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
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.“
Why I’m Going to AILA’s AC in San Francisco and Why You Should Too
In this blog post, Jack Pinnix reflects on his experiences at the AILA Annual Conference including his very first AC in 1981 which Elizabeth Gervais-Gruen convinced him to attend.
Horrifying and Inspiring – A Look Inside the Stewart Detention Center
Jennie Guilfoyle describes the experience of traveling to Stewart Detention Center and the harsh conditions immigrant detainees are subject to, as well as the inspiration she gathered from the volunteers and staff of the Southeast Immigrant Freedom Initiative, the Immigration Justice Campaign projec
Previewing the AILA Inspires Speaker Series
In this blog post, AILA Inspires Series Speaker Tom Steyer answers a few questions from AILA Executive Director Ben Johnson in advance of his presentation at the AILA Annual Conference in San Francisco on June 14, 2018.
Let’s Make our Voices Heard on H-2B Cap Relief
In this blog post, AILA member Amy Novak from Colorado highlights the extreme and urgent need for additional H-2B visas and urges permanent cap relief because, “Uncertainty about visa numbers running year to year does not help employers make productive, proactive business decisions.“
Mass Denials Upend the Lives of Persecuted Iranian Refugees
AILA member Betsy Fisher and Amira Mikhail share information about the mass denials of refugee applications for people fleeing Iran due to religious persecution and the lawsuit filed to ensure the government offers, at the very least, more information about the reasons for denial as required by law.
Sessions v. Dimaya: SCOTUS Demands Clarity and Due Process in Immigration Laws
In this blog post, AILA member Andrew Nietor highlights the Sessions v. Dimaya decision from the U.S. Supreme Court, writing that the decision “offers a welcome return to the rule of law and its consistent application nationwide.“
Lawmakers on Capitol Hill Heard from AILA Loud and Clear, but there is More to Do!
AILA Associate Director of Government Relations Diane Rish reflects on AILA's National Day of Action and shares how AILA members and the public can continue making their voices heard on important immigration law and policy issues that matter to them.
Highlighting the Real People in the DACA Stories
AILA member Christopher Kerosky shares an update on the MyAmericanDreams Film Project and asks for help reaching out to stations who can show the documentary which informs viewers about the importance of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and its impact on people's lives.
Dispelling Four Myths about the H-1B Visa
In this blog post, AILA Member Sweta Khandelwal addresses and dispels four myths about the H-1B visa program, writing “We need a better system, one that responds to actual supply and demand and acknowledges the fierce global competition for talent.“