Practice Resources
AILA provides a brief summary of ICE's operation targeting minors, including what is known so far as well as some suggested next steps for legal service providers
Federal Agencies
Federal agencies are asking unaccompanied children to sign a form declaration that waives various rights and legal protections as a condition of accepting voluntary departure. AILA has obtained and transcribed two versions of this form.
Practice Resources
The Verification and Documentation Committee provide this practice pointer breaking down the 2021 and 2023 designations for TPS Venezuela and identifying compliance issues associated with their ongoing developments.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on October 15, 2025.
10/15/25
AILA Announcements, Professional Resources
The AILA MAP Low Bono list is an important resource that we provide to service members - help us update for 2026!
Practice Resources
Stop and ground yourself in this 15-minute mindfulness meditation led by Cheryl Aguilar.
AILA Blog
AILA National EOIR Committee member Victoria Neilson writes for the Think Immigration blog about Matter of J-H-M-H-, the latest BIA decision that continues a trend of eliminating rights before EOIR.
10/15/25
AILA Doc. No. 25101500.
AILA Announcements
Learn how AILALink is the perfect tool for electronic access to the books and other research resources you need. Sign up for our next group training at 2:00 pm (ET) on Tuesday, November 18.
10/14/25
AILA Doc. No. 15082740.
Practice Resources
DOS announced that NIV applicants will be required to interview in the consular district for their place of residence, or in their country of nationality, with limited exceptions.
Cases & Decisions
A US District Judge ruled that international students have the same free speech protections under the First Amendment as American citizens.
AILA Governance
The exact role of an agency liaison will differ depending on your chapter. Generally, though, this position’s goal is to engage with the local agency office and communicate relevant information to your chapter members and to AILA national. Here are a few tips on ways you can prepare.
10/14/25
AILA Doc. No. 18092770.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on October 14, 2025.
10/14/25
An organization/firm recognition award for outstanding efforts in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion excellence in the immigration legal profession.
10/14/25
AILA Doc. No. 99900673.
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
AILA provides a continually updated list of press releases announcing deaths in adult immigration detention.
Join the 2025 AILA New York Chapter Immigration Law Symposium on Dec. 1, 2025, in NYC or via webcast. Gain insights from top experts on cutting-edge immigration issues and earn CLE credit while connecting with fellow practitioners.
10/14/25
Join the 2025 AILA California Chapters Conference, Nov. 13–15 in Long Beach or via webcast. Gain insights on cutting-edge immigration issues from top experts while earning CLEs and connecting with colleagues statewide. Don’t miss this premier West Coast event!
10/14/25
Join AILA’s web seminar on Oct. 21 to learn how to safeguard clients and fight denaturalization efforts. Expert panelists will cover risk factors, government strategies, and practical approaches to defend naturalized clients facing scrutiny.
10/14/25
Practice Resources
On 9/29/25, DOT issued a rule to enhance oversight of state commercial driver's license and learner's permit issuance, focusing on noncitizens authorized to work. This stricter federal review of state licensing practices resulted from concerns about fatal crashes involving non-domiciled drivers.
Practice Resources
The DOS Liaison Committee provides a briefing on the contents of the October 2025 Visa Bulletin.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on October 13, 2025.
10/13/25
AILA Blog
AILA Practice and Innovation Associate Camille Rybacki Koch offers a preview of AILA's participation in the 2025 National Celebration of Pro Bono next week, writing "we have a variety of stories, inspirational messages, tips and tricks, and opportunities to keep you going or get you started."
10/13/25
AILA Doc. No. 25101331.
AILA Announcements
The 2025 AILA Practice Pulse offers valuable insights into immigration law practice trends—from firm economics to tech use and attorney well-being. Whether you're benchmarking or planning ahead, this resource is built for practices of all sizes. Haven’t read it yet? Download your copy today!
10/13/25
Join AILA’s web seminar on Oct. 30 for a timely update on immigration court policy changes and surprises in 2025. Expert panelists will break down recent developments, share practical tips, and help you adjust your litigation strategies.
10/13/25
Join AILA’s web seminar on Oct. 16 to learn how to efficiently file a habeas petition using PACER. Expert panelists will walk you through the process step-by-step and offer practical tips to help you advocate effectively for detained clients.
10/13/25
AILA Announcements
Join AILA’s web seminar on Oct. 17 2025, for key takeaways from the Fall 2025 AILA DOS Liaison Committee meeting. Hear the latest updates on visa processing, consular trends, and agency communications to better support your clients worldwide.
10/11/25
Practice Resources
The DOS Liaison Committee provides some possible workarounds to address the ongoing issues with CEAC, and reports that the NVC is currently working on another CEAC fix.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on October 10, 2025.
10/10/25
Tutorial Videos
In this 10-minute video, AILA member Jennifer Howard guides you through breathing and mindfulness exercises that can help with feelings of grief and loss.
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
DOS announced that effective 10/10/25, the U.S. embassy in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso will temporarily pause all routine visa services, including applications for immigrant visas and most nonimmigrant visas. A-1, A-2, G-1, G-2, G-4, C-2, and C-3 diplomatic and official visas will still be processed.
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
Granting the petition for review and remanding, the court held that the BIA failed to provide sufficient justification for its conclusion that the IJ committed clear error in granting Convention Against Torture (CAT) relief to the Salvadoran petitioner. (Villalta Martinez v. Bondi, 10/8/25)
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
Denying the petitioners’ challenge to the BIA’s summary dismissal of their appeal, the court agreed that the BIA lacked jurisdiction to review the appeal because the petitioners did not first move to reopen their case with the IJ. (Vergara Castellar, et al. v. Bondi, 10/8/25)
Cases & Decisions, Federal Court Cases
The court held that substantial evidence supported the BIA’s denial of asylum, finding that there was no past persecution, nexus to political opinion, or government unwillingness to protect, and concluding that safe relocation was possible within Colombia. (Jimenez, et al. v. Bondi, 10/7/25)
AILA Announcements
Join AILA’s live online course, AI Essentials: Custom GPTs, running Oct. 14–28, 2025. Learn to build and safely use GPTs in your immigration practice. Enhance efficiency and streamline workflows. Full course available as a recording after the live sessions conclude.
10/10/25
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
DOS announcement updating instructions for all immigrant visa (IV) applicants. Applicants must interview in the consular district designated for their place of residence, country of nationality (on request), or designated immigrant visa processing post (for certain countries).
Policy Briefs
The Trump Administration's numerous asylum policy changes over the past year have made it harder for individuals to access lifesaving protections. This brief overviews the consequences of these policy changes and possible reforms to make the asylum system more fair, accurate, and humane.
Professional Resources
Member Karen Breda of the AILA Ethics Committee discusses what you need to know about the new ACH requirements for Form G-1650 and G-1450.
10/9/25
AILA Doc. No. 25100934.
Ethics
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on October 9, 2025.
10/9/25
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
DOS announcement updating instructions for all nonimmigrant visa (NIV) applicants. Applicants must schedule their visa interview appointments at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or residence or at the embassy or consulate designated for their country in the announcement.
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
USCIS announced that E-Verify operations have resumed following a temporary suspension due to the government shutdown. The announcement includes instructions and deadlines for filing for cases affected by the suspension.
Professional Resources
Check out this free wellness webinar "Surviving in the Trenches: Overcoming Burnout for Immigration Legal Providers."
Professional Resources
Failure to follow the rules related to trust accounting and managing Interest on Lawyers’ Trust Accounts (IOLTA) can have serious consequences. In this informative Q&A, members of AILA’s Ethics Committee answer common questions to help immigration attorneys better understand this important topic.
10/9/25
AILA Doc. No. 22070700.
Ethics
Examples & Questions
AILA’s DOL Committee requests questions from the membership on PERM and Prevailing Wage related issues for a potential December meeting with the DOL Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC).
10/8/25
AILA Doc. No. 25100805.
Liaison Minutes
AILA’s DOS Liaison Committee submits a list of outstanding questions to the DOS Visa Office in lieu of an official meeting in fall 2025.
Practice Resources
AILA National shares information on how federal agencies may be affected as a result of the government shutdown. This page will continue to be updated as more information is received.
Immigration News
Aggregated local and national media coverage of major immigration law news stories being discussed throughout the U.S. on October 8, 2025.
10/8/25
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
President Trump issued a memo deploying at least 300 members of the National Guard to Illinois for the stated purpose to "protect ICE, FPS, and other United States Government personnel who are executing Federal law in the State of Illinois, and Federal property in the State of Illinois."
10/8/25
AILA Doc. No. 25100803.
Federal Agencies, Agency Memos & Announcements
EOIR announced that Daren K. Margolin has been selected to serve as EOIR Director.
Cases & Decisions, DOJ/EOIR Cases
The BIA held that, in making findings of fact and conclusions of law, IJs exercise independent judgment and are not required to accept party stipulations. Matter of J–H–M–H–, 29 I&N Dec. 278 (BIA 2025)
Federal Agencies, FR Regulations & Notices
DHS notice that the DHS Secretary has determined that it is necessary to waive certain legal requirements in order to construct barriers and roads near the international border in the El Paso Sector of New Mexico. The determination takes effect 10/8/25. (90 FR 48163, 10/8/25)
Tutorial Videos, Professional Resources
In this AILA Moment of Mindfulness Recording, we are introduced to the body scan. In this exercise, we learn how to bring awareness and acknowledgment to whatever we feel or sense in the body. The body scan is a tool that can be very helpful in working with stress, anxiety, and physical pain.