Think Immigration: Why We Will Win: The Power of Unity, Diversity, and Defiance in Immigration Advocacy

In a time when the news cycle churns out wave after wave of despair—when headlines scream of anti-immigrant crackdowns, xenophobic rhetoric, and executive overreach—it’s easy to fall into the trap of doom scrolling. The world is obsessed with watching democracy falter, pointing fingers as authoritarianism spreads. But while the world focuses on why dictatorships rise, we are focused on why dictatorships fall. And that, my fellow immigration attorneys and advocates, is how we will prevail.

Let’s be clear: we are facing an administration that has too often chosen cruelty as a political strategy. Policies are crafted not for public safety or economic sense, but for the theater of exclusion and shock value. The playbook is familiar—dehumanize, detain, deport. But we’ve seen this before. And every time, people of conscience have fought back. That’s us, that’s where we come in.

I’ve never been prouder to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with AILA attorneys and the wider community of advocates. We are on the front lines—not only in the courtroom but in the court of public opinion. We are filing lawsuits. We are writing op-eds, giving interviews, educating judges, community leaders, and even skeptical family members. We are fighting every day for our clients, our profession, and the rule of law— and for the soul of this nation.

And let me tell you—we are making a difference. We’ve stopped deportations. We’ve freed people from detention. We’ve helped families reunite and restored dignity to those whose stories deserve to be heard. We’ve pushed back against unconstitutional executive orders and unlawful regulations. We’ve exposed abuses and demanded accountability. When the government chooses to use fear as a weapon, we wield the law not only to defend—but to disrupt.

But we must also remember that our strength lies not only in legal prowess; it lies in our unity. This moment demands that we stand together, firm in our purpose, united in our values. This Administration is counting on fatigue, distraction, and discord. But we must refuse to give in. Whether you’re a solo practitioner in a rural town, a nonprofit advocate in a border community, or part of a large firm in a big city—your voice and your work matter. We need each other more than ever. Let us lift one another up. Share strategies. Mentor generously. Call out injustice wherever we see it—but never turn on each other.

And let’s not forget: our diversity is not a weakness—it is our superpower. We come from every background, every faith, every story. Our clients are the face of America’s future, and so are we. We must not only defend that diversity—we must celebrate it. In our communities, in our organizations, and in our bar associations like AILA, let us lean into the rich, complex tapestry that defines our work. It is a reflection of the nation we are striving to build.

And no, we cannot be afraid to sue. Litigation is not just a tactic; it’s a statement. It says we will not accept illegal shortcuts to cruelty. We will not watch constitutional violations in silence. We will not be intimidated. When they abuse discretion, we will demand review. When they distort the law, we will bring the truth to light. If they want to call us vexatious, we know it’s because we’re effective—and unafraid. And they haven’t seen anything yet.

So my AILA colleagues, please believe you are not alone. You are part of a movement grounded in compassion, powered by courage, and guided by justice. As an organization, we have met each new challenge head on—and we’ve made it clear that capitulation is not an option. We are filing lawsuits and joining partners in challenging everything from arbitrary form changes to egregious due process violations. We are providing training to our members on federal litigation skills. We are educating the public about their rights. We are using social media to call out extremist policies and to promote our nation’s true values. We are forming task forces to defend our members and our profession. We are not only protecting our future—we are building it, case by case, motion by motion, and yes, lawsuit by lawsuit.

So, let’s keep going. Let’s keep fighting. Let’s keep reminding each other—and the world— why we do this work.

While others fixate on how the worst regimes rise to power, we will keep our eyes on how they fall. Because in the end, truth outlives propaganda. Hope outlasts fear. Justice— always—has the final word.

That’s why we will win. Not just because we fight—but because we fight together.