Become an AILA Law Student Member Today
The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) has the tools to assist you in beginning and advancing your career in immigration law. Browse through our many membership benefits that provide education opportunities, encourage networking, and give you services to jumpstart your career.
AILA Law Student Membership is free and is open to full-time and part-time law students who attend an accredited law school. Accreditation must come from the ABA, State Supreme Court, or like body.
Applicants must provide proof of their current student status with a full course of study in a law program at an accredited institution (e.g., a letter from the registrar's office or a transcript) with the application.
Once an application is received, the processing time can take up to two weeks.
To Apply...
Create an AILA.org account and select "Prospective Applicant" in the "Person Type" field. You will then be able to complete the law student membership application. If you already have an AILA.org account, you can apply online for law student membership.
If you have any questions about membership or AILA in general, contact the AILA membership department at membership@aila.org or by phone at 202-507-7635.
Benefits of being an AILA Law Student Member
As a law student member, here's how you can get started and make the most out of your student membership!
Research at Your Fingertips
AILALink is the go-to resource for immigration law research, providing its subscribers with access to immigration-related statutes, regulations, and select important case law and AILA publications, including Kurzban's Immigration Law Sourcebook. AILALink is FREE for AILA Law Students and contains over $4,000 worth of AILA publications. Please note: All AILA Law Students are automatically enrolled in AILALink when they join as an AILA Law Student.
Grow as a Professional
Our AILA Career Center offers professional services to help you build and manage your career for maximum potential for success. Our resources include professional resume review, personalized career coaching, and our nationwide job postings search engine. Along with helping build your career and professional presence, AILA also offers free programming dedicated to Law Students that cover topics including getting through the stresses of law school, understanding the different branches of immigration, how to get started in law career and much more.
Build Your Network
Our AILA Online Membership Directory will help you research immigration law firms and AILA members in your area, giving you a head start preparing for the post-law school job hunt. Also, the Law Student Listserv will allow you to network with other student members from across the country! Want to hear from a member directly? Read through a former AILA Student Members experience on our Think Immigration Blog.
Access Free Downloadable Content
Visit AILA Shop, the organization's online marketplace, to download a variety of content including podcasts, audio seminars, and articles that are free to AILA student members.
Stay Informed
Law student members have access to online resources, including AILA8, our daily e-newsletter that highlights the top 8 immigration news items of the day in 8 minutes or less, and a customized AILA.org user experience designed for you and the topics you want to see more of!
Attend Career-Building Conferences
Law student members can attend conferences at a significantly discounted rate. You will have the opportunity to hear from leading experts in the immigration field, as well as network with current immigration attorneys from across the country. You may also qualify for one of our scholarships to attend the AILA Annual Conference!
Advocacy Tools
Get access to advocacy and media materials surrounding current immigration developments.
Have questions that weren’t covered above, or is there anything you’d like to know more about? Reach out to us by email at membership@aila.org or give us a call at 202-507-7635.
What’s Next After Law School?
Graduating from law school is a major milestone—and the beginning of your professional journey. Whether you’re studying for the bar, newly licensed, or exploring other professional roles, there’s an AILA pathway designed for your next move.
Studying for the Bar? Stay Connected with an AILA Membership Extension
If you’ve recently graduated and are preparing for the bar exam, you may be eligible for a one year extension of your AILA law student membership.
With an extension, you can continue to access:
- Immigration law updates and practice resources
- Educational programming and timely alerts
- AILA’s member community and professional network
Request Your Membership Extension
Email membership@aila.org.
Passed the Bar? Launch Your Immigration Law Career with AILA
If you’re newly licensed, now is the time to invest in your professional foundation. AILA attorney membership gives you the tools, education, and connections you need to build confidence and credibility in immigration practice from day one.
As an AILA attorney member, you’ll gain access to:
- Essential immigration law practice tools and guidance
- CLEs and skills based education
- Advocacy updates and policy insights
- A nationwide network of experienced immigration attorneys
New attorneys are eligible for a special first year membership rate of $216, making this an affordable step with long term career value.
Exploring a Career as an Immigration Paralegal?
Not sure the attorney path is right for you—or interested in a different role within immigration law? The AILA Affiliated Paralegal (AAP) Program supports professionals pursuing or advancing a career as an immigration paralegal.
The AAP Program offers:
- Immigration specific education and training
- Professional development opportunities
- A supportive peer community focused on best practices in immigration law
Why Join AILA at the Start of Your Career?
Early career decisions matter. By staying connected to AILA, you gain more than resources—you gain community, credibility, and continuity as you move from law school into practice.
No matter where you are in your journey, AILA helps you:
- Stay informed in a rapidly changing practice area
- Build professional relationships that last
- Grow with confidence as an immigration law professional