendations for EU Visa Code reform, including more consistent business travel rules, improved visa appointment access, greater transparency and a potential Schengen-wide trusted-employer framework.

Learn more

Blog post

Argentina Announces New Citizenship by Investment Programme: What Investors Need to Know

In a new blog, Manager Sophie Jo Wasson and Country Manager María Inés Menvielle explore what is known so far, the potential mobility benefits of Argentine citizenship and what prospective applicants should consider as implementation develops.

Learn more

Media mentions

Conexão Ásia: Além da China, profissionais das Filipinas, Índia, Japão e Bangladesh se destacam na imigração laboral asiática para o Brasil

Managing Director Diogo Kloper examines how immigration trends reveal the diverse economic ties between Brazil and Asia and the role of international mobility in supporting business growth.

Learn more

Media mentions

AILA Law Journal: Administrative Proxies in Immigration Adjudication

Partner David Grunblatt examines how USCIS uses administrative proxies in immigration adjudication and explains why these tools must support, rather than replace, statutory standards and individualized legal analysis.

Learn more

Blog post

International Talent in the Netherlands: Building a Talent Pipeline Without Losing Sight of Compliance

Manager Cherida Hooijer and Immigration Assistant Manager Kaatje Droesbeke examine how employers in the Netherlands can build an international student-to-graduate talent pipeline while managing the immigration and employment compliance requirements that apply at each stage.

Learn more

Video

Moving to Costa Rica? Visa and Residency Options Explained

Senior Immigration Program Manager Ana Carro explains Costa Rica's immigration pathways for digital nomads, retirees, individuals with stable income and investors, highlighting key eligibility requirements and considerations for choosing the appropriate option.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Insider: The Winners and Losers of the New H-1B Era

Partner Catherine Macris discusses how evolving H-1B policies are shaping employers’ ability to recruit foreign talent, particularly in highly specialized fields.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Professionals and Employee Network Shortlisted for 2027 TLC Lions Human Awards Europe

Two Fragomen professionals and our BeYou@Fragomen employee network have been shortlisted for the 2027 TLC Lions Human Awards Europe, recognising their contributions to inclusive leadership and a people-centred workplace culture.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen’s Worldwide Immigration Trends Report 2026 Wins at the FEM EMEA EMMAs

Fragomen is honored with the 2026 FEM EMEA EMMA in the "Thought Leadership - Best Survey or Research Study of the Year" category for its 2026 Worldwide Immigration Trends Report. 

Learn more

Media mentions

Law360: How A New Case Redefines The Birthright Citizenship Battle

Partner Daniel Pierce and Senior Associate Daniel D. Schaeffer examine US birthright citizenship challenges and the implications of recent court rulings for nationwide relief in immigration litigation.

Learn more
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Important Updates
Important Updates
October 23, 2026 | United StatesBioSpace: As H-1B Visa Changes Keep Coming, Biopharmas Adjust Hiring Approach
October 26, 2026 | PolandDziennik Gazeta Prawna: Nielegalne zatrudnienie cudzoziemca? Pracodawca może stracić więcej niż pieniądze
October 26, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: Rule Proposing PERM Changes Clears Federal Review
October 26, 2026 | VietnamVietnam: Implementation of the Apostille Convention
October 26, 2026 | 🌐Worldwide: Temporary Ebola-Related Entry Restrictions Introduced
October 23, 2026 | United StatesBioSpace: As H-1B Visa Changes Keep Coming, Biopharmas Adjust Hiring Approach
October 26, 2026 | PolandDziennik Gazeta Prawna: Nielegalne zatrudnienie cudzoziemca? Pracodawca może stracić więcej niż pieniądze
October 26, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: Rule Proposing PERM Changes Clears Federal Review
October 26, 2026 | VietnamVietnam: Implementation of the Apostille Convention
October 26, 2026 | 🌐Worldwide: Temporary Ebola-Related Entry Restrictions Introduced
October 23, 2026 | United StatesBioSpace: As H-1B Visa Changes Keep Coming, Biopharmas Adjust Hiring Approach
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