Annual Awards

As a proud association of the nation's finest immigration attorneys, it is our distinct pleasure to recognize and celebrate the individuals and organizations who have achieved excellence in immigration over the last year. The deadline for nomination submissions for the 2021 AILA Annual Awards was Friday, March 19, 2021. All selected recipients will be notified by May 1 and recognized during the Annual Membership Meeting on Thursday, June 10. Questions? Contact annualawards@aila.org.

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• Advocacy Award
  In recognition of outstanding efforts in support of AILA’s legislative agenda.
• Arthur C. Helton Memorial Human Rights Award
  In recognition of outstanding service for advancing the cause of human rights.
• Diversity and Inclusion Award
  An organization/firm recognition award for outstanding efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion excellence in the immigration legal profession.
• Edith Lowenstein Memorial Award
  For excellence in advancing the practice of immigration law.
• Elmer Fried Excellence in Teaching Award
  In recognition of outstanding professors in the area of immigration law.
• Jack Wasserman Memorial Award
  For excellence in litigation in the field of immigration law.
• Joseph Minsky Young Lawyer Award
  For outstanding contributions made as a young lawyer in the field of immigration and nationality law.
• Media Leadership Award
  In recognition of coverage that most accurately depicts immigration, immigrants, and related issues (established 2000).
• Michael Maggio Pro Bono Award
  In recognition of outstanding efforts in providing Pro Bono representation in the immigration field.
• Sam Williamson Mentor Award
  For outstanding efforts and excellent counsel to immigration attorneys by providing mentor
• Susan Quarles AILA Service Excellence Award
  Awarded periodically in recognition of outstanding volunteer services by an AILA member, over a period of several years, in advancing the mission, development, and value of the American Immigration Lawyers Association for its members and the public it serves.
• The Founders Award
  Awarded periodically to the person or entity who has had the most substantial impact on the field of immigration law or policy in the preceding period.