AILA Welcomes Immigration Reform Opportunity

For Immediate Release:

Washington, DC – Today, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) welcomed the Senate’s passage of a budget resolution measure which would allow the Judiciary Committee to start the process of drafting legislative text that will create a path to permanent status for certain individuals.

AILA President Allen Orr said, “This was a historic move by the Senate that lifted the spirits and brought hope to so many families and individuals across our nation. By allocating more than $100 billion toward this effort in the budget reconciliation measure, Senate Democrats showed true commitment to protecting Dreamers, those holding Temporary Protected Status, farmworkers, and essential workers who have waited far too long to be recognized as a part of communities all across the country. Also included in the instructions was a mandate to implement ‘smart and effective’ border security measures. AILA and our members will watch closely as details emerge in the coming weeks and offer our expertise and insights on the real-world, practical impact of these changes.”

AILA Executive Director Benjamin Johnson added, “It was heartening to see the results of so many hours of advocacy and education come to fruition with these votes. Now all eyes turn to the Judiciary Committee to see the language that will make the broad outlines in the budget package become reality. Our immigration laws haven’t been substantially updated in more than a generation – it is long overdue. We understand this budget measure won’t be the vehicle for comprehensive immigration reform but there are a lot of key changes that would benefit our nation and increase our shared prosperity, something we desperately need as we seek to build our way out of the pandemic and chart a more positive course forward.”

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.