Featured Issue: AILA’s Rule of Law Task Force
AILA’s Rule of Law Task Force (AROL)—established in response to recent threats, disparaging comments, and extreme actions against the immigration bar and the practice of immigration law—is committed to developing a comprehensive and strategic response to defend the integrity of our profession and our members.
This task force seeks to provide AILA members with essential resources to continue to practice immigration law with integrity, commitment, and excellence without fear of repercussion because of the area of law we practice and the clients we proudly and zealously represent. Resources for members are compiled below and will continue to grow as the work of the task force moves forward. Be sure to check back often-- anytime you have new concerns or raise issues that should be addressed.
This announcement marks the beginning of a pivotal and enduring effort—one that speaks to the core of our identity and mission. As the legal landscape evolves with increasing urgency, we remain steadfast in our commitment to support our members, safeguard one another, and uphold the values that define our profession. United, we will leverage every available tool and resource to defend our community and the principles we hold dear.
Browse the Featured Issue: AILA’s Rule of Law Task Force collection
Directory of Professional Responsibility Lawyers
AILA offers ethics guidance, but your firm may benefit from consulting a lawyer who handles ethics and disciplinary matters. APRL is a group of such lawyers. If your issue involves DHS or EOIR, ask if they have experience in federal immigration disciplinary matters.
Presidential Memo on Preventing Abuses of the Legal System and the Federal Court
On 3/22/25, President Trump issued a memo for the Attorney General and DHS Secretary stating the immigration system is “replete with examples of unscrupulous behavior by attorneys and law firms” and ordering sanctions, reviews, and stricter oversight of attorneys in asylum and immigration cases.
AILA Rejects Administration’s Dangerous Threats on Immigration Attorneys
AILA President Kelli Stump and Executive Director Ben Johnson reject a chilling directive by the Trump Administration ordering sanctions, reviews, and stricter oversight of attorneys in asylum and immigration cases.
The Ethics of Advising Clients Subject to the Alien Registration Requirement
The Alien Registration Requirement should be explained to clients, Jesse Lloyd from the Ethics Committee concludes. He parses out what that means and how to stay on the right side of the ethics rules in this article.
Answers to Your Ethics Questions with AILA's Ethics Compendium
The AILA Ethics Compendium is the essential guide for all immigration attorneys. It equips both seasoned and new lawyers with the tools and insights needed to confidently navigate complex ethical dilemmas in the field.
American Bar Association Ethics Resources
A compilation of ethics resources from the American Bar Association.
Listen to Conversations with State Discipline Counsel
Ethics rules vary by jurisdiction. In Conversations with Discipline Counsel, members of AILA’s National Ethics Committee sit down with discipline counsel across the United States to learn more about common ethics issues and advice they have for immigration lawyers.
Ethics Reference Guides by State
AILA provides state-by-state reference guides on ethics and professionalism, including each state's Rules of Professional Conduct and selected ethics opinions.
Federal Ethics Resources
A compilation of federal ethics resources from DHS, USCIS, and EOIR including contact information of the disciplinary office, rules and procedures of professional conduct and selected articles and publications.
Bite-Sized Ethics: Simple Tips for Avoiding a Disciplinary Complaint in Immigration Court
Removal defense lawyers practicing in immigration court regularly face desperate clients and immigration judges with their own rules. Removal defense can be a landmine for possible errors and discipline complaints. This bite-sized ethics article shares helpful steps for lawyers to avoid discipline.
The Ethics Videos You Need
Articles are great, but sometimes you need to hear someone explain a tricky ethics situation to you face-to-face. Check out this video library from the Practice & Professionalism Center to help navigate and avoid complicated ethical quandaries.