Blog: Think Immigration
We believe that immigration law is an integral part of America’s past, present and future. We also know that immigration law is complicated. Here you’ll find experts writing in an accessible way about immigration issues, from big, broad ideas down to specific cases. Our members bring knowledge they’ve gleaned from the daily practice of immigration law to this space and offer their expertise to readers.
Browse the Blog: Think Immigration collection
Domestic Terrorism: Revisiting the War on Terror and its Impact on BIPOC Communities
In this piece, part of the Diversity & Inclusion blog post series, AILA member Leila Sayed-Taha shares insights about why “one must take a nuanced position when understanding the relationship between the term ‘domestic terrorism' and the enactment of oppressive policies against communities of color&
Rejected Applications and Petitions Leave Lives in Limbo
Jonathan Valdez, a member of AILA's Government Relations team, highlights the recent rejections and delays at USCIS that leave applicants in limbo and cause real hardship in what should be a seamless process., urging USCIS take action to get things right.
Climbing the Virtual Hill
AILA Policy Counsel Jen Whitlock describes why and how AILA members can use opportunities like the upcoming virtual National Day of Action to urge Congress toward curbing and eventually ending inhumane and wasteful immigration detention in favor of proven community-based systems.
Immigration Attorneys on the Front Lines in Defending Democracy: Soul of America Film Screening and Discussion
Olivia Lee, chair of AILA's Diversity & Inclusion Committee highlights an upcoming opportunity for AILA members to screen the HBO documentary “The Soul of America“ and join the panel discussion on “Immigration Attorneys on the Frontlines in Defending Democracy“ on April 7.
What if I Told You Immigration Detention Was Unnecessary?
Deputy Director of the Immigration Justice Campaign Jennie Guilfoyle highlights a recent factsheet affirming the effectiveness and efficiency of alternatives to detention and why we need to phase out immigration detention.
Employment Without Authorization — ‘Cause I Don’t Need It
AILA members Mark Prada and Michelle Canero share their insights into when work authorization isn't actually required and the impact that litigation can have on your client's efforts to adjust their status.
The Xenophobic Irrational Trump Entry Bans Should ALL Be Gone By Now, They Aren’t
California-based AILA member Alexander Carl highlights how the Biden administration is making it incredibly difficult if not impossible for job creators to come to the U.S. by extending bans and making getting exceptions incredibly difficult, contravening the intent of Congress.
Engaging with Congress (Virtually) is Vital to Pass Long Overdue Immigration Reform
AILA Grassroots Advocacy Associate Melina Roche highlights some of AILA's advocacy priorities heading into our first ever all-virtual National Day of Action April 22 and how you can take action as an AILA member or client.
Women and Burnout
In this post, part of the Diversity & Inclusion blog post series, Laura F. Kelley shares insights into the legal profession's gender disparities and the need to come together on International Women's Day and every day to address the disparities and the harm they cause.
Why We Need to Recognize Black History Every Month
AILA member Yasmin Blackburn, who chairs the CT chapter's Diversity & Inclusion Committee, shares her life experience and why Black History recognition should not be limited to one month a year but celebrated year-round.
The Importance of HBCUs – An Immigration Lawyer’s Perspective
As part of the Diversity & Inclusion blog post series, Christine Alden shares her personal experience as a student and graduate of an HBCU, along with some of the history around her alma mater, the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University.
Powering Prosperity under a New Administration, in a Still Distanced World
AILA member Ruth McChesney offers some useful tips about how she regularly reviews financial information to inform her understanding of her firm's productivity and previews the practice management track at the upcoming AILA MidWinter Conference
Trump’s “Midnight Rule” Ties Immigration Judges’ Hands
In this blog post, AILA members and CLINIC attorneys Vickie Neilson and Jonathan Langer describe how the Trump administration's midnight rulemaking has harmed clients, including one rule that prevents judges from reopening old removal orders.
The ABC’s of the APA: A Layperson’s Guide
Helena Tetzeli, member of the AILA Media Advocacy Committee, shares insights into what the Administrative Procedure Act is and how it impacts implementation or revocation of immigration policy changes.
Productivity and Motivation in a Distanced World
AILA member Hardeep “Dee“ Sull shares insights she has gleaned on productivity, motivation, and innovation during this pandemic and our new remote-work world. Learn more on this issue at AILA's MidWinter conference coming up March 2, 2021.
Immigrant Healthcare Workers Are Essential to the U.S. Comeback
AILA member Aaron Kochenderfer highlights the many contributions of immigrant healthcare workers, made more visible to all of us during the pandemic, and urges support for legislation that offers more of these heroes access to lawful permanent status.
A New Win-Win Model for Access to Counsel on Immigration
In this blog post, AILA Media Advocacy Committee member Tahmina Watson describes an innovative partnership in Washington State that is a win-win model, ensuring immigrants have access to counsel.
It Should Have Been a Better “Day” on Immigration
AILA Director of Federal Litigation Jesse Bless underscores how important it is for President Biden to rescind the non-immigrant and immigrant visa bans, noting in particular how diversity visa lottery winners are being harmed.
Longtime Military Assistance Program Volunteer Mo Goldman Shared Some Good News
AILA member and longtime volunteer with the Military Assistance Program (MAP) Mo Goldman shared some good news about an Army reservist he was linked up with who just took the oath and became a citizen! Watch the video and if you are inspired you can get more information about volunteering yourself.
Taking Pro Bono Virtual
AILA Pro Bono Committee Chair Adonia Simpson offers reasons engaging virtually on pro bono activities can be efficient and effective and highlights some easy to plug into opportunities for AILA members.
Farewell (Perhaps?) Mr. Wolf. Hello Secretary Mayorkas!
In this blog post AILA SoCal Chapter Media Liaison John Manley takes a stab at breaking down the tenure of Chad Wolf as Acting Secretary of DHS and the back and forth during the end of the Trump administration as we look forward to new leadership at the agency.
Prolonged and Indefinite Detention is Inhumane and Must End
In this blog post, Immigration Justice Campaign National Advocacy Manager Katy Murdza describes how ICE is indefinitely detaining people far past the time allowed by law, and why the Justice Campaign will be advocating for the use of proven alternatives to detention in 2021 and the abolition of immi
Shocking, Despicable, Injustice on Display
AILA President Jennifer Minear reflects on the events of January 6, 2021 and the inequality and injustice on full display, and offers some ideas of what we can and should be doing.
Screaming Into the Void: 5 Reasons to Always Comment on Proposed Regulations
AILA member Sarah Pitney shares insights into why they participate in public comment campaigns and why all AILA members should do the same to benefit their clients, share their expertise, and hopefully ensure better regulations result.
Our Immigration Laws Were Last Updated Before the Internet Was a Thing
AILA Media Advocacy Committee Member Tammy Lin of San Diego reflects on the last major reforms made to U.S. immigration laws by Congress and why we “can and should push for updating our immigration system now with this new administration.“