AILA: The Time is Now to Move Away from the Negative Rhetoric and Commit to Real Immigration Reform

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) called upon President-elect Trump to unify our nation and turn away from the divisive campaign rhetoric on immigration that hurts America.

Speaking for the Association, William A. Stock, AILA President, said "Now that voting is complete, we all need to work together to put the rhetoric and rancor of the past months aside and move forward to face the challenges and embrace the opportunities facing our country. We are a nation built by immigrants and strengthened by each new generation. Our shared prosperity relies on the innovation and creativity of immigrants from all over the world, from all walks of life, and from all faiths and cultural traditions. For more than 70 years, AILA has worked with leaders from both parties to craft policies that promote a fair and just immigration system, one which reflects the values upon which our country was founded. Today we affirm our commitment to work with President-elect Trump and other leaders who are also committed to those principles and values."

AILA Executive Director Benjamin Johnson agreed, stating, "Though the road ahead may not be easy, AILA stands ready to work with President-elect Trump and the new leadership in Congress to create an immigration system that is consistent with our values and aligned with the fundamental principles of fairness that are the cornerstone of our nation. However, the continued vilification of immigrants and the pursuit of policies that violate these principles cannot be tolerated. AILA and its more than 14,000 members remain committed to defending the Constitution and standing up against laws and policies that violate due process and denigrate the important role that immigration has played in building our great nation. It is time to put the anger aside and get to work."

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The American Immigration Lawyers Association is the national association of immigration lawyers established to promote justice, advocate for fair and reasonable immigration law and policy, advance the quality of immigration and nationality law and practice, and enhance the professional development of its members.