AILA Welcomes Merger of American Immigration Council and New American Economy

AILA Welcomes Merger of American Immigration Council and New American Economy

Jeremy Robbins to head newly merged organization

Washington, DC - The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) welcomes the newly announced merger of the American Immigration Council and the New American Economy into a unified American Immigration Council. AILA founded the American Immigration Council in 1987 to strengthen America by working toward a more fair and just immigration system and New American Economy (NAE), was founded by Michael Bloomberg to make the economic case for smarter immigration policy.

The following are statements from AILA President Allen Orr and AILA Executive Director Benjamin Johnson:

“For more than 30 years, the American Immigration Council has been a leader and partner with AILA in research, litigation, policy, and advocacy to make our immigration system more just, fair, and functional. This merger will not only make the Council more effective, but it will have a dramatic impact on the lives of immigrants, the lawyers and organizations who represent them, and communities all over the country. AILA welcomes the opportunity to continue its close partnership with the Council and work together towards a future where immigration benefits everyone who calls America home," said Allen Orr, President of AILA and Council board member (2013-19).

“This merger is the beginning of a new era for the American Immigration Council. Their work to empower and help newcomers along their journey is life-changing, not only for immigrants themselves, but for the communities, families, and businesses that embrace them and for the more than 16,000 immigration lawyers of AILA who represent them. Jeremy Robbins is an inspiring and creative leader who I have no doubt will strengthen and promote the Council’s vital efforts to ensure immigration policy is front and center in an inclusive and welcoming nation,“ said Benjamin Johnson, AILA Executive Director and former Executive Director of the American Immigration Council (2007-2016).

Cite as AILA Doc. No. 21120681.