Recent Postings

1 - 50 of 114

Board Meeting Schedule

View the schedule of upcoming AILA Board of Governors meetings.

1/22/24 AILA Doc. No. 99900686.

2024 Spring Board of Governors Meeting Materials

The AILA Board of Governors will meet Saturday, March 23, 2024, in Washington, D.C. This document contains the agenda and meeting materials.

3/18/24 AILA Doc. No. 24031835.

BOG Meeting Agenda and Materials

View previous BOG meeting agenda and materials.

1/18/24 AILA Doc. No. 24011801.
Agency Memos & Announcements

USCIS Issues Reminder that H-1B Initial Registration Period Closes March 22

USCIS posted a reminder that the initial registration period for the FY2025 H-1B cap closes at noon (ET)on March 22, 2024.

Agency Memos & Announcements

OIDO Invitation to March Roundtable Discussions

The Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman will hold two roundtable discussions in March to collect feedback. On March 14, it will hold a MyOIDO feedback webinar and on March 21, it will hold a legal access webinar. Notice includes registration information.

3/11/24 AILA Doc. No. 24030801. Detention & Bond, Removal & Relief
Agency Memos & Announcements

OFLC Invitation to Webinar on CW-1 Applications

OFLC invites stakeholders to a webinar on March 26 that provides technical assistance and helpful tips for preparing the CW-1 Application for Prevailing Wage Determination (Form ETA-9141C), (Form ETA-9142C), and the CW-1 Job Vacancy Announcement.

Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases

CA11 Grants Rehearing in Case Concerning Retroactive Application of Matter of Thomas and Matter of Thompson

The court granted the petition for rehearing and withdrew its previous opinion, which held that petitioner’s modification order did not change his term of imprisonment for purposes of federal immigration law, and thus that petitioner was an aggravated felon. (Edwards v. Att’y Gen., 3/6/24)

3/6/24 AILA Doc. No. 24031874. Crimes, Removal & Relief
Agency Memos & Announcements

USCIS to Accept H-2B Petitions for Certain Nationals Starting March 22, 2024

USCIS will accept H-2B petitions for employers seeking workers who are nationals of El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Haiti, Colombia, Ecuador, and Costa Rica, for an employment start date from April 1, 2024, to September 30, 2024, on March 22, 2024.

Practice Resources

Practice Alert: Delays in USCIS Transfer of I-129F Approved Petitions to NVC

AILA has been made aware and collected examples of issues arising from USCIS transfers of I-129F petitions to the NVC. From that call for examples, AILA collected 33 examples and now provides a summary of the trends seen.

Agency Memos & Announcements

USCIS Provides Update on DACA Processing Times

USCIS issued a reminder that it is committed to timely adjudicating DACA renewal requests. All DACA renewal requests are currently adjudicated at the Nebraska Service Center (NSC), except for a small number of remaining requests pending at the Vermont Service Center (VSC).

3/15/24 AILA Doc. No. 24031873. DACA
Agency Memos & Announcements

USCIS Provides Guidance on Mobile Biometrics Collection in Remote Locations

USCIS updated its guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to further clarify existing policy on providing mobile biometrics collection services to benefit requestors residing in remote locations within the United States. Guidance is effective 3/7/24 and comments are due by 4/8/24.

Immigration News

Daily Immigration News Clips – March 18, 2024

Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on March 18, 2024.

3/18/24 AILA Doc. No. 24031871.
AILA Announcements

Sign Up for an AILALink Training

Learn how AILALink is the perfect tool for electronic access to the books and other research resources you need. Sign up for our next group training at 2:00 pm (ET) on Tuesday, April 9, or sign up for AILALink office hours.

3/18/24 AILA Doc. No. 15082740.
AILA Announcements

Respectfully and Effectively Advocating for LGBTQ+ Clients

Expand your knowledge and expertise for assisting LGBTQ+ clients, including learning about respectful and appropriate terminology to use with your LGBTQ+ clients in this roundtable hosted by AILA's LGBTQ+ Lawyers Interest Group.

3/18/24
AILA Announcements

Preorders Now Available: Representing Clients in Immigration Court

Our practical guide to winning removal defense cases has been fully updated. Preorder your copy of Representing Clients in Immigration Court today. You'll find updated discussions of ways to contest removability, adjustment of status as a defense to removal, detention and bond, and more!

AILA Announcements

Families in Removal Proceedings: How to Advocate in the Face of Rapid Timelines and Access to Counsel Barriers

The Biden Administration has implemented several policies to deter migrants from coming to the U.S. outside of a limited number of pathways. These policies include a new ban on eligibility for asylum and enhanced expedited processes to more quickly remove asylum seekers. Learn more in this seminar.

3/18/24
AILA Announcements

Global Migration Section Call (March 2024) - Consular Webinar

Please join the Global Migration Section for its annual Consular Webinar, during which the section will discuss the following topics: an overview of country-specific consular processing; the impact of global conflicts, economic pressures, and presidential elections; potential impacts of AI.

AILA Announcements

2024 AILA/GMS Annual Global Migration Forum

The AILA Global Migration Section (GMS) invites you to attend the AILA/GMS Annual Global Migration Forum in “The Windy City,” where experts from around the world will discuss how global mobility is fueling change around the world and how human movement is being impacted by these issues.

3/18/24
AILA Announcements

Planning and Running a Pro Bono Clinic Part 2

Once you have chosen the focus of your pro bono clinic and done the initial groundwork preparing for your event, it’s time to dive into the details. AILA’s Pro Bono Committee presents this roundtable focused on the nuts and bolts of running a clinic.

3/18/24
AILA Announcements

AILA Succession Planning Live Online Course

Explore the essentials of succession planning and how to develop an effective and ethical exit strategy. This course is designed for solo and small-firm immigration attorneys contemplating retirement, as well as for potential buyers who want to learn about the process of buying an existing practice.

3/18/24
AILA Announcements

Respectfully and Effectively Advocating for LGBTQ+ Clients

Join AILA's LGBTQ+ Lawyers Interest Group for a roundtable designed to help you best serve clients who identify as LGBTQ+. This course will cover a range of topics including respectful and appropriate terminology, strategies for building trust with LGBTQ+ clients, and more.

3/15/24
Agency Memos & Announcements

USCIS Releases Updated Guidance to Further Clarify Its Anti-Discrimination Policy

USCIS issued policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual to further clarify its anti-discrimination policy for USCIS employees and contractors interacting directly or indirectly with members of the public. The guidance is controlling and supersedes any related prior guidance. Comments due 4/15/24.

3/15/24 AILA Doc. No. 24031501.
Practice Resources

Practice Alert: Ongoing Updates on H-1B Registration Issues

AILA received confirmation from USCIS that any previously submitted registration affected by the missing signature issue from Form G-28 are considered valid. USCIS also provided updates on pay.gov issues and registration status issues.

3/15/24 AILA Doc. No. 24030831. Business Immigration, H-1B & H-1B1 Specialty Occupation

National Day of Action

AILA’s 2024 National Day of Action will be on March 21, 2024.

3/15/24 AILA Doc. No. 17101761.
Cases & Decisions, DOJ/EOIR Cases

BIA Issues Ruling on Regulation Concerning Removal Proceedings Where Respondent Has Credible Fear of Persecution or Torture

The BIA held that 8 CFR §1240.17 applies only to those respondents placed in expedited removal proceedings whose applications for relief and protection were first adjudicated by USCIS and who were then placed in removal proceedings under INA §240. Matter of F–C–S–, 28 I&N Dec. 788 (BIA 2024)

3/15/24 AILA Doc. No. 24031575. Asylum, Expedited Removal, Removal & Relief
AILA Public Statements, Press Releases

AILA Executive Director Urges Biden Administration to Offer Haitians Safety in this Time of Turmoil

AILA Executive Director Ben Johnson urged the Biden Administration to take immediate action as Haiti faces immense challenges and use “all of the tools in the executive branch’s toolbox” to help offer security and safety to those affected, including extending and redesignating TPS for Haitians.

Tutorial Videos, Professional Resources

AILA Moment of Mindfulness – The S.T.O.P Practice

There is no better way to end your week. Take two minutes for yourself right now to feel better and adjust your attitude. Use this simple mindfulness technique to observe what is happening in your thoughts and emotions so you can respond more effectively to daily stressors that impact you.

3/15/24 AILA Doc. No. 19083007. Practice Management, Well-Being
Agency Memos & Announcements

USCIS Invitation to Webinar on HART's One-Year Anniversary

USCIS invites stakeholders to a Humanitarian, Adjustment, Removing Conditions and Travel Documents (HART) Service Center engagement on Wednesday, March 27. USCIS will share updates and answer Q&As.

3/15/24 AILA Doc. No. 24031573. Adjustment of Status, Asylum, Humanitarian Parole
Practice Resources

Practice Alert: ASC Biometrics Scheduling Issues

AILA has been made aware that applicants are receiving biometrics appointment notices either too late or with appointment dates that have already passed, and USCIS has issued guidance to remedy the matter.

3/15/24 AILA Doc. No. 24031572. Business Immigration, Family-Based Immigrants
Agency Memos & Announcements

USCIS Provides Video on Remote Document Examination

USCIS provides a new Remote Document Examination Video that demonstrates the process for E-Verify users in good standing. These users are qualified to remotely examine employees’ documentation using a DHS-authorized alternative procedure at E-Verify hiring sites

3/15/24 AILA Doc. No. 24031571. Employer Compliance
Immigration News

Daily Immigration News Clips – March 15, 2024

Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on March 15, 2024.

3/15/24
Examples & Questions

Call for Examples: H-1B Cap Registrations without a Valid Passport

AILA seeks examples of potential H-1B cap registrants who are legally unable to obtain a valid passport.

3/15/24 AILA Doc. No. 24031301. H-1B & H-1B1 Specialty Occupation

Member Benefits

As an AILA member, you belong to a diverse and dynamic community of immigration law professionals and have access to a wide array of resources and opportunities.

3/14/24
AILA Announcements

Why am I Not Receiving AILA Listserv Emails?

If you’ve noticed that you’re not receiving emails from the listservs you signed up for, this article will share the resources to ensure you always get the content you want.

3/14/24 AILA Doc. No. 24031403. Practice Management
Featured Issues

Featured Issue: Border Processing and Asylum

This featured issue page provides updates, analyses, and other resources on border processing and asylum policies, and AILA’s advocacy on the creation of a humane and fair border processing system for all individuals arriving at our southern border seeking safety.

3/14/24 AILA Doc. No. 19032731. Admissions & Border, Asylum, Removal & Relief
Examples & Questions

Call for Examples: Implementation of CLP Rule

CGRS is preparing a practice advisory on the Circumvention of Lawful Pathways Rule (aka Biden’s Asylum Ban) and is interested in hearing from advocates who have experience with the Rule’s implementation in CFIs or merits proceedings. Please send examples by March 15.

3/14/24 AILA Doc. No. 24030611. Admissions & Border, Asylum
Agency Memos & Announcements

USCIS Releases Credible Fear Procedures Manual Due to FOIA Lawsuit

AILA member David Cleveland shared USCIS’s Credible Fears Procedures Manual released due to a FOIA lawsuit.

5/10/23 AILA Doc. No. 24031477. Asylum
Examples & Questions

Call for Examples: Number of SIJS Stranded Outside the United States Due to Visa Backlog

The End SIJS Backlog Coalition is trying to determine how many SIJs may be stranded outside the United States due to the visa backlog. The Coalition would appreciate it if you could provide this information by Friday, March 22. 

AILA Doc. No. 24031400. Special Immigrant Juveniles
Federal Agencies, Practice Resources

Practice Alert: Parole Programs for Venezuela, Nicaragua, Haiti, and Cuba

The Biden Administration has implemented nationality-specific parole programs for Venezuela, Nicaragua, Haiti, and Cuba. This practice alert summarizes available information for practitioners representing clients from these countries.

3/14/24 AILA Doc. No. 22101934. Humanitarian Parole
AILA Announcements

2024 AILA Spring CLE Conference and Webcast

There's still time to register for the Spring 2024 AILA CLE Conference and Webcast! Register today using the code Spring24Web to save an additional $100 on registration fees. Get the latest updates from government agencies including USCIS, ICE OPLA, ICE ERO, DOS, DOL, DOJ IER, EOIR, and the BIA.

Professional Resources

How Do I Get Started with AI in My Immigration Practice?

Have you been telling yourself, "I’ve been hearing a lot about AI, but I still don’t get how it can help me in my practice?" Here are four easy ways you can start today.

3/14/24 AILA Doc. No. 24031478. Practice Management
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases

CA10 Concludes That Women Business Owners in El Salvador Is Not a Cognizable PSG

The court found that the BIA did not err in denying petitioners’ motion to terminate, nor in denying their asylum claim based on finding no nexus and holding that “women business owners in El Salvador” is not a cognizable particular social group (PSG). (Miguel-Pena, et al. v. Garland, 3/4/24)

3/4/24 AILA Doc. No. 24031476. Asylum, Removal & Relief

USCIS Invitation to Online Filing Engagement

USCIS invites stakeholders to a webinar on March 28 to learn about online filing. Stakeholders can soon file Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker for H-1B petitions and Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing online using USCIS Online Accounts. Questions are due by March 19.

3/14/24 AILA Doc. No. 24030608. Business Immigration, H-1B & H-1B1 Specialty Occupation
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases

District Court Finds Texas Lacks Standing to Challenge DHS’s Expanded Parole Program

The district court held that the plaintiffs, a group of 21 states led by Texas, lacked standing to challenge the CHNV Parole Program, which grants a pathway for parole to nationals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, and thus dismissed the case. (Texas, et al. v. DHS, et al., 3/8/24

3/8/24 AILA Doc. No. 24031475. Humanitarian Parole
Agency Memos & Announcements

ICE Announces Initial Deployment of 1,600 Body-worn Cameras

ICE announced the initial deployment of 1,600 body-worn cameras to HSI and ERO. During this phase, ICE will distribute body-worn cameras and provide specific training to ERO and HSI personnel in the Baltimore, Philadelphia, Washington, Buffalo, and Detroit areas of responsibility.

3/13/24 AILA Doc. No. 24031474. Employer Compliance, Removal & Relief
Immigration News

Daily Immigration News Clips – March 14, 2024

Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on March 14, 2024.

3/14/24
Professional Resources

Bite-Sized Ethics: Choosing Between Loyalty and Lying When It Comes to a Client's Testimony

If a lawyer has actual knowledge of a client’s lies, but regards it only as a reasonable belief, the lawyer’s failure to take remedial measures or disclose likely violates ABA Model Rule on Candor to the Tribunal. Learn more about defining a tribunal and next steps in this bite-sized ethics article.

5/15/18 AILA Doc. No. 18051560. Ethics
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases

CA8 Finds BIA Did Not Err in Vacating IJ’s Grant of CAT Relief as to South Sudanese Petitioner

The court held that the BIA did not err in rejecting the petitioner’s claim under the Convention Against Torture (CAT) for deferral of his removal to South Sudan, finding that the evidence was insufficient to establish a likelihood of torture. (Yar v. Garland, 3/8/24)

3/8/24 AILA Doc. No. 24031473. Asylum, Removal & Relief
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases

CA8 Finds That Serious Nonpolitical Crime Bar Applies to Honduran Petitioner Who Transported Guns and Drugs for MS-13

Where petitioner admitted he had knowingly transported guns and drugs for the MS-13 gang on multiple occasions, the court upheld the BIA’s conclusion that he had committed a serious nonpolitical crime and was thus ineligible for withholding of removal. (Herrera-Elias v. Garland, 3/4/24)

3/4/24 AILA Doc. No. 24031471. Asylum, Removal & Relief
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases

CA6 Says That Mexican Business Owners Is Not a Cognizable PSG

The court upheld the BIA’s denial of asylum and withholding of removal as to the Mexican petitioner, concluding that the petitioner’s proposed social group (PSG) of “Mexican business owners” was not legally cognizable. (Reyes Galeana v. Garland, 3/4/24)

3/4/24 AILA Doc. No. 24031472. Asylum, Removal & Relief