AILA Correspondence with the Government
Read letters that AILA has sent to government officials about pressing immigration -related issues, as well as coalition letters to government officials that AILA has signed.
Browse the AILA Correspondence collection
AILA Opposes Vitter/Grassley Substitute of S. 1814 the “Stop Sanctuary Cities Act”
AILA statement submitted to the Senate Judiciary Committee, urging opposition to the new version of S. 1814 which does not ameliorate the fundamental issues in the original bill, but instead, reiterates most of the same and creates a mandatory minimum sentencing structure for illegal reentry cases.
AILA Expresses Support for Reauthorization of Three Immigration Programs
A 9/11/15 letter from AILA to congressional leadership expressing strong support for the extension of the EB-5 Regional Center program, the Conrad 30 J Waiver program and the Special Immigrant Non-Minister Religious Worker program before they sunset on 9/30/15.
S. 1814 Puts Law Enforcement and Community Funding at Risk and Hurts Public Safety
The National Immigration Law Center, AILA, and the Center for American Progress list key states that are at risk of losing funding to three programs designed to build stronger and safer communities under Grassley-Vitter’s bill (S. 1814).
Sign-on Letter Opposing Substitution Amendment to S. 1814
On 9/1/15, AILA joined immigration, community and human rights advocacy organizations in a sign-on letter to the Senate urging members to oppose Senator Grassley and Senator Vitter’s substitute amendment to S. 1814, Stop Sanctuary Cities Act.
Sign-on Letter to White House on Transfer of Detained Transgender Women
On 8/24/15 AILA joined LGBTQ rights, civil rights, and immigrant rights organizations in a letter to President Barack Obama regarding the recent news that transgender women may soon be transferred to the Adelanto Detention Facility in Southern California.
Sign-on Letter to Attorney General Opposing Criminal Prosecution of Asylum Seekers
On 7/28/15 AILA joined civil rights and human rights groups in asking Attorney General Lynch to end illegal entry and re-entry criminal convictions for individuals seeking asylum in the U.S.
Letter to ICE Director Saldaña Regarding Recent Release Practices at Dilley and Karnes
A 7/27/15 letter from CARA Pro Bono Project to ICE Director Saldaña regarding the coercion and confusion surrounding recent releases from Dilley and Karnes, and the lack of information provided to families before they leave the facility and recent ICE actions undermining the right to counsel.
Vote No on H.R. 3009 - Undermines Law Enforcement and Erodes Public Safety
AILA, the Center for American Progress, and the National Immigration Law Center recommends members of Congress oppose the “Enforce the Law for Sanctuary Cities Act” (H.R. 3009), a reactionary bill that will not advance its stated goal of protecting American communities.
Sign-on Letter to Vote No on “Enforce the Law for Sanctuary Cities Act” (H.R. 3009)
On 7/22/15 AILA joined advocacy groups to ask House representatives to oppose H.R. 3009 that seeks to withhold federal funding from local law enforcement agencies that limit inquiries into immigration status.
AILA Cautions Lawmakers To Protect All Communities in Senate Statement
AILA’s statement submitted to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary hearing titled “Oversight of the Administration’s Misdirected Immigration Enforcement Policies: Examining the Impact on Public Safety and Honoring the Victims.”
AILA Cautions Lawmakers To Protect All Communities in House Statement
AILA’s statement submitted to the House Committee on the Judiciary hearing titled “Sanctuary Cities: A Threat to Public Safety”
Sign-on Letter to Congress Opposing Legislation that Undermines Community Safety
On 7/20/15, AILA joined immigration, community, faith, and human rights advocacy organizations in a sign-on letter to Congress opposing any legislation that would withhold funding from so-called “sanctuary cities” and mandate cooperation of state and local law enforcement with immigration agencies.
Sign-on Letter to Stop Streamline Prosecution of Asylum-Seekers
On 7/10/15, AILA joined refugee, faith, and human rights organizations in a sign-on letter to DHS Secretary Johnson and Attorney General Lynch to end prosecution for illegal entry and reentry of individuals seeking asylum in the U.S.
AILA: Our Nation Should Not Scale Back Protections for Vulnerable Children
AILA’s statement submitted to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs for a hearing on 7/7/15 titled “The 2014 Humanitarian Crisis at Our Border: A Review of the Government's Response to Unaccompanied Minors One Year Later.”
Sign-on Letter Regarding Matter of Simeio Solutions, LLC and Corresponding USCIS Guidance on Amended H-1B Petitions
A 6/26/15 sign-on letter from AILA and other associations on the AAO precedent decision, Matter of Simeio Solutions, LLC, and the subsequent USCIS guidance on the filing of amended H-1B petitions in light of the Simeio holding.
AILA Letter to Senator Leahy on EB-5 Job Creation Methodology
A 6/3/15 letter from AILA to Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) regarding the importance of various job counting methodologies to the EB-5 Regional Center Program.
AILA Letter to USCIS Requesting Opportunity to Provide Public Comments on EB-5 Memo
A 5/20/15 letter to USCIS requesting that USCIS publish a draft version of its upcoming EB-5 policy memorandum which will address issues arising out of the establishment of a cut-off date for EB-5 China and provide an opportunity for public comment prior to issuing a final memo.
Letter on Detrimental Impact of DMV Regulations in State of California
A 5/20/15 letter from the AILA San Diego Chapter to Governor Jerry Brown (CA) on the detrimental impact of California’s DMV regulations on international students and scholars and a request for regulatory review and amendment of existing regulations.
Sign-On Letter Calling for an End to Family Detention
A 5/11/15 sign-on letter from 188 organizations calling on President Obama to end the detention of children and mothers fleeing violence in Central America.
National Sign-On Letter Opposing S. 750
A 5/5/15 national sign-on letter from immigration, labor, faith, environmental, human rights, and border advocates opposing S.750, the Arizona Borderlands Protection and Preservation Act, scheduled for markup on May 6, 2015, before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
Sign-On Letter Calling for TPS for Nepal
A 5/5/15 letter to DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson from 127 organizations, calling for a temporary protected status (TPS) designation for Nepal due to the massive earthquake on 4/25/15.
Environmental Organizations Oppose S. 750
A 5/5/15 national sign-on letter from environmental organizations opposing S.750, the Arizona Borderlands Protection and Preservation Act, scheduled for markup on May 6, 2015, before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
Justice for Victims of Trafficking (JVTA)
AILA believes that five immigration-related amendments might come up for a vote today on the Senate floor as part of the Trafficking Bill.
AILA Recommends Senators Vote NO on Tillis 319
The Tillis Amendment (319) adds severe immigration penalties for human trafficking violations, but it is drafted in an overbroad manner and covers non-human trafficking offenses.
AILA Recommends Senators Vote NO on Sessions 298
The Sessions amendment would eliminate an exemption intended by the drafters to be applied for family members.