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
Four Members’ Reflections on AILA’s 75 Years
In this blog post, part of a months-long series leading up to the formal celebration of AILA's 75th year at the upcoming Annual Conference in June, 2022, four AILA members reflect on what they see as AILA's greatest strengths and the relationships they've built during their membership of AILA.
A Little about that “Einstein” Visa
In this blog post, AILA Law Journal author Sasha Kaskel shares some insights about the “Einstein“ visa and how immigration attorneys might approach client cases; AILA members can read her full article and other pieces in their free digital copy of the journal.
Our Nation’s First People
AILA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee member Christine Alden reflects on the meaning of Native American Heritage month and urges readers to learn more in order to “help protect and preserve this important culture.“
No More Sleeps ‘til the End of the Travel Ban
As many fully vaccinated grandparents finally get to travel to see grandkids this week after months-long separations, AILA member Fiona McEntee welcomes the reunions while also urging continued advocacy to help other families reunite.
Breaking Down the Invisible Wall: It’s Past Due!
AILA member Mo Goldman shares a recent example of how the antiquated systems at USCIS Customer Service caused concern and wasted time as he sought to help a client and offers ideas of how to increase efficiency.
Leading AILA: Beyond our 75th Year
AILA President Allen Orr reflects on what it means to be AILA's president in this 75th year and highlights some fun ways to remember some key milestones and share your own fond memories of AILA this year.
The Fruits of our Afghan Labor Have Arrived
Author Joyce Brake shares insights from her recent pro bono work with Afghan evacuees and helping them find their footing in the new situation they are in; she urges readers to reach out and do the same.
Process Work Authorizations If You Want More Workers!
AILA Media Advocacy Committee Member Emily Haverkamp highlights the huge obstacles facing asylum seekers seeking work permits while their asylum request is being processed, noting the impact of bad policies on the asylum seekers but also employers seeking workers.
Afghanistan and the United States’ Responsibilities
AILA member Manish Daftari shares insights into the situation facing those fleeing from Afghanistan and the urgent need to simplify processing of vulnerable Afghan evacuees, similar to the treatment of Vietnamese evacuees in the aftermath of the Vietnam War.
“Thank You, Next”: What the State Department Needs to Do Since Travel Bans Are Being Rescinded
AILA Policy Associate Paul Stern welcomes the rescission of the regional travel bans that will take effect in November but urges additional changes recommended by AILA because “The Department of State faces an uphill battle to overcome the significant delays and backlog created by the pandemic.̶
Curbing Entropy in my Practice – Life Lessons About Matters Pending Before the Service
In this blog post, AILA member Vaman Kidambi shares common concerns immigration attorneys and their clients deal with as they wait because of USCIS processing delays and highlights some of the AILA recommended solutions that could effect change.
Helping Afghan Refugees Brings Me Full Circle
In this blog post, AILA member Spojmie Nasiri shares insights and information about the situation facing Afghan evacuees and how we can help. She was interviewed by Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee Chair Ban Al-Wardi.
Somos – Razones Para Celebrar; We are – Reasons to Celebrate
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee member Ruben Reyes shares his story and perspective on the discussion around National Hispanic Heritage Month and invites readers to learn from and listen to each other, writing “This is an American story, and it is ours to live.“
We Know Litigation Works, But How Do You Get Started?
In this blog post, expert litigator and past AILA president Ron Klasko gives a few examples of cases that could benefit from litigation, and highlights the upcoming Federal Court Conference as a chance to learn skills to help your clients.
Recognizing Dale Schwartz, Rest in Power
AILA pays tribute to the career and impact of Dale Schwartz, past president of AILA with two videos from Allen Orr and Greg Siskind who share insights as they reflect on his life and legacy.
Beyond Borders: Protecting and Preserving Indigenous Rights
In this blog post, AILA member Danielle Molliver shares her insights as both a Lumbee tribe member and a practicing immigration attorney as we recognize the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples.
Trusted Traveler Program Fumbles
In this blog post, AILA member John Manley describes the benefits of Trusted Traveler programs but also the distress when such status is revoked and the lack of transparency as to how those revocations can be redressed, offering a few ideas of changes CBP could make to improve the programs.
Immigrants are Integral to the Teams We Love
AILA Media Advocacy Committee member Emily Haverkamp highlights how immigrants are integral to teams we love, and two Kansas teams in particular, and how inspiring their stories of sacrifice and success are to so many.
Congress Must Work Together to Pass the New Startup Visa
AILA Media Advocacy Committee Chair and business immigration expert Fiona McEntee shares information about the recently introduced LIKE Act and how a startup visa would make a tremendous difference to our economy and the entrepreneurs offered a path to America
What Does an Immigration Lawyer Do?
In this blog post, AILA member Vaman Kidambi shares some insights into answering the question “What Does an Immigration Lawyer Do“ and how to describe your work as an immigration attorney to those not in the field.
Biden Must Quickly Protect Those Who Risked Their Lives for Our Soldiers in Afghanistan
In this blog post, AILA Board of Governors member Ally Bolour highlights the urgent need for the Biden administration to recognize that those who helped our troops in Afghanistan need to be protected and evacuated to safety immediately.
How the State Department Can Help Businesses Bounce Back from COVID-19
AILA member Brent Renison shares the example of a business client negatively impacted by State Department policies and regional travel bans and highlights the straightforward solutions recommended by AILA to help businesses bounce back from the pandemic.
Takeaways from Johnson v. Guzman Chavez
In this blog post, AILA President-elect Jeremy McKinney highlights the recent Supreme Court decision in Johnson v. Guzman Chavez, which he writes offers a takeaway “for practitioners is to push back when an agency employs Auer or Chevron deference as a shield protecting its faulty administrative dec
Trapped in the U.S. or Trapped Abroad – Havoc Caused by Regional Bans Continues
Matt Maiona highlights the impact of the existing regional travel bans, using one of his clients' situation and urges people take action and tell the Biden administration to end the bans, as well as making additional changes to allow the Department of State to address the backlog and delays in proce
Litigation and Liaison Work Hand in Hand to Good Effect
AILA Executive Director Ben Johnson highlights how litigation with the American Immigration Council combined with liaison efforts led to USCIS accepting FY2021 H-1B cap-subject petitions rejected or closed solely because the petitioner requested a start date after October 1, 2021.