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

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

Video

What Is ESTA? Five Common Mistakes to Avoid When Traveling to the US

Los Angeles Partner Emily Allen explains what ESTA is, who may be eligible under the US Visa Waiver Program and five common mistakes travelers should avoid when visiting the United States for business or tourism.

Learn more
Generic Insights

Fragomen news

Case Study: Securing a Positive Outcome in a Complex Adult Dependent Relative Appeal

Fragomen supported an Adult Dependent Relative applicant through a complex appeal, using coordinated medical and social care evidence to demonstrate his holistic care needs before the Home Office withdrew its refusal and indicated that the application would be granted.

Learn more

Blog post

Moving Talent, Moving Families: Navigating Family Reunification in Europe

Senior Manager Andreia Ghimis and Senior Immigration Consultant Louise Farren explore how family reunification rules across Europe can affect international moves and why employers should assess family eligibility, immigration requirements and likely timelines alongside an employee’s work authorization.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Insider: How Would the $70,000 Fee on International Students Working in the US Impact Schools and Grads? 2 Lawyers Break It Down.

Partner Aaron Blumberg discusses how a proposed $70,000 fee for international students seeking US work authorization could affect students, universities and employers.

Learn more

Blog post

How to Qualify for Permanent Residence and Polish Citizenship

Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala and Senior Associate Tomasz Rdzanek outline the principal pathways to permanent residence and Polish citizenship, including key residence, language and income considerations and potential future reforms.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Comment on USCIS Mandatory Electronic Filing RuleLearn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Collaboration Selected as 2026 European Labour Authority Good Practice

Fragomen, together with SICPA and Deutsche Rentenversicherung Bund, has been selected by the European Labour Authority as a 2026 Good Practice for an EU-funded WE BUILD use case exploring how digital identity solutions could help transform PD A1 processes and support cross-border labour mobility in Europe.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Caterer: Right to Work Scheme: Have You Carried Out Checks on Temporary Staff?

Senior Manager Louise Senior highlights how expanded UK right to work requirements will affect hospitality businesses using temporary and contingent workers.

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

Video

What Is ESTA? Five Common Mistakes to Avoid When Traveling to the US

Los Angeles Partner Emily Allen explains what ESTA is, who may be eligible under the US Visa Waiver Program and five common mistakes travelers should avoid when visiting the United States for business or tourism.

Learn more
Generic Insights

Fragomen news

Case Study: Securing a Positive Outcome in a Complex Adult Dependent Relative Appeal

Fragomen supported an Adult Dependent Relative applicant through a complex appeal, using coordinated medical and social care evidence to demonstrate his holistic care needs before the Home Office withdrew its refusal and indicated that the application would be granted.

Learn more

Blog post

Moving Talent, Moving Families: Navigating Family Reunification in Europe

Senior Manager Andreia Ghimis and Senior Immigration Consultant Louise Farren explore how family reunification rules across Europe can affect international moves and why employers should assess family eligibility, immigration requirements and likely timelines alongside an employee’s work authorization.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Insider: How Would the $70,000 Fee on International Students Working in the US Impact Schools and Grads? 2 Lawyers Break It Down.

Partner Aaron Blumberg discusses how a proposed $70,000 fee for international students seeking US work authorization could affect students, universities and employers.

Learn more

Blog post

How to Qualify for Permanent Residence and Polish Citizenship

Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala and Senior Associate Tomasz Rdzanek outline the principal pathways to permanent residence and Polish citizenship, including key residence, language and income considerations and potential future reforms.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Comment on USCIS Mandatory Electronic Filing RuleLearn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Collaboration Selected as 2026 European Labour Authority Good Practice

Fragomen, together with SICPA and Deutsche Rentenversicherung Bund, has been selected by the European Labour Authority as a 2026 Good Practice for an EU-funded WE BUILD use case exploring how digital identity solutions could help transform PD A1 processes and support cross-border labour mobility in Europe.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Caterer: Right to Work Scheme: Have You Carried Out Checks on Temporary Staff?

Senior Manager Louise Senior highlights how expanded UK right to work requirements will affect hospitality businesses using temporary and contingent workers.

Learn more
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Important Updates
Important Updates
October 16, 2026 | IndiaIndia: Minimum Salary Level for Employment Visas Significantly Increased
October 16, 2026 | United StatesBusiness Insider: The Winners and Losers of the New H-1B Era
October 16, 2026 | CanadaCanada: Express Entry Changes to Prioritize High-Wage Occupations
October 16, 2026 | European UnionEuropean Union/Schengen Area: Internal Schengen Border Checks Situation
October 16, 2026 | United Kingdom, IrelandFragomen Professionals and Employee Network Shortlisted for 2027 TLC Lions Human Awards Europe
October 16, 2026 | IndiaIndia: Minimum Salary Level for Employment Visas Significantly Increased
October 16, 2026 | United StatesBusiness Insider: The Winners and Losers of the New H-1B Era
October 16, 2026 | CanadaCanada: Express Entry Changes to Prioritize High-Wage Occupations
October 16, 2026 | European UnionEuropean Union/Schengen Area: Internal Schengen Border Checks Situation
October 16, 2026 | United Kingdom, IrelandFragomen Professionals and Employee Network Shortlisted for 2027 TLC Lions Human Awards Europe
October 16, 2026 | IndiaIndia: Minimum Salary Level for Employment Visas Significantly Increased
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