AILA Welcomes Benjamin Johnson as New Executive Director

WASHINGTON, DC - The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) announced today that Benjamin Johnson will serve as AILA's new executive director beginning January 11, 2016. Mr. Johnson comes to AILA after leading the American Immigration Council for many years.

"From the very start of his career, Ben's commitment to excellence and service has been apparent," said AILA President Victor Nieblas Pradis. He continued, "His significant impact on immigration policy began when he became AILA's Associate Director of Advocacy in 1999, focusing on legislative and policy work related to due process and family issues as well as weathering the shifts related to a post-9/11 framework. His impressive tenure at the American Immigration Council began in 2003; since then he has led the Council to become the highly respected and influential source for data and perspectives on immigration that it is today. AILA welcomes Ben as an expert, as an advocate, and as a leader as the organization continues to enhance the quality of immigration and nationality law and practice."

Mr. Johnson is a 1988 graduate of San Diego State University and a 1991 graduate of the University of San Diego School of Law. After law school, he practiced law for eight years, and during that time he created the Immigration Outreach Center in Phoenix, Arizona, where he provided comprehensive immigration services to individuals and small businesses before coming to D.C. and joining AILA.

"I am both humbled and energized by this opportunity," responded Mr. Johnson. "I know firsthand AILA's immense strengths and the incredibly important goals toward which its members, staff, and board work each and every day. My vision for AILA is one I know many members share: a center for excellence in member service and expertise in informing policy makers and the public about immigration policy and law. It will be very difficult to leave the Council and its remarkable staff but I know our two organizations will remain partners as we build on our shared history."

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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.