Think Immigration: When Is a Law Journal Issue More Than a Law Journal Issue?

As part of our efforts to amplify the AILA Law Journal, Editor-in-Chief Cyrus Mehta shares some highlights as he describes the key topics from articles published in the newly released Spring 2025 issue of the AILA Law Journal. AILA members, access your free digital copy of the Law Journal to read more! 

I’ll answer my own title question: when it is an issue launched in tandem with the second annual AILA Law Journal Symposium. On April 3, 2025, alongside the launch of our Spring 2025 issue of the AILA Law Journal, I was honored to be surrounded by brilliant scholars and practitioners sharing their knowledge on timely ethics topics impacting the immigration bar. 

This year, we broke the program into three key ethics panel discussions: access to justice, ineffective assistance of counsel under Matter of Lozada, and artificial intelligence (AI) and alternative business structures.  

Papers addressing these topics and more are presented in this issue, such as dual representation in labor certification practice, those left behind by process discrimination, and safeguarding attorney work product in the age of AI. 

Changes by the Trump Administration pose new ethical challenges for all immigration attorneys, or those learning to become such. As we navigate new and uncharted policy waters and litigation is filed to combat the rescission of important federal programs (USAID, health research, and uncounted others), we must also acknowledge that this administration is targeting immigrants and their attorneys with particular vehemence causing mass fear and panic. Even students in valid status have been targeted for either their views or because they had some minor infraction in the past.  Litigation has already begun on the revocation of TPS, and the use of the Alien Enemies Act, among so many other issues.  

In addition, the Trump administration seeks to undermine the Constitutional protections afforded to any child born in our country via the attempt to restrict birthright citizenship to only children born in the United States with at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Fortunately, the courts have so far blocked this executive order’s unconstitutional reinterpretation of the Fourteenth Amendment. However, if implemented, this policy would undoubtedly create a permanent underclass. 

Amidst the onslaught of these terrible policies, immigration practitioners are required under ethical rules to provide competent representation to their clients. It can feel impossible at times, but, with the AILA community alongside you, I promise it is not. This issue can offer important knowledge to take with you into any situation you and your client face.  

As I write in my letter from the editor, “In the realm of immigration, lawyers should actively oppose harmful policies and challenge the unjust demonization of immigrants, including the false labeling of individuals as ‘illegal aliens’ or ‘criminals,’ even when they are lawfully present in the United States under parole or temporary protected status. Lawyers should also competently represent noncitizens, including lawful permanent residents, who get detained or are charged with deportable offenses.” 

Many of us were practicing during the first Trump Administration. We were able to serve our clients despite tremendous obstacles. Let’s stand together again during this one.