Why and How to Join AILA

Founded in 1946, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) is the national association of more than 15,000 attorneys and law professors who practice and teach immigration law. AILA is a nonpartisan, non-for-profit organization that provides continuing legal education, information, professional services, and expertise to its members through its 39 chapters and over 50 national committees. Members help support AILA’s mission 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.

With membership, you get full access to AILA’s professional and social network of members. You can get involved in your local Chapter by attending meetings, taking on leadership roles, or resolving local issues; join a Section designed to share information and ideas on specific areas of immigration law; or you can become part of an Interest Group, an informal affiliation of AILA members who share common interests and backgrounds. You can also connect with AILA’s Mentor Program, request liaison assistance to help resolve problems with individual cases, and ask questions and engage with your peers on AILA’s listserves or the Message Center.

Members also enjoy complete access to AILA’s website, including InfoNet—AILA’s constantly-updated research library containing a plethora of primary source documents and news from various immigration agencies; practice pointers and alerts; advocacy and media tools; guidance and resources to grow your immigration practice; and more. Members enjoy exclusive access to AILA University, reduced rates for non-CLE and CLE-eligible audio and web seminars, in-person conferences, and conference recordings. Members also receive substantial discounts on all AILA publications, including Kurzban’s Immigration Law Sourcebook; AILALink, AILA’s online research database; and free access to Fastcase, a comprehensive online legal research system. (Individual Fastcase subscriptions purchased directly from Fastcase without taking advantage of AILA member benefits start at $695 per year.)

To get access to the resources you need to run your immigration practice, stay on top of the changing immigration landscape, and to make a difference in your community, join AILA today! See the full list of benefits of becoming an AILA member.

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Types of AILA Membership

Regular Members

• Members 7+ years $455.00
• Members 4-7 years $405.00
• Members 2-3 years $335.00
• 1st year of Membership $320.00

Regular National Dues are determined according to your original AILA join date. If your membership has lapsed for more than 5 years, the National dues rate will revert back to $320.

Chapter dues, which are also required, range from $25 to $100 and are determined by your geographical location of practice

Nonprofit Members

• Nonprofit Members $125.00 (a $195 discount off the first year of regular AILA membership)

If you are employed by a 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit organization, which provides free or low cost legal services to immigrants, and you earn less than $65,000 annually, you may be eligible for the reduced National dues rate of $125. The organization must be the attorney's only source of income. All nonprofit members must provide proof of eligibility upon application and renewal.

If you qualify, you must submit a nonprofit attorney request form along with a letter from your organization attesting to:

• The organization's 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.
• The organization's mission to provide free or low cost legal services to the immigrant community.
• That you are a full-time employee with the organization and that your salary does not exceed $65,000 annually.

Omission of the above information will delay the process of your application.

Senior Members

• Senior Members $227.50

Persons who have been members of the Association for at least 25 years and who have reached the age of 65 are entitled, upon request, to have their names placed on a list of Senior Members.

Retired Members

• Retired Members $40.00

As a current AILA member who is retiring from the practice of law, you may request the Retired membership category and rate.

Law Student Members

• Law Student Members $50.00

Students who are enrolled in a full-time capacity at an ABA or like body accredited law school may be eligible for Law Student Membership with AILA. Dues are pro-rated depending on the time of year they apply, and can be as little as $15. Maintaining a Law Student Membership for more than one year entitles the newly-licensed attorney to a discount of $100 off National dues!

Read more information regarding Law Student Member Benefits.

Types of Nonmember Associates

International Associates

• International Associates $227.50

Persons residing and practicing outside the United States who are otherwise ineligible for membership in the Association may apply for International Associate status. Applicants must prove their eligibility to become an International Associate of AILA by submitting a current certificate or letter of good standing of the attorney licensing body of the country in which they reside and practice. Submit a completed application to become an International Associate with payment and proof of active license to: American Immigration Lawyers Association ATTN: Membership Department Suite 300 1331 G Street NW, Washington DC 20005 or fax to (202) 783-7853.

Read more information regarding International Associate benefits.