Immigration Resources for the 112th Congress

Immigration 112th

Legislative proposals AILA anticipates will be made in the 112th Congress. Many of these proposals may sound appealing—as easy fixes or ways to get tough on illegal immigration—but they would do little to address America’s immigration needs.

 

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Solutions That Work: A Policy Manual for Immigration Reform

CIR Guide 2010
 AILA’s Policy Manual summarizes key components of the existing immigration system, identifies its deficiencies and offers workable solutions that when applied together, will fix the totality of the broken, outdated, and inadequate system.

Advocacy Documents

2010 - 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 - 2004 | 2003 - 1998

  • AILA Positions on Selected Senate Title III Amendments(824 KB - 5/15/2013)
    AILA positions on select amendments being offered to Title III of S.744, relating to E-Verify, Asylum, and Interior Enforcement. AILA Doc. No. 13051551.
    AILA Doc. No. 13051551.
  • AILA Positions on Selected Senate Title II Amendments(688 KB - 5/14/2013)
    AILA positions on select amendments being offered to Title II of S.744, relating to legalization and family-sponsored and employment-based immigration systems. AILA Doc. No. 13051447.
    AILA Doc. No. 13051447.
  • Select Amendments to Watch on Title IV(536 KB - 5/14/2013)
    AILA positions on 26 amendments being offered to Title IV of S.744, being debated on 5/14/13 in the Senate Judiciary Committee. AILA opposes 16 offered by Sens. Grassley (R-IA) and Sessions (R-AL) and supports eight by Sens. Hatch (R-UT), Leahy (D-VT) and Schumer (D-NY). AILA Doc. No. 13051462.
    AILA Doc. No. 13051462.
  • AILA AIC Draft Section-by-Section Summary of S.744 (Updated 5/2/13)(1269 KB - 5/2/2013)
    AILA AIC draft section-by-section summary of S. 744 sponsored by the "Gang of Eight," with redline changes reflecting the sponsors’ amendment filed 5/1/13. AILA Doc. No. 13050260.
    AILA Doc. No. 13050260.
  • Call Your Senate Judiciary Member Graphics (4/25/2013)
    18 graphics to download and use to urge the public to call the 18 members of the 113th Senate Judiciary Committee and encourage them to vote in favor of immigration reform. AILA Doc. No. 13042542.
    AILA Doc. No. 13042542.
  • Senate Judiciary Committee Contact Information(753 KB - 4/25/2013)
    A contact list for the members of the Senate Judiciary committee in the 113th Congress. This includes D.C. office phone numbers, fax numbers and the Senators’ twitter handles. AILA Doc. No. 13042540.
    AILA Doc. No. 13042540.
  • AILA AIC Draft Section-by-Section Summary of S. 744(1447 KB - 4/19/2013)
    AILA AIC draft section-by-section summary of S.744 Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act introduced by the Senate Gang of Eight on April 16, 2013. AILA Doc. No. 13041944.
    AILA Doc. No. 13041944.
  • AILA Calls for Case Examples (4/17/2013)
    AILA is putting out the call for case examples to use in the immigration reform debate happening in Congress in 2013. Access an online form to submit your case examples. AILA Doc. No. 13041707.
    AILA Doc. No. 13041707.
  • 17 Page Outline of Senate Reform Bill(289 KB - 4/16/2013)
    A 4/16/2013 17 page outline of the Senate’s Gang of Eight “Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act of 2013,” thought to be introduced the week of 4/15/2013. AILA Doc. No. 13041603.
    AILA Doc. No. 13041603.
  • Reforming Immigration for the 21st Century: NDA Leave Behind(1093 KB - 4/2/2013)
    A four page document used during AILA’s 2013 National Day of Action to outline AILA’s priorities and principles for reforming immigration for the 21st Century. AILA Doc. No. 13040241.
    AILA Doc. No. 13040241.
  • AILA’s 2013 Resource Guide on Immigration(3794 KB - 4/1/2013)
    2013 Resource Guide on Immigration for lawmakers, AILA members, the media and other advocates to use during the immigration reform debate. AILA Doc. No. 13040151.
    AILA Doc. No. 13040151.
  • AILA Case Examples of Family-Based Immigration(777 KB - 3/21/2013)
    Four case examples highlighting the importance of family-based immigration as well as the barriers to family reunification. Contact AILA for more information on these stories. AILA Doc. No. 13032140.
    AILA Doc. No. 13032140.
  • Podcast: Immigration Politics in 2013–Featuring Congressman Luis Gutierrez (3/5/2013)
    Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) joins AILA Advocacy Director Greg Chen for a frank discussion on the status of immigration reform in the 113th Congress. He also urges all AILA members to get involved and come to the National Day of Action on April 11th in D.C. (MP3 File) AILA Doc. No. 13030560.
    AILA Doc. No. 13030560.
  • AILA Section-by-Section Summary of Draft White House Bill Text(804 KB - 2/21/2013)
    AILA’s Section-by-Section Summary of a draft White House partial immigration reform bill posted online by the Miami Herald on 02/18/13. AILA Doc. No. 13022142.
    AILA Doc. No. 13022142.
  • A Question for Lawmakers on the Family and Employment Based Immigration System (2/11/2013)
    AILA asks the tough question on family and employment based visas that needs to be answered by lawmakers as they go forward in crafting any immigration reform bill. AILA Doc. No. 13021152.
    AILA Doc. No. 13021152.
  • A Question for Lawmakers on Border Security (2/11/2013)
    In January 2013 two separate immigration reform blueprints were released by the President and a bi-partisan group of Senators. AILA asks the tough questions that will need to be answered by lawmakers as they go forward in crafting any immigration reform bill. AILA Doc. No. 13021151.
    AILA Doc. No. 13021151.
  • Border Security: Moving Beyond Past Benchmarks(1873 KB - 1/30/2013)
    AILA report, Border Security: Moving Beyond Past Benchmarks, evaluates the status of border security markers in past immigration reform proposals of 2006, 2007, and 2010. AILA Doc. No. 13013051.
    AILA Doc. No. 13013051.
  • Factsheet on S. 47, a Bill to Reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act(861 KB - 1/30/2013)
    The National Taskforce to End Sexual and Domestic Violence Against Women put together this factsheet on Senate Bill 47 introduced by Senator Leahy (D-VT). The bill would reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). AILA Doc. No. 13013046.
    AILA Doc. No. 13013046.
  • 2012-13 Chapter Advocacy Liaisons & NDA Coordinators (1/9/2013)
    A list of the 2012-13 Advocacy Liaisons and NDA Coordinators for your Chapter. Reach out to these AILA Members for information about the National Day of Action activities for your Chapter and any other advocacy related issues. AILA Doc. No. 13010945.
    AILA Doc. No. 13010945.
  • Messages that Work on Immigration(1514 KB - 10/24/2012)
    Winning messages for AILA members to use when engaging the public and media. This easy to use document shares research based words that win on immigration. AILA Doc. No. 12102445.
    AILA Doc. No. 12102445.
  • Submit Comments on Denial of ACA Benefits to DACA Beneficiaries (10/23/2012)
    Submit comments on President Obama’s decision to exclude DACA beneficiaries from the Affordable Care Act's health insurance options. AILA Doc. No. 12102340.
    AILA Doc. No. 12102340.
  • Free Webinar: Learning the Messages that Win (10/17/2012)
    Some messages win and some messages lose—this training will help you tell the difference. We’ll walk through the most recent successful research backed messages on immigration that win to make you a more effective advocate. Don’t miss 2 chances to catch this webinar. AILA Doc. No. 12101745.
    AILA Doc. No. 12101745.
  • State Driver’s License Requirements(1118 KB - 9/5/2012)
    A chart of each state’s driver’s license requirements and acceptable documents that DACA beneficiaries can obtain or are likely to have. This document will be updated as necessary. AILA Doc. No. 12090547.
    AILA Doc. No. 12090547.
  • Immigration Highlights from the Republican and Democratic Party Platforms (9/5/2012)
    A compilation of the major points relating to immigration included in both the Republican and Democratic 2012 Party Platforms. AILA Doc. No. 12090541.
    AILA Doc. No. 12090541.
  • Talking Points - Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals(594 KB - 8/14/2012)
    This one page document highlights key features of the initiative and of the young people it will protect and provides links to the relevant forms as well as additional resources. AILA Doc. No. 12081447.
    AILA Doc. No. 12081447.
  • Practice Advisory for Criminal Defenders from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (7/2/2012)
    This advisory, prepared by the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, a partner organization of the Defending Immigrants Partnership (www.defendingimmigrants.org), outlines defense strategies to preserve a client’s possible eligibility for deferred action. AILA Doc. No. 12070240.
    AILA Doc. No. 12070240.
  • 1999 Congressional Sign On Letter on Guidelines for Use of Prosecutorial Discretion in Removal Proceedings(1194 KB - 6/28/2012)
    In 1999 Representatives Smith, Sensenbrenner and others sent a letter to Attorney General Reno and INS Commissioner Meissner expressing concern about “deportations that were unfair and resulted in unjustifiable hardship” and urging them to use discretion in removals. AILA Doc. No. 12062831.
    AILA Doc. No. 12062831.
  • Sign On Letter to Secretary Napolitano Regarding DHS’ Announcement on Deferred Action for Certain Undocumented Youth(644 KB - 6/28/2012)
    AILA sign on letter with over 70 organizations to DHS Secretary Napolitano commending the new initiative offering deferred action for certain undocumented youth and offering policy and operational recommendations. AILA Doc. No. 12062655.
    AILA Doc. No. 12062655.
  • Political Responses to the Supreme Court Decision in Arizona v. United States (6/28/2012)
    Read what some of the most vocal politicians in the immigration debate have to say on the Supreme Court decision on SB 1070. The list includes Republican Presidential nominee Mitt Romney, SB 1070 co-author Kris Kobach and Representative Luis Gutierrez. AILA Doc. No. 12062852.
    AILA Doc. No. 12062852.
  • Compelling Quotes From the Arizona v. United States Supreme Court Opinion and Dissent (Not Relating to Discretion) (6/28/2012)
    Haven’t had time to read the Supreme Court decision on Arizona v. United States in its entirety? Don’t worry we’ve compiled the most compelling quotes from both the Majority opinion and Justice Scalia’s Dissent. AILA Doc. No. 12062850.
    AILA Doc. No. 12062850.
  • Supporting the President’s Authority to Exercise Discretion (Quotes from the Supreme Court) (6/28/2012)
    Haven’t had time to read the Supreme Court decision on Arizona v. United States in its entirety? Don’t worry we’ve compiled quotes on the President’s Authority to Exercise Discretion from the majority opinion (supporting) and Justice Scalia’s dissent (opposing). AILA Doc. No. 12062848.
    AILA Doc. No. 12062848.
  • Message Guidance: Supreme Court Arizona v. U.S. Case from the Opportunity Agenda(2250 KB - 6/26/2012)
    This memo offers guidance on talking about the Supreme Court decision on SB 1070 with a variety of audiences. AILA Doc. No. 12062643.
    AILA Doc. No. 12062643.
  • National Immigration Project FAQs on Criminal Records for Deferred Action Applicants (Updated 6/27/12)(778 KB - 6/27/2012)
    Prepared by the National Immigration Project (NLG), these FAQs will help you better understand what your criminal record can mean when applying for deferred action. In English and Spanish. AILA Doc. No. 12062241.
    AILA Doc. No. 12062241.
  • Sample Media Alert – Deferred Action for Undocumented Youth (6/19/2012)
    Use this English (also in Spanish) sample media alert as a template from which to work when notifying your community about the Administration’s offer of Deferred Action for eligible younger immigrants, as well as a renewable work authorization. AILA Doc. No. 12061944.
    AILA Doc. No. 12061944.
  • Relief for DREAMers Factsheet(483 KB - 6/18/2012)
    A Guide for Advocates on Deferred Action for Undocumented Youth. AILA Doc. No. 12061845.
    AILA Doc. No. 12061845.
  • Law Professors on Executive Action for DREAMers(576 KB - 6/15/2012)
    This letter addresses an issue that may arise as agencies and officials within the Executive Branch consider various administrative options in cases involving potential beneficiaries of the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act. AILA Doc. No. 12061550.
    AILA Doc. No. 12061550.
  • AILA Talking Points on H.R. 4970 Amended by Rep. Adams’ Manager’s Amendment(480 KB - 5/15/2012)
    AILA Talking Points on H.R 4970, VAWA Reauthorization sponsored by Rep. Adams (R-FL) as it would be amended by a manager’s amendment proposed by Rep. Adams. AILA Doc. No. 12051550.
    AILA Doc. No. 12051550.
  • AILA Talking Points on H.R. 4970- VAWA Reauthorization(479 KB - 5/4/2012)
    AILA Talking Points on H.R 4970, VAWA Reauthorization sponsored by Rep. Adams (R-FL). H.R. 4970 would roll back years of progress and place victims of domestic violence in greater danger. AILA Doc. No. 12050470.
    AILA Doc. No. 12050470.
  • Talking Points on Business Immigration Reforms(505 KB - 3/27/2012)
    2012 National Day of Action Talking Points on Business Immigration Reforms. AILA Doc. No. 12032748.
    AILA Doc. No. 12032748.
  • Talking Points on Detention Funding in the 2012 Congress(959 KB - 3/27/2012)
    2012 National Day of Action Talking Points on Detention Funding. AILA Doc. No. 12032750.
    AILA Doc. No. 12032750.
  • Talking Points on Prosecutorial Discretion(503 KB - 3/27/2012)
    2012 National Day of Action Talking Points on Prosecutorial Discretion. AILA Doc. No. 12032749.
    AILA Doc. No. 12032749.
  • Talking Points on VAWA(497 KB - 3/27/2012)
    2012 National Day of Action Talking Points on the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization. AILA Doc. No. 12032747.
    AILA Doc. No. 12032747.
  • Businesses Critique E-Verify: What Employers Are Saying(358 KB - 3/21/2012)
    While E-Verify is intended to be a tool to help employers in the hiring process, many employers have raised concerns around accuracy, costs, and the resources it takes to use it. This is a roundup of quotes from business leaders from the National Immigration Law Center. AILA Doc. No. 12032168.
    AILA Doc. No. 12032168.
  • National Day of Action Briefing Book – A Resource Guide on Immigration(4827 KB - 3/15/2012)
    2012 National Day of Action Briefing Book is an invaluable resource as you prepare for your lobby visits on March 29th and beyond. AILA Doc. No. 12031530.
    AILA Doc. No. 12031530.
  • Sample Meet & Greet Invite(32 KB - 1/24/2012)
    Sample Meet & Greet Invitation and Agenda to use when requesting a meeting with your elected official’s office. AILA Doc. No. 12012476.
    AILA Doc. No. 12012476.
  • Preparing for a Lobby Visit(47 KB - 1/24/2012)
    Steps to take before your lobby visit, including requesting a meeting and coordinating your Lobby Team. AILA Doc. No. 12012475.
    AILA Doc. No. 12012475.
  • Structure of an Op-Ed(33 KB - 1/24/2012)
    Ideal structure for an Op-Ed to help you get yours published. AILA Doc. No. 12012474.
    AILA Doc. No. 12012474.
  • Preparing for a Meet & Greet with Congressional Staff(36 KB - 1/24/2012)
    Tips for a successful Meet & Greet with your elected official. AILA Doc. No. 12012473.
    AILA Doc. No. 12012473.
  • Sample Op-Ed on the DREAM Act(50 KB - 1/24/2012)
    Sample Op-Ed on the DREAM Act to reach out to your local media on the benefits of good immigration-related legislation. AILA Doc. No. 12012477.
    AILA Doc. No. 12012477.
  • Tips for a Lobby Visit(38 KB - 1/24/2012)
    Steps to take for a successful Lobby Visit to your elected official’s office. AILA Doc. No. 12012472.
    AILA Doc. No. 12012472.
  • Writing & Publishing Letters to the Editor(59 KB - 1/24/2012)
    Tips for writing Letters to the Editor (LTEs) that will be get published. AILA Doc. No. 12012471.
    AILA Doc. No. 12012471.
  • How to Prepare for an Interview(77 KB - 1/24/2012)
    Tips for a successful interview of various types, including phone, e-mail, in-person, television, radio, and satellite. AILA Doc. No. 12012470.
    AILA Doc. No. 12012470.
  • How to Write & Publish an Op-Ed(37 KB - 1/24/2012)
    Steps for getting an Op-Ed published. AILA Doc. No. 12012469.
    AILA Doc. No. 12012469.
  • Getting on the Air(42 KB - 1/24/2012)
    Steps to getting on television and local radio to make your voice on immigration heard. AILA Doc. No. 12012468.
    AILA Doc. No. 12012468.
  • Collaborating with Community Partners for Advocacy(42 KB - 1/24/2012)
    Steps to finding coalition partners for immigration advocacy. AILA Doc. No. 12012467.
    AILA Doc. No. 12012467.
  • Collaborating with Business Partners in Advocacy(36 KB - 1/24/2012)
    Steps to building relationships with the business community to achieve advocacy goals. AILA Doc. No. 12012466.
    AILA Doc. No. 12012466.
  • Building a Relationship with Journalists(49 KB - 1/24/2012)
    Tips for arranging meetings with reporters and members of the media. AILA Doc. No. 12012465.
    AILA Doc. No. 12012465.
  • Making the Most of a Town Hall Meeting(35 KB - 1/24/2012)
    Tips for a successful town hall meeting with a member of Congress. AILA Doc. No. 12012464.
    AILA Doc. No. 12012464.
  • AILA/AIC Report on Prosecutorial Discretion- Additional Resources (11/14/2011)
    Summary and additional resources on AILA/AIC report, Holding DHS Accountable on Prosecutorial Discretion, highlighting nationwide discrepancies in the exercise of prosecutorial discretion by DHS. AILA Doc. No. 11141123.
    AILA Doc. No. 11141123.
  • AILA and AIC Release Survey Findings on the Exercise of Prosecutorial Discretion(448 KB - 11/9/2011)
    A report released by AILA and AIC titled: "Holding DHS Accountable on Prosecutorial Discretion." AILA members responded to the joint survey with accounts of their interactions with ICE Field Offices and Offices of Chief Counsel regarding the use of Prosecutorial Discretion. AILA Doc. No. 11110947.
    AILA Doc. No. 11110947.
  • "No More Immigrant Detention" - Video Presentation by AILA Member Stephen Manning (8/25/2011)
    AILA Member Stephen Manning created a presentation for the 2011 AILA Annual Conference to explain the programs used by the U.S. government to detain and deport immigrants, highlighting the Criminal Alien Program as their primary tool. Watch the video to learn more! AILA Doc. No. 11082564.
    AILA Doc. No. 11082564.
  • Sample Op-Ed: Off Target Report and Limited Resources (8/18/2011)
    This sample op-ed can be used as a follow-up to AILA's report "Immigration Enforcement Off Target: Minor Offenses with Major Consequences" with a focus on the limited resources available to DHS and the need to prioritize cases accordingly. AILA Doc. No. 11081837.
    AILA Doc. No. 11081837.
  • Sample Op-Ed: Off Target Report and DHS Priorities (8/18/2011)
    This sample op-ed can be used as a follow-up to AILA's report "Immigration Enforcement Off Target: Minor Offenses with Major Consequences" with a focus on DHS's stated priorities versus the reality on the ground. AILA Doc. No. 11081836.
    AILA Doc. No. 11081836.
  • Sample Op-Ed: Off Target Report and Racial Profiling (8/18/2011)
    This sample op-ed can be used as a follow-up to AILA's report "Immigration Enforcement Off Target: Minor Offenses with Major Consequences" with a focus on the issue of racial profiling. AILA Doc. No. 11081835.
    AILA Doc. No. 11081835.
  • AILA Report on Immigration Enforcement (8/17/2011)
    AILA report, Immigration Enforcement Off Target: Minor Offenses With Major Consequences, examines the dangers of merging civil immigration enforcement with local criminal law enforcement and urges DHS to follow its priorities and to prevent abuses. AILA Doc. No. 11081609.
    AILA Doc. No. 11081609.
  • Hinder the Administration’s Legalization Temptation (HALT) Act (8/1/2011)
    The HALT Act suspends the authority of the executive branch to grant vital protections to vulnerable populations by eliminating or severely limiting forms of immigration relief. AILA Doc. No. 11080132.
    AILA Doc. No. 11080132.
  • Sign-on Letter From Organizations Opposing the HALT Act(76 KB - 8/1/2011)
    Sign-on letter from over 70 organizations working with victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual assault and other violent crimes raising concerns about the limitation on deferred action in the HALT Act. AILA Doc. No. 11080173.
    AILA Doc. No. 11080173.
  • H.R. 704 SAFE for America Act (7/21/2011)
    H.R. 704, Security and Fairness Enhancement (SAFE) for America Act, eliminates the Diversity Visa program. AILA Doc. No. 11072162.
    AILA Doc. No. 11072162.
  • H.R. 1741 Secure Visas Act (6/24/2011)
    H.R. 1741, Secure Visas Act, expands the authority of the Secretary of Homeland Security and eliminates judicial review for visa revocations. AILA Doc. No. 11062430.
    AILA Doc. No. 11062430.
  • Expansion of Immigration Detention- H.R. 1932 Keep Our Communities Safe Act of 2011 (Updated 7/15/11) (7/15/2011)
    H.R. 1932, Keep Our Communities Safe Act, expands the use of detention for individuals who are in removal proceedings and who cannot be deported. The bill would also radically restructure the judicial review process for those in detention. AILA Doc. No. 11061072.
    AILA Doc. No. 11061072.
  • Mandatory Employment Verification - Legal Workforce Act of 2011 (6/16/2011)
    H.R. 2164, Legal Workforce Act, makes employment verification mandatory for employers nationwide within 2 years through the use of a Employment Eligibility Verification System (EEVS). AILA Doc. No. 11061662.
    AILA Doc. No. 11061662.
  • AILA’s Tools of Engagement (6/7/2011)
    AILA’s Tools of Engagement is a new workbook for AILA members who want to work with Congress, the media, and community groups to advance pro-immigration laws and policies. It includes messaging ideas, talking points, and How-To sections for being a successful advocate. AILA Doc. No. 11060775.
    AILA Doc. No. 11060775.
  • What Legal Authority Does President Obama Have to Act on Immigration?(145 KB - 5/16/2011)
    Article by David Leopold published in the May issue of Bloomberg Law Journal exploring three concepts — prosecutorial discretion, deferred action, and parole — that are being discussed in public debates but are frequently misunderstood. AILA Doc. No. 11051663.
    AILA Doc. No. 11051663.
  • Want to Know What the President Thinks about Immigration Reform? Ask Him! (4/19/2011)
    President Obama is hosting a live Facebook town hall event titled “Shared Responsibility and Shared Prosperity” on Wednesday, April 20th. Submit your questions today. AILA Doc. No. 11041944.
    AILA Doc. No. 11041944.
  • Immigration Resources for the 112th Congress(568 KB - 3/30/2011)
    This document describes proposals AILA anticipates will be made in the 112th Congress. Many of these proposals may sound appealing—as easy fixes or ways to get tough on illegal immigration—but they would do little to address America’s immigration needs. AILA Doc. No. 11033060.
    AILA Doc. No. 11033060.
  • NDA Additional Materials (3/14/2011)
    Additional materials for National Day of Action 2011 participants, including priority issues, talking points, “How To” guides and other prep materials. AILA Doc. No. 11031410.
    AILA Doc. No. 11031410.
  • What to Watch Out for on Immigration in 2011(311 KB - 1/24/2011)
    This AILA document outlines the major immigration-related proposals that are expected to be brought up during the 112th Congress, and provides a brief analysis of their likely impact. AILA Doc. No. 11012431.
    AILA Doc. No. 11012431.
  • Legislative Profile: Representative Elton Gallegly(82 KB - 1/11/2011)
    Legislative profile of Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-CA), the new Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Immigration Policy and Enforcement. AILA Doc. No. 11011120.
    AILA Doc. No. 11011120.