MAP Testimonials

"I was an enlisted infantry Marine and know the struggles that Marines face while on duty for their nation. I felt compelled to help my fellow brothers in arms with their legal immigration issues while they do their military service for our country. When I was in the Marines, our thought process was to always have each other's back regardless of what the conditions were. I feel that I need to watch my fellow brothers and sisters back while they fight for us in the front lines. MAP provides legal access to the service members. There are Marines that are worried about their family member's legal immigration status when they should be worrying about their duties to their fellow brothers in arms. When I start the case with the servicemembers I can sense that they have just taken a big gasp of air. I can hear it on their voices when I talk to them about starting their case. It is a sigh of relief for them. I have a Marine with over twenty years of experience waiting for over a year to bring his spouse to the U.S. In the meantime, his orders to fulfill his duties are placed on hold. Service members whom serve their nation whether high ranking or not should not be forced to wait over a year to bring their immediate relatives to the U.S. This is unacceptable.”

—Marino B.

"As a volunteer attorney with AILA Military Assistance Program, I feel as if I am fulfilling my JAG Corps dreams that never realized. I am a military veteran. I served five years in the US Army. Currently, I live 2 miles from my former duty station, Fort Belvoir, Virginia, where I represent military service members and their families. These cases are challenging but rewarding. I have gained an education that I probably would not have experienced as a JAG officer. I enjoy volunteering with AILA MAP."

—Angela T.

“AILA made it easy to get involved. I signed up for the MAP listserv and when a case was posted that I thought I could help with, I took it. Then I took another. I’ve kept one or two active cases since then. The coordinators and other members of the MAP are an amazing resource and have been extremely helpful working through some difficult issues. Taking a MAP case is a great way for an attorney who does not have a personal connection to the military to learn a bit about the armed forces. I encourage everyone in AILA to take one case from the MAP list or work together with a colleague to help a military family. Ask the servicemember about their background and why they joined the armed forces, about their boot camp experience, where have they been deployed, what their position is, and where they have most enjoyed traveling. Servicemembers endure long separations from their loved ones and they are often in harm’s way. Help make their service a bit easier by smoothing the way for a military naturalization, a parole in place, an adjustment of status, or helping a servicemember who, because of PTS, has had legal issues that have caused complications for an immigration matter. Attorneys advise and counsel every day. Why not utilize these skills to make a meaningful impact that can change a servicemember’s life for the better? What a truly meaningful way to support our troops!”

—Beth B.