AILA Wins ASAE’S 2008 Associations Advance America Award of Excellence

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Friday, January 11, 2007
CONTACT:
George Tzamaras
202-216-2410
gtzamaras@aila.org

WASHINGTON, DC -- The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) has won the Award of Excellence in the 2008 Associations Advance America Awards program, a national competition sponsored by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) and The Center for Association Leadership.

AILA received the award for its nationwide "Citizenship Day" project. This one-day event involved 14 AILA State Chapters and hundreds of AILA members volunteering their time to assist eligible legal permanent residents to prepare naturalization applications. The Chapters provided free or low-cost assistance and answered questions regarding the process. All in all, AILA members assisted 1,700 individuals in their quest for citizenship.

"AILA members are committed to providing access to legal services to vulnerable immigrant communities at a time when the need for pro bono attorneys seems to be growing exponentially and the stakes are quite high," remarked Susan Timmons, Pro Bono Associate for AILA. She added, "Our membership has really stepped up to the challenge to provide effective representation of immigrants with limited means. We are delighted to have that service honored by the ASAE."

The "Citizenship Day" project is now in the running to receive a Summit Award, ASAE & The Center's top recognition for association programs, to be presented in ceremonies at ASAE's 9th Annual Summit Awards Dinner at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC, on September 23, 2008. Now in its 18th year, the prestigious Associations Advance America Awards program recognizes associations that propel America forward - with innovative projects in education, skills training, standards-setting business and social innovation, knowledge creation, citizenship, and community service.

"AILA's program truly embodies the spirit of the Associations Advance America campaign. It is an honor and an inspiration to showcase this activity as an example of the many contributions associations are making to advance American society," proclaimed 2007-2008 Associations Advance America Committee Chair Matthew D'Uva, CAE, president of SOCAP International.

"The association is determined to establish Citizenship Day as an annual event with the 2008 date set for April 19, 2008," said Timmons. "Our members are extremely excited and enthusiastic about working with and assisting those individuals striving to become American citizens."

###

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.

For more information call George Tzamaras at 202-216-2410 or Annie

Cite as AILA Doc. No. 08011161.