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

Blog post

Malta Citizenship by Merit and Vision 2050: Who May Qualify and What Contributions Matter?

Director Isobel Neilson and Manager Sophie Jo Wasson examine how Malta’s Citizenship by Merit framework considers exceptional achievement and contribution alongside the country’s long-term priorities under Vision 2050, and what applicants should consider when developing a credible case.

Learn more

Media mentions

People Management: UK Right to Work Check Changes: What Businesses Need to Know

Partner Naomi Goldshtein discusses how new UK right to work requirements extend beyond direct employees and the steps businesses should take to understand and manage workforce compliance.

Learn more

Blog post

The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty at 70: How “Friendly” is it in Practice?

Partners Aviva Meerschwam and Christine Sullivan, Senior Associate Tuğba Özyakup and Junior Immigration Consultant Gabriela Gonzalez examine how the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty operates in the Netherlands and the US, and what the differences mean for entrepreneurs, investors and businesses pursuing transatlantic growth.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Named a Top 10 Finalist for the 2026 Cartus Masters Cup

Fragomen is a Top 10 finalist for the 2026 Cartus Masters Cup, Cartus’ highest supplier honor recognizing exceptional service, collaboration, innovation and commitment to clients and relocating employees.

Learn more

Media mentions

SHRM: Proposed $103,265 H-1B Is Changing Talent Acquisition Strategy

Partner Bo Cooper discusses the proposed $103,265 H-1B fee, potential legal challenges and its broader implications for employers and high-skilled immigration.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Insider: The Hidden Sacrifices of Chasing an H-1B Career in America

Partner Aaron Blumberg discusses how proposed changes to the H-1B program could affect workers facing layoffs and families navigating dependent visa status.

Learn more

Blog post

Permanent Residence in Germany: Why Eligible Foreign Nationals Should Consider Applying Early

Senior Associate Arta Djahanschiri outlines the principal pathways to permanent residence in Germany, the flexibility and security the status can provide and why eligible foreign nationals should consider applying early.

Learn more

Blog post

Proposed Changes to Naturalisation by Residency in Ireland: What Does it Mean for Employers and Global Mobility Programmes?

Immigration Manager Jo Crawford examines proposed changes to Ireland’s naturalisation requirements and what they could mean for employers and global mobility programmes, including talent retention, workforce planning and business mobility. 

Learn more

Fragomen news

Comment on DHS Proposed $103,265 Fee on Cap-Subject H-1B Petitions.Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Receives Three 2026 Cartus Awards

Fragomen received three recognitions at the 2026 Cartus Global Network Conference for excellence in service, sustainability leadership and global citizenship.

Learn more

Blog post

Net Migration Policy: An Explainer Comparing Australia, Canada and the UK

Partner Jack (Eui Chul) Kim, Senior Counsel Dr. Anna Boucher, UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit and Articling Student David Mucz examine how Australia, Canada and the UK measure net migration. They compare efforts to reduce migration with the need to maintain access to international talent, and explain the potential effects on employers, labor markets and economic growth.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg Law: White House H-1B Order Puts Employer Layoffs Under Microscope

Partner K. Edward Raleigh discusses how US employers should consider displacement and conduct a risk analysis when assessing H-1B filings in light of recent policy changes.

Learn more

Blog post

Malta Citizenship by Merit and Vision 2050: Who May Qualify and What Contributions Matter?

Director Isobel Neilson and Manager Sophie Jo Wasson examine how Malta’s Citizenship by Merit framework considers exceptional achievement and contribution alongside the country’s long-term priorities under Vision 2050, and what applicants should consider when developing a credible case.

Learn more

Media mentions

People Management: UK Right to Work Check Changes: What Businesses Need to Know

Partner Naomi Goldshtein discusses how new UK right to work requirements extend beyond direct employees and the steps businesses should take to understand and manage workforce compliance.

Learn more

Blog post

The Dutch-American Friendship Treaty at 70: How “Friendly” is it in Practice?

Partners Aviva Meerschwam and Christine Sullivan, Senior Associate Tuğba Özyakup and Junior Immigration Consultant Gabriela Gonzalez examine how the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty operates in the Netherlands and the US, and what the differences mean for entrepreneurs, investors and businesses pursuing transatlantic growth.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Named a Top 10 Finalist for the 2026 Cartus Masters Cup

Fragomen is a Top 10 finalist for the 2026 Cartus Masters Cup, Cartus’ highest supplier honor recognizing exceptional service, collaboration, innovation and commitment to clients and relocating employees.

Learn more

Media mentions

SHRM: Proposed $103,265 H-1B Is Changing Talent Acquisition Strategy

Partner Bo Cooper discusses the proposed $103,265 H-1B fee, potential legal challenges and its broader implications for employers and high-skilled immigration.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Insider: The Hidden Sacrifices of Chasing an H-1B Career in America

Partner Aaron Blumberg discusses how proposed changes to the H-1B program could affect workers facing layoffs and families navigating dependent visa status.

Learn more

Blog post

Permanent Residence in Germany: Why Eligible Foreign Nationals Should Consider Applying Early

Senior Associate Arta Djahanschiri outlines the principal pathways to permanent residence in Germany, the flexibility and security the status can provide and why eligible foreign nationals should consider applying early.

Learn more

Blog post

Proposed Changes to Naturalisation by Residency in Ireland: What Does it Mean for Employers and Global Mobility Programmes?

Immigration Manager Jo Crawford examines proposed changes to Ireland’s naturalisation requirements and what they could mean for employers and global mobility programmes, including talent retention, workforce planning and business mobility. 

Learn more

Fragomen news

Comment on DHS Proposed $103,265 Fee on Cap-Subject H-1B Petitions.Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Receives Three 2026 Cartus Awards

Fragomen received three recognitions at the 2026 Cartus Global Network Conference for excellence in service, sustainability leadership and global citizenship.

Learn more

Blog post

Net Migration Policy: An Explainer Comparing Australia, Canada and the UK

Partner Jack (Eui Chul) Kim, Senior Counsel Dr. Anna Boucher, UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit and Articling Student David Mucz examine how Australia, Canada and the UK measure net migration. They compare efforts to reduce migration with the need to maintain access to international talent, and explain the potential effects on employers, labor markets and economic growth.

Learn more

Media mentions

Bloomberg Law: White House H-1B Order Puts Employer Layoffs Under Microscope

Partner K. Edward Raleigh discusses how US employers should consider displacement and conduct a risk analysis when assessing H-1B filings in light of recent policy changes.

Learn more
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Important Updates
Important Updates
October 1, 2026 | JapanJapan: Stricter Permanent Residence Requirements
October 2, 2026 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: Draft Code on Expanded Right to Work Scheme Clarifies Employer Obligations
October 2, 2026 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: Expanded RTW Scheme in Effect; Further Employer Guidance Published
October 2, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: September 2026 DOL PERM and PWD Processing Times
October 2, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: U.S. Consular Services in Brazil Suspended
October 1, 2026 | JapanJapan: Stricter Permanent Residence Requirements
October 2, 2026 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: Draft Code on Expanded Right to Work Scheme Clarifies Employer Obligations
October 2, 2026 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: Expanded RTW Scheme in Effect; Further Employer Guidance Published
October 2, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: September 2026 DOL PERM and PWD Processing Times
October 2, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: U.S. Consular Services in Brazil Suspended
October 1, 2026 | JapanJapan: Stricter Permanent Residence Requirements
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