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
Government Shutdowns Hurt Americans and Ultimately, America
In this blog post, AILA Media Advocacy Committee member Katie Sarreshteh shares the anatomy and impact of a government shutdown from the immigration law practitioner's perspective.
Helping DACA Recipients Renew
In this blog post, Sheila Starkey Hahn, chair of AILA's National Pro Bono Committee, highlights how helping with DACA renewal clinics and advocating for the Dream Act can change lives, writing “Let's show everyone again that #AILAStandsWithDreamers.“
Halfway Around the World, An Immigration Lawyer On-the-Ground in a Refugee Crisis
AILA member Larry Sandigo shares his experience volunteering in Greece with Syrian refugees and some of the stories of the terror and violence that forced them to flee their homeland for the possibility of security in a new country.
Working Together as Change Agents
AILA President Annaluisa Padilla shares how the Immigration Justice Campaign is marshalling new resources to increase the representation of detained immigrants, including the recently launched interactive website with information about successes, trainings, and pro bono opportunities.
The Myth of the “Good Guy” Visa
In this blog post, AILA Media Advocacy Committee Member Doug Penn shares insights from his immigration practice, explaining why, despite what probably seems reasonable, there is no such thing as a “good guy visa“ in the context of immigration law.
Mission Mis-Statements
AILA Media Advocacy Committee Member Sandra Feist compares the stated mission of USCIS with what immigrants are experiencing, warning that “Huge damage has been done. Individuals who have faced…the unpredictability of our current system will urge the next generation of immigrants to stay away.
The Senate Debate Begins: Let Your Voice Be Heard
In this blog post, Mo Goldman, member of AILA's Media Advocacy Committee, highlights the current debate in the Senate on immigration and urges AILA members and the public to get involved and engage on this issue by making their voices heard as the debate ramps up.
On Fatherhood and Motherhood in the Immigration Law Context
In this blog post, AILA member Alexander Carl highlights a clearly outrageous “example of how our immigration laws have not kept up with the times“ when it comes to how LGBT parents are treated differently when it comes to determining the citizenship of their children.
H-4 Work Permits: A Feminist Perspective
Sandra Feist, member of AILA's Media Advocacy Committee, highlights the challenges facing H-4 spouses as the administration threatens to take away their work permits and urges Congress to “provide a path for H-4 spouses to fully participate in and contribute to their communities.“
Deal or No Deal, We Stand With the Dreamers
AILA National Treasurer Allen Orr describes the current efforts to protect Dreamers and urges the administration to get behind legislation with bipartisan support that makes sense both fiscally and morally, rather than forcing a stalemate that could result in the deportation of Dreamers.
Closed for Business
AILA Media Advocacy Committee Member Matt Maiona takes a look at the already marked demand for H-2B visas and the potential impact on American employers and the economy when these key seasonal positions aren't filled.
“I-Squared,” Not RAISE, Would Lift America Up
In this blog post, AILA Director of Government Relations Betsy Lawrence breaks down the provisions of the Immigration Innovation or I-Squared Act introduced by Senators Hatch and Flake and describes what the bill's provisions would do to boost U.S. businesses and the American economy.
People Are Stepping Up to Help with DACA Fees
In this blog post, AILA member Kara Lynum shares how the public is supporting DACA recipients by covering the filing fee for renewal applications, highlighting the recent example of an impromptu campaign that has brought in more than $23,000 thus far to hep Dreamers in Minnesota.
Family Matters – Love, Support and Entrepreneurship
In this blog post, AILA Associate Director of Government Relations Diane Rish describes the reality of our family-based immigration system, writing that “as a cornerstone of American history and American values, family-based immigration can and must be protected, not derided with lies.“
The Doctor is In, Let’s Not Send Her Out
AILA Second Vice President Jennifer Minear reflects on the “vital and sustained contributions that immigrants are making to our society on a daily basis“ in the healthcare field, and the potential impact of anti-immigrant policies on medically underserved populations in the U.S.
The Latest in Fearmongering
AILA Media Advocacy Committee Member Matt Maiona analyzes a questionable government report intended to incite fear of immigrants, writing “Now more than ever, we must stand-up for our core American values which are under attack. That's what you, and all of us, should really be afraid of.“
The Current Status of DACA
Alma Rosa Nieto, vice chair of AILA's Media Advocacy Committee, reflects on the current status of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) initiative and highlights two DACA recipients in particular who exemplify why these young people should be permanently protected with the Dream Act.
Ban the Burnout
In this blog post, Reid Trautz, director of AILA's Practice and Professionalism Center, highlights some key ways to reduce the risk of burnout in an incredibly busy “new normal“ that immigration attorneys and their firms are facing.
Finding Heroes
AILA Media Advocacy Committee Member Mo Goldman highlights the recent lawsuit by WA AG Ferguson against Motel 6 for violating state consumer protection laws by sharing guest data with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) when ICE had no warrant to gather the information.
From DC to Dilley – One Volunteer’s Firsthand Experience
In this blog post, Immigration Justice Campaign Director Karen Lucas interviews recent family detention volunteer McKayla Eskilson about her experience, the work the project is doing, and the impact she had during her week at Dilley helping asylum seeking moms and kids incarcerated in the facility.
Top 10 AILA Videos and Blog Posts of 2017
A quick recap of the most viewed videos and most read blog posts this year, covering a variety of topics from H-1Bs to MAVNI to the latest travel ban updates and more. There is truly something for everyone; take a look at these resources as you reflect on 2017.
Story of a Dreamer Sparks Generosity
AILA Secretary Jeremy McKinney writes about how sharing client stories with the press and public can make a difference and highlights one recent example when a profile of a Dreamer unexpectedly sparked the generosity of a donor.
Living Courage
AILA Executive Director Ben Johnson reflects on 2017, highlighting the courage of Dreamers and the work of AILA members as inspirations for 2018 when he'll “be looking to all of you to be fearless, steadfast, and courageous. Because next year and every year, #AILAStandsWithImmigrants.“
Helping Daisy
AILA member Rebecca Minahan shares how she helped one young family at the Dilley detention facility through the credible fear process, writing that while she “would most likely never learn of their fate,“ she “felt honored to have been a part of their lives if only for a very short time.“
Combatting a War on the Christmas Spirit
The holidays are here, which supposedly make up the most wonderful time of the year. This year, the president has thrown in with Christmas in a big way, claiming that he has brought Christmas back and it's “bigger and better than ever.“ I'm not sure it was missing necessarily, but an emphasis