AILA Recognizes Andrew Rankin with the 2026 Sam Williamson Mentor Award

WASHINGTON, DC - The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) recognizes Andrew Rankin with the 2026 Sam Williamson Mentor Award, in acknowledgment of his outstanding efforts and excellent counsel to immigration attorneys by providing mentoring assistance.

His nominators could not have been more laudatory, highlighting his longstanding and generous contributions to his fellow members in AILA’s Mid-South Chapter. One nominator wrote that he, “approaches his AILA service not as a résumé line, but as a responsibility—to ensure that every member, regardless of experience level or office size, has timely access to accurate information, thoughtful analysis, and practical guidance. Our Chapter is measurably stronger because of his engagement.”

Several nominators focused on his email updates on litigation and policy changes. Those updates began when he served in various liaison roles for the chapter but evolved to be a lifeline for many members in an increasingly turbulent and difficult time to practice immigration law. His service to individual members was also highlighted, with notes that “he takes time to respond to individual questions, offers guidance on ethical concerns, and willingly serves as a sounding board for difficult cases, without expectation of recognition. He contributes to CLEs, speaks at law schools and professional conferences, and helps foster a collegial culture in which members support one another. His leadership is grounded in generosity and steadiness, and it elevates everyone around him.”

One nominator describes the mentorship he offers as being outstanding for key reasons, including “the extra input that he provides. It is never just an update or an answer to a question. It is a thorough response that provides the membership with practical guidance.”

Finally, his commitment to community building was another key part of his skillset as a mentor: “Whether through deciphering hefty legal decisions into plain language, providing timely updates, or allowing fellow practitioners room to grow and excel, Andrew has consistently done the work. That type of leadership isn't flashy. But it is necessary. It's how we build strong chapters, and it's how AILA at its best fosters a community.” Truly, he has shown his selfless dedication to helping others as a mentor for so many.