Immigration News
Check out daily roundups of immigration-related news stories, read articles that quote and cite AILA and AILA leadership, and check out analysis from AILA members and leadership on the AILA blog.
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AILA in the News
Browse the Immigration News collection
Immigration Judges Spotlight DOJ Hijacking of Court Independence
Today, NAIJ accused EOIR of violating the Constitution, federal statute and the NAIJ’s union contract by stripping cases away from a judge; Jeremy McKinney, AILA Treasurer noted the grievance “puts the spotlight on how fundamentally compromised our immigration court system has become.”
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.
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.
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.
AILA: U.S. Must Reunify Families, Stay Their Removal, and Provide for the Return of 400+ Parents Deported Without Their Children
AILA calls for an immediate stay of the removal and release from custody of all of the victims of this family separation strategy so the families are afforded the chance to be represented by an attorney and to file claims for relief if they are eligible.
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.
DHS Instruction to Asylum Officers Violates U.S. and International Law
Late on July 11, 2018, USCIS and ICE issued guidance redefining core principles of America’s asylum laws which will have far-reaching implications for asylum seekers, refugees, and others.
New USCIS Policy Will Needlessly Push Thousands More Cases into the Deportation Machinery
In this statement, AILA highlights how the new guidance published by USCIS regarding Notices to Appear (NTAs) will needlessly push thousands more cases into the deportation machinery, further clogging the already backlogged immigration court system.
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.
Supreme Court Upholds Muslim Ban, Strengthens “Invisible Wall”
Reflecting on the 5-4 Supreme Court decision today, AILA President Anastasia Tonello stated that AILA will continue to “work to ensure that fairness, due process, and the free exercise of religion and expression are reflected in our nation’s immigration laws and policies.”
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.
AILA: Expanding Family Detention Is Not the Answer to Cruel Family Separation Policy
Responding to the Executive Order regarding family separation, AILA President Anastasia Tonello stated, “The barriers to due process that AILA attorneys have encountered at every detention facility only underscore what needs to happen: both family separation and family detention must end.”
AILA: Once Again, Congress Holds DREAMers Hostage
As Congress gears up to vote on two immigration bills next week, AILA President Anastasia Tonello and Executive Director Ben Johnson raise serious concerns about the provisions which would, among other things, severely cut legal immigration, undermine vital protections for vulnerable populations.
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.“
New Edition of Kurzban’s Immigration Law Sourcebook Released by AILA
The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) is proud to release the 16th edition of Kurzban’s Immigration Law Sourcebook at the 2018 AILA Annual Conference being held in San Francisco this week.
AILA Elects New Officers for 2018-2019
Today, Anastasia Tonello was installed as AILA’s President at AILA’s Annual Conference and the following officers were elected: Marketa Lindt as President-Elect, Jennifer Minear as First Vice President, Allen Orr as Second Vice President, Jeremy McKinney as Treasurer, and Farshad Owji as Secretary.
Immigration Attorneys Offer Free Legal Consultations in San Francisco on June 16
This Saturday, June 16, 2018, AILA, in partnership with AILA’s Northern California Chapter and La Raza Centro Legal, will offer free immigration law consultations. Immigration attorneys will be available to answer questions and assist immigrants with a variety of immigration-related questions.
AILA Presents Cyrus D. Mehta with the 2018 Edith Lowenstein Memorial Award
AILA will recognize Cyrus D. Mehta with the 2018 Edith Lowenstein Memorial Award for excellence in advancing the practice of immigration law. He will receive the award this week during AILA’s Annual Conference in San Francisco.
AILA Presents Dilruba Hashim and Tracie L. Klinke with the 2018 Advocacy Award
AILA will recognize Dilruba Hashim, of Washington, D.C., and Tracie L. Klinke, of Marietta, Georgia, with the 2018 Advocacy Award for outstanding efforts in support of AILA’s advocacy agenda. They will accept their awards this week during AILA’s Annual Conference in San Francisco.
AILA Presents Rebecca Sharpless with the 2018 Elmer Fried Excellence in Teaching Award
AILA will recognize Rebecca Sharpless of the University of Miami School of Law with the 2018 Elmer Fried Excellence in Teaching Award this week during AILA’s Annual Conference in San Francisco.
AILA Presents John C. Keller with the 2018 Arthur C. Helton Memorial Human Rights Award
AILA will recognize John C. Keller with the 2018 Arthur C. Helton Human Rights Award for outstanding service in advancing the cause of human rights this week during AILA’s Annual Conference in San Francisco.