Walk down Worth Street in Lower Manhattan and you’ll eventually hit a massive, somewhat imposing slab of Brutalist architecture that feels like it’s watching you. That’s One Federal Plaza New York. If you’ve got a date there, chances are you aren't going for the scenery.
It's the heart of the U.S. Court of International Trade. It also houses one of the busiest immigration courts in the entire country.
People get confused. They see the towering 41-story silhouette and assume it's just another office building or maybe part of the Jacob K. Javits Federal Building next door. While they are physically connected by a bridge, One Federal Plaza has its own distinct, often high-stakes identity. It is where multi-million dollar tariff disputes get settled and where life-altering asylum hearings happen every single day.
Honestly, the vibe inside is intense. You have high-powered trade lawyers in $3,000 suits sharing elevators with families who have traveled thousands of miles just to see a judge. It’s a microcosm of the American legal machine, and if you don't know the rules of the building, the experience can be pretty overwhelming.
The Architecture of Power and the CIT
Completed in 1968, the building was designed by a powerhouse team including Alfred Easton Poor and Kahn & Jacobs. It represents that mid-century federal style—lots of glass, steel, and a sense of "we mean business."
The U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) is the crown jewel here. Unlike your local district court, the CIT has nationwide jurisdiction. If a company wants to fight a "Section 232" tariff on steel imports or challenge a decision by the U.S. International Trade Commission, they come here. It’s a specialized Article III court. That means the judges are appointed for life by the President.
The cases are dense. We're talking about thousands of pages of customs data and complex statutes like the Tariff Act of 1930.
But here is the thing: most people aren't there for the trade cases.
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The Reality of the New York Immigration Court
If you ask a random person on the street about One Federal Plaza New York, they’ll probably talk about immigration. This building houses the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). It is one of the primary locations for the New York Immigration Court.
The volume is staggering.
New York has one of the largest immigration court backlogs in the United States. As of early 2026, the pending caseload in New York state has consistently hovered at levels that make "speedy trial" feel like a myth. At One Federal Plaza, the hallways are often packed by 8:00 AM.
You’ll see the "master calendar" hearings first. These are short. Sometimes only five or ten minutes. The judge goes through a list of names, checks if you have a lawyer, and sets a date for a "merits hearing." The merits hearing is the big one—that’s where you actually argue your case.
Security is tight. Really tight. You have to go through magnetometers, take off your belt, and put your bags through X-ray machines. Don't even think about bringing a pocketknife or a heavy metal tool. The lines can wrap around the block on busy mornings, so if your hearing is at 9:00 AM and you show up at 8:45 AM, you’re already late.
Why One Federal Plaza New York is Different from 26 Federal Plaza
This is the most common mistake people make.
26 Federal Plaza is the massive building right next door. That is where U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is located. If you are going for a green card interview or a naturalization ceremony, you are likely going to 26 Federal Plaza.
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One Federal Plaza is the court.
If you show up to the court for a USCIS interview, you’ll miss your appointment. If you show up to 26 Federal Plaza for a removal defense hearing, you might get ordered deported in absentia because you weren't in front of the judge at the right time. They are connected by a skybridge, but for the public, the entrances are separate.
Always check your notice to appear. If it says "Immigration Court" and lists One Federal Plaza, that is where you need to be.
Navigating the Building Like a Pro
The building isn't exactly "user-friendly." It’s a federal fortress.
- The Entrance: It's on the Worth Street side. Look for the plaza with the sculptures.
- Electronics: Rules change, but generally, you can bring a phone, but you cannot record anything. Taking a photo inside a courtroom is a one-way ticket to getting kicked out or having your device confiscated.
- Food: There isn't much inside. There’s a small snack area, but it’s mostly vending machines. If you have a long day of hearings, eat a massive breakfast or be prepared to wait until you can leave and hit a deli in Chinatown or Tribeca.
- The Elevators: They are surprisingly fast, but they are zoned. Pay attention to the signs so you don't end up on the 30th floor when you need the 12th.
The atmosphere is quiet in the CIT areas but chaotic in the immigration areas. It’s a strange juxtaposition. One floor is silent, scholarly, and focused on international commerce. Two floors down, there are crying children and translators frantically explaining legal jargon to anxious respondents.
The Legal Heavyweights
Some of the most influential legal minds in the country work in this building. Judges on the Court of International Trade often sit "by designation" on federal appeals courts across the country.
In the immigration court, the judges are under immense pressure. They handle hundreds of cases a year. Organizations like the Legal Aid Society and various pro bono groups are often seen in the hallways trying to provide last-minute advice.
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The stakes are real. A decision made in a small, windowless room at One Federal Plaza New York can determine whether a person stays with their family or is sent back to a country they haven't seen in twenty years.
What to Do if You Have a Hearing
Don't wing it.
The federal government is represented by attorneys from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). They are professionals. They know the law inside and out. If you walk in there without a plan, you are at a massive disadvantage.
- Confirm the Room: Check the digital monitors or the paper lists posted near the elevators. Rooms change.
- Dress Respectfully: You don't need a tuxedo, but looking like you take the proceedings seriously goes a long way with the judges.
- Bring Paperwork: Never rely on the court having your "missing" document. Bring three copies of everything: one for you, one for the judge, and one for the government attorney.
Getting There Without the Stress
Traffic in Lower Manhattan is a nightmare. Do not drive.
The 4, 5, and 6 trains stop at Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall. It’s a short walk from there. The R and W at City Hall or the A, C, and E at Chambers Street are also viable. If you are coming from out of town, give yourself an extra hour. Between the subway delays and the security line at the entrance, time disappears fast.
One Federal Plaza New York is a place of transition. It is where the abstract laws of the United States meet the very messy reality of human lives and global business. Whether it's a dispute over the classification of an imported "doll" versus a "toy" (a real thing trade lawyers fight about because of different tax rates) or a life-or-death asylum claim, this building sees it all.
Actionable Next Steps
If you have a scheduled appearance at One Federal Plaza, follow these steps immediately:
- Verify the Address: Ensure your paperwork specifically says One Federal Plaza and not 26 Federal Plaza or 201 Varick Street.
- Check the Automated Case Portal: Use the EOIR website or call their 1-800 number to confirm your hearing date and time. Sometimes cases are rescheduled and the mail notice arrives late.
- Secure Legal Counsel: If you don't have a lawyer, contact the New York City Bar Association or a reputable non-profit for a referral. Pro se (representing yourself) is extremely difficult in this building.
- Arrive Early: Aim to be at the security checkpoint at least 45 minutes before your scheduled time.
- Organize Your Files: Keep your documents in a clear folder. Security will move faster, and you’ll look prepared when you step in front of the bench.