Press Room
Recent AILA Press Releases
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Complaint Filed as Customs and Border Protection Turns Away Asylum Seekers
AILA and other immigrant and civil rights groups called on the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties and the DHS Office of the Inspector General to investigate reports that asylum seekers were denied entry despite having asserted a fear of returning to their home countries.
AILA: Ending NSEERS Closes Dark Chapter in U.S. History
AILA welcomed the rescission of the regulatory framework for the discriminatory National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS), with AILA President William A. Stock noting that it “wasted millions of taxpayer dollars and caused unnecessary harm to thousands.”
Lawsuit Seeks Transparency in CBP Admission Procedures
AILA, represented by the American Immigration Council and Foley & Lardner LLP, filed a lawsuit to compel U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) compliance with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), and to request release of the CBP Officer’s Reference Tool (ORT).
AILA Welcomes Bipartisan Bill to Protect DREAMers
AILA welcomed the introduction of the “Bar Removal of Immigrants who Dream and Grow the Economy” or BRIDGE Act, a bipartisan bill authored by Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) intended to offer temporary protection from deportation and a work permit for DACA-eligible individuals.
Concerns Raised Regarding Attorney General Nominee’s Positions
AILA raised concerns about the nomination of Senator Jeff Sessions for Attorney General, with AILA President Bill Stock noting that the role “has a tremendous impact within our justice system, including responsibility for administration of the immigration courts throughout the United States.”
Federal Government Must Adopt Own Advisory Committee’s Recommendations and End Family Detention
AILA, the Council, and CLINIC welcomed the unanimous conclusion from the DHS Advisory Committee on Family Residential Centers that “detention is generally neither appropriate nor necessary for families” and urged DHS to adopt the recommendations immediately.
AILA: SCOTUS Denies Rehearing in Deferred Action Case Leaving Millions of Immigrants Out in the Cold
AILA is disappointed with today’s Supreme Court decision denying the request for a rehearing in United States v. Texas; AILA President Bill Stock noted, “the Supreme Court has once again allowed state governments to block federal policy initiatives with which they disagree.”
National Academies Report Underscores Immense Economic Importance of Immigrants to America
Welcoming a new report on immigration from the National Academies, AILA President Bill Stock noted it confirms decades of research, and “what most Americans have always known” that immigrants who come to America “share our ideals and values and contribute to our communities, society, and economy.”
AILA: Government’s Plan to Resume Haitian Removals Could Endanger Asylum Seekers and Vulnerable Immigrants
AILA expressed serious concerns about the decision by DHS and ICE to resume regular deportations of Haitians; AILA President Bill Stock noted that “the decision to recommence removals to Haiti is impossible to reconcile with recent official recognition of the ongoing humanitarian crisis there.”
AILA’s 10th Annual Citizenship Day Will Help Thousands
AILA is proud to sponsor the 10th annual Citizenship Day on 9/17/16; the event, a partnership with the NALEO Educational Fund, brings together AILA attorneys across the country, along with other advocates, to provide assistance as lawful permanent residents seek to naturalize.
AILA: Trump Immigration Policy Unworkable and Inhumane
AILA expressed deep concern over Donald Trump’s immigration platform which “reflected a lack of understanding of immigration law, a disregard for fundamental rights of due process guaranteed by the Constitution, and a failure to appreciate the valuable contributions that immigrants make.”
AILA: New Business Immigration Rule Takes Step Toward Welcoming Entrepreneurs
AILA welcomed the issuance of a proposed rule from USCIS on immigrant entrepreneurs with AILA President Bill Stock noting that this step is one that “AILA has been advocating for years as we saw countless missed opportunities for entrepreneurs due to outdated immigration laws.”
AILA Urges DHS to Follow DOJ Lead and End Use of Private Prisons
In light of the Department of Justice’s announcement that it will sharply scale back the use of private prisons, AILA President Bill Stock urged the Department of Homeland Security to follow suit, saying “there is no justification for continuing their use in the immigration system.”
As Detained Mothers Continue Hunger Strike, AILA Urges Administration to End Family Detention
Twenty-two mothers being held with their children for months in the Berks family detention center began a hunger strike this week; AILA President William A. Stock urged an end to family detention, noting, “These brave mothers are putting their health at risk to draw attention to injustice.”
Court Rejects Government Attempt to Categorically Redact Names of IJs
AILA President William A. Stock hailed an appellate court ruling in a FOIA lawsuit against EOIR, saying “This case has always been about ensuring that any allegations of misconduct are addressed in a meaningful way and that judges are held accountable for their actions.”
AILA: U.S. Expands Protection for Refugees South of U.S. Border But Continues Harsh Treatment of Asylum Seekers at the Border
AILA welcomed the Obama administration’s announcement expanding opportunities for refugees in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras to seek protection, but continued to challenge the White House to stop the aggressive enforcement, detention, and deportation of asylum seekers arriving at U.S. borders.
AILA: Government Requests Rehearing of Deferred Action Case
AILA commented on the Department of Justice’s request for the Supreme Court to rehear the United States v. Texas case when a ninth Supreme Court justice is confirmed, urging that the Court rehear the case.
AILA Welcomes Legislation Designed to Protect Refugees
AILA welcomes the introduction of the Refugee Protection Act of 2016 in both the House and Senate; the bill includes provisions to address many of the severe, longstanding problems in the U.S. refugee and asylum systems.
AILA: Senate Retread of Bad Legislation Would Undermine Public Safety and Harm Communities
AILA President William A. Stock urged lawmakers to oppose two bills, S. 3100 and S. 2193, noting, “At a time when our country desperately needs bipartisan leadership from Congress on immigration reform, these two bills are emblematic of why we still don’t have a workable system.”
AILA Welcomes Senate Introduction of the Secure the Northern Triangle Act
AILA welcomes the introduction in the Senate of the Secure the Northern Triangle Act, S.B. 3106, a bill designed to provide a plan to manage the humanitarian crisis in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras and to improve access to asylum and other protections for those fleeing violence in the region.
AILA: Divided Supreme Court Leaves Millions of Immigrant Families in Limbo
AILA responded to the Supreme Court’s 4-4 deadlock in United States v. Texas with AILA Executive Director Benjamin Johnson noting, “Though today’s decision is disappointing, we must remember that this is not the end of the road for these incredibly important programs.”
AILA Elects New Officers; William A. Stock to Serve as President of Association
AILA today elected new officers to its Executive Committee for the 2016-2017 term during AILA’s Annual Conference in Las Vegas, NV. William A. Stock was installed as AILA’s President.
Free Legal Consultations from Immigration Attorneys During AILA’s Annual Conference in Las Vegas
On June 25, 2016, AILA and its partners will offer free immigration law consultations in Las Vegas, NV, at AILA’s sixth annual Pro Bono Clinic; dozens of immigration attorneys will be available to answer questions and assist immigrants with the naturalization process.
AILA Presents Kathleen M. Vannucci and Sandra Feist with the 2016 Advocacy Award
AILA will award Kathleen M. Vannucci of Chicago, IL, and Sandra Feist, of Minneapolis, MN, with the 2016 Advocacy Award for outstanding efforts in support of AILA’s legislative agenda.
AILA Presents Hiroko Kusuda with the 2016 Elmer Fried Excellence in Teaching Award
AILA will award Hiroko Kusuda of the Loyola Law Clinic in New Orleans, LA, with the 2016 Elmer Fried Excellence in Teaching Award for outstanding professor in the area of immigration law.