Think Immigration: It’s a New Era – Jump in and #GOTV
Last Wednesday, I joined the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) members from across the nation for an electrifying political engagement event that truly exemplified the power of community action. With the looming November 6 election, AILA took a proactive step in mobilizing its members to get out the vote (GOTV) and to ensure that no matter where we were located, we could all get involved. That way, we can each proudly say: “Yes, I did everything I could to prevent harmful immigration policies from being enacted.”
AILA’s Board of Governors has recognized the importance of political engagement and has authorized its chapters and membership—over 16,000 immigration attorneys and law professors—to play an active role in shaping our political landscape. This nonpartisan effort is all about building connections with current and future political leaders to enhance our influence on policies that affect our clients and communities.
AILA’s political activities, including the six campaign races AILA supports, are restricted to its members only. AILA members can learn more about this work and the process by clicking through this link.
A Hybrid Gathering
Around 70 members logged in virtually, while 40 enthusiastic members from the Philadelphia chapter gathered at a local restaurant. It was a hybrid event that blended in-person camaraderie with virtual connectivity, creating an atmosphere of unity and shared purpose.
Equipped with a user-friendly software tool that kept our personal and business numbers private, participants embarked on a whirlwind texting campaign. For 1.5 hours, we collectively reached over **15,000 voters**—an astonishing feat that underscores the power of grassroots organizing. The spirit in the room (and on the screen) was electric!
A Sense of Community
What struck me most was the palpable excitement and positivity radiating from our members. Despite facing some negative and nasty responses to our texts, many participants expressed their enjoyment and commitment to the cause. Comments like “I love this!” echoed throughout the Zoom chat, making it clear that we were not just sending messages; we were creating a movement.
Kudos and Gratitude
A massive shoutout goes to everyone who participated and helped promote this event: the Philadelphia Chapter, which hosted the event in person; Greg Chen and Sofia Rosales-Zeledon from the AILA National Office, who took the train from DC to Philly to join us in person; and our many members who turned out to participate. The turnout was a testament to our collective belief that it is vital that any eligible voter must participate in our civil society.
What’s Next?
This event was not just a one-off; it marked the beginning of AILA’s deeper involvement in the political process. Many members have already reached out with kudos and inquiries about future opportunities to get involved. The enthusiasm and desire to take further action are contagious, and it’s clear that our commitment to advocacy extends well beyond a single event.
In a time when political engagement can often feel overwhelming, AILA members have demonstrated that coming together—whether virtually or in person—can create meaningful impact. By enhancing our participation in the political landscape, we are not only advocating for our clients but also ensuring that our voices are heard in the political process.
Join the Movement
As we look ahead to the November elections, I encourage all AILA members to stay engaged and connected. Whether through texting, phone banking, or participating in local events, every action counts. Let's keep the momentum going and build on the sense of community we've created. Together, we can make a difference.
Remember, as we unite in our efforts, we are texting for our shared values, for justice, and for the future of our communities. Let’s keep that love and energy alive—there’s so much more to do!
AILA members: to get plugged in to future political engagement events, learn more here: AILA Political Engagement Resource Toolkit.
About the Author:
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