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
Why Representation Matters Within the Immigration Bar Itself
In this blog post, AILA member Sarah Pitney shares the importance of diversity and inclusion in the immigration bar by describing how one panelist in particular at the 2017 AILA Conference in New Orleans showed how her “professional community valued the presence of its LGBT+ members.“
Little Ease: Undocumented in America 2018
AILA member Margaret O'Donnell describes changes being made to immigration policy that negatively impact American families, offering a real client example to highlight how uncertain the future has become.
Join the Fight to Restore USCIS’s Mission and Ensure Immigration Court Independence!
In this blog post, Media Advocacy Committee Member Katie Sarreshteh highlights AILA's August Campaign and urges members to help AILA's efforts “to realign USCIS with its congressional mandate and ensure judicial independence in our immigration courts.“
The Government’s Use of Coercion on Separated Parents
In this blog post, Immigration Justice Campaign National Advocacy Counsel Katie Shepherd describes the government's use of coercion on separated parents and the complaint AILA and the Council filed with DHS to draw attention to this illegal and unconstitutional practice.
Call to Arms: Don’t Let USCIS Get Away with It – Again
AILA First Vice President Jennifer Minear explains what the newly finalized unlawful presence changes will mean for students and exchange visitors and urges AILA members and the public to not allow this policy, and its inevitable consequences if implemented, to go unnoticed.
The Repercussions of How the Administration Has Handled Matter of Castro-Tum
AILA Member Matthew Archambeault who served as Friend of the Court in the Matter of Castro-Tum describes the case and its repercussions, and offers suggestions for how to advocate and urge Congress to act on the immense and obvious need for an independent immigration court.
New Partners in the Fight for Due Process
Karen Lucas, Director of the Immigration Justice Campaign in which AILA and the Council are partnered, describes new ways the campaign is meeting the needs of detained immigrants, including a recent partnership with Save the Children.
Amendment Blocking the Implementation of Matter of A-B- Puts a Dent in the Deportation Machine
In this blog, Alyson Sincavage, Senior Policy Counsel at AILA, writes about an amendment blocking the implementation of Matter of A-B-, passed in last week's appropriations bill.
Stop DHS from Holding Children Hostage
In this blog, AILA Executive Director Ben Johnson addresses the family separation crisis and calls on DHS to stop holding children hostage.
Tearing Families Apart in More Ways Than One
In this blog post, AILA member Ally Bolour highlights how the use of Ryan White Care Act (RWCA) funds for the family separation policy could have an impact on low-income families seeking treatment for HIV.
Supporting And Funding Immigration Services Is Particularly Vital Now
Jennifer Burk, an AILA member from the Northern California Chapter, shares highlights from the recent pro bono clinic at Annual Conference and urges AILA members to get involved and leverage their expertise to help change lives.
Witnessing the Destruction in the Wake of Administration Border Policies
Katie Shepherd, National Advocacy Counsel for the Immigration Justice Campaign, describes the meetings she had with detained parents who had been traumatically separated from their children and needlessly incarcerated in West Texas, highlighting the urgent need for volunteer attorneys.
The President’s Proposal to Eliminate Due Process at the Border
In this blog post, AILA Policy Counsel Jason Boyd highlights recent tweets from the president that attack due process for asylum seekers and explains how and why, if implemented, such changes would violate U.S. asylum laws.
Despite the Supreme Court’s Decision, the Fight Against the Muslim Ban Will Continue
In this blog post, AILA member Sima Alizadeh highlights the recent SCOTUS decision in Trump v. Hawaii and what it will mean for individuals and families, urging readers to keep up the fight, contact Congress, and keep attention on the hardship the ban continues to cause.
AILA Will Not Tolerate ICE Assaults on Our Members Who Fight for Justice Every Day
AILA President Anastasia Tonello shares information about the harm ICE officers caused an AILA member from the MO-KS Chapter and advises members to be vigilant in this toxic environment.
A Victory for Due Process
AILA Policy Counsel Jason Boyd highlights the potential impact of the Supreme Court's decision in Sessions v. Pereira as it relates to information required on a Notice to Appear.
Tearing Down the Wall and Building Bridges
This blog post is adapted from the president's installation speech given by Anastasia Tonello, June 14, 2018 in San Francisco; she shares her message to AILA members and goals for her presidential year.
The U.S. Turns Its Back on Domestic Violence Victims
AILA member Jillian Blake shares what the decision in Matter of A- B- will mean for victims of domestic and gang violence and their claims to asylum, writing “there may be no repair for the damage his decisions will have on countless persecuted women.“
Taking the Battle for Humane Treatment of Detainees from Dilley to Colorado
As she shares details about the complaint filed demanding the government address the inhumane conditions and inadequate medical assistance at the Aurora facility, Immigration Justice Campaign National Advocacy Counsel Katie Shepherd urges readers to take action and help vulnerable detainees.
The TN Visa – A Reality Check
On the blog, past AILA national president Kathleen Campbell Walker digs into some details about how TN visas authorized in NAFTA actually work, the process for both Canadian and Mexican visa holders, and the benefits of those talent flows to American companies and the economy.
The Reality is Even Worse Than the Coverage Suggests
AILA Executive Director Benjamin Johnson writes about unaccompanied children and family separation, urging readers to fight against the administration's “callous, systematic disregard for those seeking asylum at our southern border and a disdain for the principles of due process…“
Deporting Protected Immigrants Won’t Make America Great
AILA member Matthew Weisner describes the impact that ending Temporary Protected Status for Hondurans will have on those with TPS as well as the families, businesses, and communities that rely on them; he urges Congress to pass legislation to give long-term TPS holders a path to permanent residency.
A Critical Moment for Leadership to Protect Dreamers
AILA Director of Government Relations Greg Chen highlights the efforts on Capitol Hill to force a vote in the House of Representatives on a bill to protect Dreamers, urging readers to take action and reach out to Congress on this important issue.
Hope for Moms in Detention
Karen Lucas, Director of the Immigration Justice Campaign reflects on the challenges faced by mothers in detention and how the actions of volunteers can lift their spirits from despair to hope, with something as simple as a card like those written by Columbia University students recently.
Fighting for My Client Before the BIA – A Preview
AILA Board of Governors member Stephen Manning shares a preview of a case he is arguing before the Board of Immigration Appeals today, writing that “The BIA can and must get this right. My client's fate, and the fate of his family, hinges on the decision.“