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
Worksite Ambiguity in the Rise of Work from Home
AILA Law Journal author Bill Stock describes the rise in work-from-home arrangements which has “exposed the shortcomings of existing immigration regulations and the lack of specific guidance from federal agencies“ and urges change; read more about this and other issues in the Spring 2023 editi
AILA First-Time Survey of Asylum Practitioners Asks and Answers the Question: What Does it Take to Prepare a Migrant for the High-Stakes Asylum Proce
AILA released report on asylum entitled High-Stakes Asylum: How Long an Asylum Case Takes and How We Can Do Better; AILA President Jeremy McKinney noted that the report’s solutions “would go a long way toward ensuring the integrity of a system that is inefficient and often unjust.”
AILA Presents Troutman Pepper with the 2023 Michael Maggio Memorial Pro Bono Award
The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) recognizes Troutman Pepper with the 2023 Michael Maggio Memorial Pro Bono Award for outstanding efforts in providing pro bono representation in the immigration field.
AILA Presents Priscilla Alvarez with the 2023 Media Leadership Award
The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) recognizes Priscilla Alvarez of CNN with the 2023 Media Leadership Award, given to individuals whose efforts in the media most accurately depict immigration and immigrants.
AILA Presents Sarah Pitney with the 2023 Joseph Minsky Young Lawyer Award
The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) recognizes Sarah Pitney with the 2023 Joseph Minsky Young Lawyer Award for their outstanding contributions made as a young lawyer in the field of immigration and nationality law.
AILA Presents the AILA Amicus Committee with the 2023 Jack Wasserman Memorial Award
The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) recognizes the AILA Amicus Committee with the 2023 Jack Wasserman Memorial Award for excellence in litigation in the field of immigration law.
AILA Presents Karla McKanders with the 2023 Elmer Fried Excellence in Teaching Award
The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) recognizes Karla McKanders with the 2023 Elmer Fried Excellence in Teaching Award.
The Unchanging H-1B Cap in a Changed Country
Adam Cohen delves into the H-1B visa program, from its inception to the latest registration process debacle, and calls on Congress and the Biden administration to improve the program and adapt it to meet the needs of the U.S. economy now, not the market of more than a generation ago.
A Pragmatic Solution for Climate Refugees
AILA Law Journal author Evan Patton shared some insights from his recent article published in the May 2023 edition, titled “Towards a Pragmatic Solution for Climate Refugees Under Environmental, Human Rights, and Immigration regimes.“
AILA Presents Amy Nice with the 2023 Edith Lowenstein Memorial Award
The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) recognizes Amy Nice with the 2023 Edith Lowenstein Memorial Award for excellence in advancing the practice of immigration law.
AILA Presents Ban Al-Wardi and Maria Chavez with the 2023 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award
The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) recognizes Ban Al-Wardi and Maria Chavez with the 2023 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award for outstanding efforts in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion excellence in the immigration legal profession.
AILA Presents the UndocuBlack Network with the 2023 Arthur C. Helton Memorial Human Rights Award
The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) recognizes UndocuBlack Network with the 2023 Arthur C. Helton Human Rights Award for outstanding service in advancing the cause of human rights.
Public Charge and Political Posturing
AILA member Jeremy Weber describes the harmful effect of the Senate-passed resolution aiming to rescind the 2022 public charge rule, noting that AILA will urge President Biden to follow through on his promise to veto the measure if it passes the House.
Help Make a Difference: In-Person and Remote Pro Bono at #AILAAC23
AILA's Senior Pro Bono Associate Erin Lynum describes the pro bono opportunities at AILA's upcoming Annual Conference, which includes both in-person and virtual pro bono clinics; everyone is encouraged to sign up and make a difference.
A Peek Inside the Spring 2023 Edition of the AILA Law Journal
AILA Law Journal Editor-in-Chief Cyrus Mehta gives a look inside the Spring 2023 edition with articles from leading experts and next-generation leaders, writing that “Immigration law's complexities and nuances mean many of us as practitioners feel like we are on the cutting edge every day.
AILA Executive Director Responds to Introduction of the Dignity Act of 2023
AILA ED Ben Johnson responded to the introduction of the bipartisan Dignity Act of 2023 calling it a “heartening sign in this divided and ultra-partisan era… AILA doesn’t agree with everything in this bill but looks forward to working with these leaders to find a smart workable compromise.”
Practicing Law in TV Land
AILA member Tony Drago describes the impact of using video rather than in-person hearings, writing that while “In 2022, EOIR issued guidance to immigration judges on the use of virtual hearings, but far more clear guidance and standards are needed to ensure fairness.“
Aisle Five and Proud: The Diversity of the United States
AILA DEI Law Student Scholarship winner Maria Montenegro-Bernardo shares her story as a Venezuelan immigrant and urges all of us to embrace the diversity around us, because by doing so we will encourage innovation and advancement.
Here We Go Again! Expedited Roll Out of New PERM Application Could Make Already Complicated Process Worse
AILA member Vaman Kidambi describes the challenges AILA members and others have shared about the expedited roll-out of the new PERM application form, and urges the Department of Labor to slow the roll-out in order to address valid concerns.
The Bill Left by Title 42 is Due. With Interest.
Amy Grenier explains how the use of Title 42 to effectively end asylum at the southern border allowed two administrations to essentially put border management on a bureaucratic credit card, allowing Congress to ignore its obligations to pass real, holistic and meaningful reform.
Looking into the Crystal Ball: What Do We Expect With the End of Title 42?
Amy Grenier, Jennifer Whitlock, and Taylor Levy share their insights into what the end of Title 42 is expected to bring, urging the Biden administration to protect vulnerable asylum seekers by ensuring meaningful access to asylum and legal counsel under both international and national asylum law.
Draconian Anti-Immigrant Legislation Will Negatively Impact Florida’s Communities and Businesses
The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) condemns two Florida bills, SB1718 and SB264, which will cause harm to communities and businesses throughout the state and beyond. Governor DeSantis is expected to sign both bills.
Impact of U.S. Immigration Policy on Indigenous Peoples and Tribes
AILA DEI Scholarship winner Alejandro Alvarado describes how U.S. immigration policy affects Indian Tribes and Indigenous Peoples, particularly “indigenous mobility, family separation, and border security.“
H-1B Visa Registration Numbers Show Demand Far Exceeds Supply; Changes Are Necessary to Ensure Integrity of the System
AILA urges the Biden Administration to immediately act to ensure the integrity of the H-1B registration system, applauding USCIS efforts in creating a streamlined registration and lottery process, but noting the flaws and vulnerabilities have become impossible to ignore.
The Impact of Immigration Attorneys on the Big Screen: “LAS ABOGADAS”
AILA member Careen Shannon writes about her role as executive producer of the new Las Abogadas documentary, writing that she hopes the film is “a new way to educate people about our country's fractured immigration system, while simultaneously sharing some stories of hope and redemption.“