AILA Bids Farewell to Executive Director Crystal Williams

Washington, DC - The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) will bid farewell to Crystal Williams, AILA Executive Director, tomorrow. Ms. Williams has served as executive director of AILA for nearly six years.

During her tenure as Executive Director, AILA's membership has grown by more than 25% as the issue of immigration law and the potential for Congressional reform remained at the forefront of news and politics. Despite challenges, such as SB1070, and advancements, such as the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) initiative, under her leadership AILA kept its members up-to-date with helpful tools, resources, and necessary information.

Reflecting on Ms. Williams' departure, AILA President Victor Nieblas Pradis said, "It is hard to believe that Crystal is moving on, though I congratulate her on a well-deserved retirement. Her years of dedication, not only to the field of immigration law but to the success and impact of the association, are an example to us all. We will miss her intelligence, kindness, ingenuity, and sense of humor. She is an inspiration to all of us on the Executive Committee and the Board of Governors as we continue to fulfill AILA's mission and goals. Farewell, you will be missed!"

Ms. Williams worked at AILA in various capacities for a total of fifteen years, including time as Deputy Director for Programs, as well as Director of Liaison & Information. Prior to joining AILA, she served with the Policy & Planning office of legacy Immigration and Naturalization Service after practicing immigration law in Atlanta. Her service also included stints as director of the Legalization Assistance/Appeals Project for the American Immigration Law Foundation (now the American Immigration Council). She is a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center.

On departing, Ms. Williams noted, "Even as I look forward to a new chapter in life, I find the transition bittersweet. I leave behind not only my life's work, but some of the finest people I have ever known. Staff and members of AILA, immigration advocates, government officials trying to do right by the populace they serve, and immigrants who help to make America great are all part of an immigration law and policy community that I have come to treasure and respect. I will miss them all."

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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.