Immigration News
Check out daily roundups of immigration-related news stories, read articles that quote and cite AILA and AILA leadership, and check out analysis from AILA members and leadership on the AILA blog.
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AILA in the News
Browse the Immigration News collection
Did the National Interest Waiver Just Get Easier?
AILA member Peter Rees explains a recent update to the National Interest Waiver determination guidance, which could allow for more NIW grants particularly for advanced STEM degree holders and entrepreneurs,
U.S. Asylum Laws and the People of Haiti
AILA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee member Jamel Connor describes the profoundly unjust situation Haiti and its people face and why this Black History Month she reflects on the country's history and urges the U.S. to stop turning its back on Haitian immigrants.
Biden Is Failing on His Campaign Promise to End Private Immigration Detention
In this blog post, AILA Policy Counsel Jen Whitlock describes how President Biden has failed to fulfill his campaign promise to end the use of private prisons and why AILA and our partners will continue to push for these inhumane practices to end.
Eighty-Five Immigrant and Human Rights Groups Call for Investigation and Demand Private Prison Ban Extend to ICE Detention
AILA and our partners requested the DHS and DOJ OIGs review the implementation of President Biden’s EO phasing out DOJ’s use of private prisons; the request was supported by 85 immigrant and human rights groups that delivered a complementary letter demanding the findings be made public.
AILA: USCIS Needs to Give Meaning to the Words of Its New Mission Statement
AILA applauded the Biden administration’s rewrite of the USCIS mission statement which clearly signals a more welcoming and respectful attitude towards immigrants and recognition of the importance of immigration to America’s success.
My Moment – When Immigration Law Became My Path, Part 3
As AILA celebrates our 75th year, we invited members to “Share the Moment You Realized Immigration Law Was for You“ and we are delighted to share the third blog post featuring those moments; this post includes four members' stories.
AILA, NALEO Educational Fund, and the National Partnership for New Americans Team Up for Virtual and In-Person Citizenship Events
AILA is proud to join NALEO Educational Fund and NPNA for AILA’s 16th Citizenship Day, taking place virtually and in-person at 20+ events across the country on or around Saturday, February 12, 2022, to help lawful permanent residents take the final steps toward U.S. citizenship.
AILA Welcomes Legislation to Create Independent Immigration Court
AILA welcomed newly introduced legislation that would create an independent immigration court system. The “Real Courts, Rule of Law Act of 2022” was introduced by Representatives Lofgren (D-CA), Nadler (D-NY), and Johnson (D-GA), following two hearings on this issue over the past few years.
Let’s Make International Entrepreneur Parole Great (or Even Feasible): An Open Letter to the Biden Administration
AILA Media Advocacy Committee chair Fiona McEntee and member Tahmina Watson explain why the Biden administration needs to make changes to the International Entrepreneur Parole program in order to ensure our country has a workable immigration option for startup entrepreneurs.
Capital Good Fund and AILA Partnership Brings Financial Support to Immigrant Communities
Capital Good Fund and AILA have launched a national program to give AILA members the benefit of offering an affordable financing option to their clients, allowing more people to access legal representation.
My Moment – When Immigration Law Became My Path, Part 2
As AILA celebrates our 75th year, we invited members to “Share the Moment You Realized Immigration Law Was for You“ and we are delighted to share the second blog posts featuring those moments; this post includes four members' stories.
Making the Case for Nurse H-1Bs
In this blog post, AILA Media Advocacy Committee member Adam Cohen highlights why the Biden administration “must do more to allow foreign nurses to bring their desperately needed skills to the U.S.“ in particular by rescinding the 2015 memo that prevents eligibility for most nurse positions un
My Moment – When Immigration Law Became My Path, Part 1
As AILA celebrates our 75th year, we invited members to “Share the Moment You Realized Immigration Law Was for You“ and we are delighted to share the first of several blog posts featuring those moments; this post includes four members' stories.
AILA Welcomes Administration’s Changes to Attract and Retain STEM Talent
AILA welcomed policy changes that will help America attract and retain individuals with STEM expertise. President Allen Orr noted, “These changes are in line with several recommendations AILA has urged the Biden administration to consider as part of our Vision for a Welcoming America.”
One Year Later, Promises on Immigration Have Fallen Short
AILA reviewed and analyzed the Biden administration’s promises on immigration and the actions taken, or not taken, in our new report. “Still Striving – The First Year of the Biden Administration” covers promises kept and those left unfulfilled in the year since President Biden’s inauguration.
This Should be Written By Someone Else
AILA Asylum and Refugee Committee Member Lindsay Harris shares the plight of her Afghan clients and the solutions that Congress and USCIS need to enact and implement as so many families face unnecessary trauma and hardship.
Removal Proceedings in the Time of COVID
Jonathan Willmoth reflects on the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on court proceedings and the Biden administration's efforts to expand prosecutorial discretion, two areas he looks forward to learning more about at the upcoming AILA Virtual Midwinter Conference.
This is the Year of the Tiger; Let’s Start 2022 with Courage and Compassion
AILA Media Advocacy Committee Vice Chair Evangeline Chan reflects on the meaning of the Lunar New Year which will usher in the Year of the Tiger on February 1, 2022, urging all of us to be courageous and compassionate and fight injustice this year.
How About the Immigration Agency Does Its Job?
AILA Media Advocacy Committee Member Matt Maiona describes what is happening due to extreme USCIS delays on employment authorization documents and the impact backlogs and inefficiencies are having on the economy and communities across the nation.
Custody Redetermination Hearings and Material Change in Circumstances
AILA Law Journal author Matthew Boles shares some insights about researching and writing about custody redetermination and why he hopes his AILA Law Journal article on the subject can help other practitioners across the country advocate in front of immigration judges.
Top Five AILA Video Topics and Think Immigration Posts in 2021
In this blog post, the AILA Comms Team takes a look back at the most popular video topics of 2021 as well as the most popular blog posts, spanning topics from immigration reform in the reconciliation bill to litigation updates, to backlogs and needed policy changes as we head into 2022.
The Civil Penalty of Deportation
In this video blog post, AILA law student member and AILA Law Journal author Angela Landa describes her interest and research into how the supposedly “civil“ penalty of deportation has been applied in the criminal context and how changes could be made to ensure due process.
Self-care: The Ultimate Advocacy Tool
In this blog post, AILA Media and Advocacy Committee member Tahmina Watson emphasizes the importance of self-care as we prepare to advocate in 2022 for the immigration reform our country and clients need.
75 Years of Friendships, Education, and Community
In this blog post, part of a months-long series leading up to the formal celebration of AILA's 75th year at the upcoming Annual Conference in June, 2022, three AILA members reflect on what AILA has brought to their lives and livelihoods, including friendships, professional successes, and community.
The Costanza High Note Walk Off and a Happy Festivus!
In this blog post, AILA's first director of federal litigation, Jesse Bless, reflects on the battles fought and partnerships forged during his service at AILA.