AILA Releases Seventh Edition of Asylum Primer

Washington, DC - The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) is proud to release the new edition of AILA's Asylum Primer, the comprehensive, practical guide to U.S. asylum law and procedure that has been completely updated and expanded to address all changes since the release of the last edition in 2009 as well as emerging issues in this dynamic area.

Written by Dree K. Collopy, the Asylum Primer is the all-in-one reference that offers a procedural "walk-through" of the entire U.S. asylum process from an asylum-seeker's entry into the country through his or her acquisition of U.S. citizenship. The manual also includes myriad strategies and practical guidance for creative and zealous advocacy as well as a guide to sources of U.S. asylum law and historical development.

The new edition provides expert analysis and advice on crucial areas, such as new credible fear standards, gang- and gender-based asylum claims, procedures for unaccompanied children, burdens of proof, standards of proof, evidentiary burdens on asylum-seekers, legal standards for demonstrating eligibility for asylum, protection under the Convention Against Torture, related forms for relief, and much more.

"This resource is absolutely indispensable for anyone seeking to tackle asylum issues, from basic to complex," said AILA Executive Director Crystal Williams. She continued, "Law schools and asylum law clinics would also find this comprehensive guide a vital tool in showing students the full spectrum of asylum law."

Additional topics covered include:

• Border apprehensions and seeking relief while subject to expedited or reinstatement of removal;
• Family detention and bond practice;
• Seeking immigration and public benefits for those granted relief;
• Eligibility requirements for adjustment of status as an asylee or refugee seeking §209(c) waivers of inadmissibility;
• Termination of relief and strategies for fighting termination;
• Filing cases before USCIS and the immigration courts;
• Administrative or judicial review of denials of relief and more.

The author, Dree K. Collopy, is a partner at Benach Ragland LLP. An experienced advocate, Ms. Collopy devotes her practice to defending and representing individuals in removal proceedings, asylum matters, federal court litigation, VAWA and U visa petitions, family-based visa petitions, and complex adjustment of status and naturalization applications. She develops thorough and creative legal strategies and is steadfast in fighting for her clients' rights. A recognized asylum expert, she serves as Chair of the AILA Asylum and Refugee Liaison Committee. She mentors pro bono attorneys, develops case materials and strategies for the representation of detained women and children refugees, and serves on working groups developing nationwide policy, advocacy, and litigation strategies on behalf of refugees. She co-directs the Immigration Litigation Clinic at The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law, where she is a member of the adjunct faculty and supervises law students representing indigent clients in removal proceedings before the U.S. immigration courts.

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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.