The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) is an immigrant advocacy group, and is the United States’ immigration bar association.The AILA is a non-profit organization that consists of lawyers and law professors that are dedicated to the practice and teaching of immigration law.
Its advocates represent U.S. families who are attempting to get U.S. permanent resident status for family members overseas and also represent businesses that have sponsored highly-skilled workers overseas who are attempting to enter the United States on a temporary or permanent basis. The AILA was funded in 1946, and as of 2001, consists of over 7500 lawyers. In 1985, there were 1,800 members; a three-fold increase from 1975. The president of the AILA as of June 2008 is Kathleen Campbell Walker, a lawyer working in El Paso. David Leopold, a Cleveland-based lawyer, is the vice-president of the Association.
In July 2007, the AILA filed a class action lawsuit against the United States federal Citizenship and Immigration Service, after the government rejected thousands of applications for Green cards from highly skilled immigrants.
Mission & Goals
Mission
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.
Strategic Goals
Increase member participation in advocacy before Congress, the Judiciary, the Federal Agencies, and the media, for immigration-related interests of our clients and society.
Educate the public about the ways in which U.S. immigration law and policy serves the national interest by reuniting American families, protecting refugees, & providing U.S. employers with the specialized skills they need to remain globally competitive.
Enhance respect for immigration law, and professional recognition of immigration lawyers, by government, the bar, and society.
Support AILF’s Legal Action Center and educational programming.
Increase the level of knowledge and professionalism, and foster the professional responsibility, of our members.
Enhance the litigation capabilities of the membership as an important option to ensure the just administration of our immigration laws.
Assist members in effectively and competently pursuing their law practice and enhancing their professional satisfaction.
Advance the protection of the public by promoting consumer protection and authorized representation.
Promote and support delivery of competent, ethical, and lawful immigration services by lawyers, authorized accredited representatives, and pro bono programs.
Encourage and facilitate member participation in, and support for, pro bono services and programs.