Think Immigration: Coming Together in Denver to Learn, and Lean on Each Other

I don’t know about you, but I find myself hustling these days – moving quickly from place to place, topic to topic. It often feels like I read through one practice alert only to have two or three more pop up and demand my attention. It’s busy and it can feel overwhelming. Amid all this, I’ve also been hustling to prepare the 2025 AILA Annual Conference (#AILAAC25) as chair of the conference committee. Trust me when I say, this program is packed with exactly what you and I need in these times.

I know that this year’s event, in Denver for those in-person, and online for the webcast, will empower us to navigate an ever-evolving immigration landscape. With more than 100 CLE-eligible sessions, specialized tracks designed to tackle the complexities of today’s practice, and a lineup of expert speakers—including former government officials offering insider perspectives—AC25 promises to be an essential gathering for immigration attorneys at every stage of their careers.

AC25 is a conference designed for today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities. We will be uniting the brightest minds to tackle everything from family-based immigration nuances to the latest in business immigration strategies. It goes without saying that we will also be digging into the year’s hot topics with the most experienced practitioners, as well as some exciting newcomers and inspiring AILA leaders. Whether you’re new to the field or a seasoned veteran, the program—organized into the dedicated tracks you love like Fundamentals, Family, Business, and Removal/Litigation—ensures that every session offers practical insights to help you build a thriving, profitable practice. And if this is your first Annual Conference, be sure to check out the Navigator program so you can get the most out of your first AC!

For those looking to sharpen their skills in high-stakes litigation, federal court challenges, and complex business immigration cases, AC25 features sessions tailored to today’s legal battles, including:

• Winning Summary Judgment Against USCIS After Loper Bright – The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Chevron deference is a game-changer, and this session will cover how practitioners can now challenge restrictive agency interpretations more effectively in federal court.
• Waiver Warriors: Advanced Strategies for Waivers of Inadmissibility in a New Era – Given the new administration’s likely hardline stance on inadmissibility, this session will help attorneys craft stronger I-601, I-601A, and I-212 waiver applications and tackle complex hardship determinations.
• Fighting the Threat of “Supercharged” Denaturalization – With concerns rising about stripping naturalized citizens of their status, this session is a must-attend for attorneys handling cases involving potential revocations, fraud allegations, or post-naturalization challenges.
• In the Weeds: How Marijuana Use, Production, and Sales Impact Noncitizens – As federal and state laws continue to conflict, practitioners need clear guidance on how cannabis-related issues affect admissibility, removability, and naturalization eligibility.
• FOIA: A Powerful Tool in Combating the Immigration Crackdown in the New Trump Era – With new restrictions looming, FOIA requests are an essential tool for advocacy. This session will cover best practices for obtaining critical government records to fight removal, delays, and denials.

One of the most valuable aspects of AC25 is the opportunity to hear directly from former government officials who can provide rare insights into agency policies. I have always found these sessions to be incredibly informative. As with all of you, I am curious to not only seek the latest information but to get a glimpse of how the agencies “think.” Sitting in the same room as USCIS leadership last year in Chicago and watching my AILA colleagues engage in conversation with names like Carrie Selby, Michael Valverde and Connie Nolan is simply not something you will get to experience outside of AILA AC, and I never miss an opportunity to sit in on these sessions. This year, opportunities to learn featuring ex-government speakers include:

• Behind the Consular Window: If you’ve ever wondered what goes into these interviews from the officer’s side, learn from former consular officers about the inner workings of a consular interview for nonimmigrant and immigrant visa processing.
• Q&A with Former Immigration Judges and Board of Immigration Appeals Members where you can ask former immigration judges and Board of Immigration Appeals members your pressing questions.

Other sessions I’m excited about include:

• Hot Topics with AILA National Officers: Immigration in the New Trump Era – The AILA Executive Committee will break down the latest policy developments, agency memos, and anticipated regulatory changes in real time.
• The NTA: To Fight Unprecedented Removal Efforts in the New Trump Era, Challenge Everything! – Speakers will share strategies to challenge Notices to Appear (NTAs) and expose procedural deficiencies in removal cases.
• What the Heck is Happening at the Border? – Hear unfiltered insight into current border policies, parole programs, and enforcement trends under the new administration.

Further, while AC25 will undoubtedly be one of the most content-rich immigration law conferences in history, it’s also a chance to recharge, reconnect, and refocus. The stress and emotional toll of this practice—especially in today’s climate—cannot be ignored, and that’s why this year’s conference places a special emphasis on wellness and mental resilience. I have found these sorts of sessions therapeutic and enlightening. Join me and your AILA family as we start our mornings with sunrise yoga, find comfort in Puppy Playtime, or join wellness-focused discussions like:

• How to Stay Sane in an Insane Field: Managing Anxiety in the New Trump Era – Practical strategies for handling the high-stakes pressure of immigration law while maintaining mental well-being.
• Reacting to Mistakes with Emotional Intelligence - Panelists will explore how to handle mistakes with emotional intelligence, offering strategies to respond compassionately and constructively to those mistakes.

Lastly, in an era where immigration law is becoming more complex and fast-moving than ever, staying ahead means leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance efficiency, improve client service, and protect sensitive data. AC25 will feature several must-attend sessions dedicated to AI, cybersecurity, automation, and legal tech solutions designed specifically for immigration practitioners.

As chair of this year’s conference, I know that we are entering a critical phase in immigration law. The 2025 AILA Annual Conference is not just about learning—it’s about equipping ourselves with the tools to fight for our clients, push back against restrictive policies, and build stronger, more effective practices. This is a call to action for every immigration attorney. Now is the time to sharpen our strategies, expand our knowledge, and stand together as a community.

I invite you to register, mark your calendars, and join us in Denver. Let’s make #AILAAC25 a place where we find solutions, build community, forge alliances, and prepare for the battles ahead.

Register Today and Be Part of the Movement!