23rd Annual AILA New York Chapter Immigration Law Symposium

Description CLE Credit Program Registration & Pricing Hotel/Airline Information Cancellation Policy

Live Event Date: 12/16/24
Format	Length	CLE Eligible
Conference	1 Day	Yes

The immigration process can sometimes feel like a never-ending journey, filled with delays and unanticipated detours. The expert faculty for this one-day conference will address the many possible routes a case can take on this voyage (including those that seem unclear) and provide practical tips and suggestions to help attorneys navigate the immigration process. Speakers will address current challenges faced by practitioners in the areas of employment-based immigration, removal, and family-based immigration. They also will incorporate issues unique to New York, the nation’s most dynamic cultural mosaic. In addition, attendees will hear the latest news and practical information directly from AILA liaison committee members. Finally, there will be opportunities for attendees to network with colleagues.

Live Conference CLE Credit

AILA will file for CLE credits in appropriate jurisdictions. Eligible participants can receive up to 6.5 total credits, including up to 1.0 cybersecurity (or technology) credit in 50-minute jurisdictions; and up to 7.5 total credits, including up to 1.0 cybersecurity (or technology) credit in 60-minute jurisdictions. To receive CLE credit, attorneys must record sessions attended and CLE codes provided at each session via webCLE. Live attendance must be recorded by Monday, December 23, 2025. This deadline does not apply to the download format.

Please Note: CLE credits not reported on webCLE by the published deadline will be subject to an administrative late fee to cover incurred costs.

23rd Annual AILA New York Chapter Immigration Law Symposium

December 16, 2024
New York Marriott Marquis
New York, NY
Plenary Track | Business Track | Removal Track

Times listed on the Program are Eastern Time (ET)

Note: All sessions and events are subject to change without notice.

Monday, December 16, 2024

8:15 am – 5:00 pm

Registration and Exhibits

Plenary Track

8:45 am – 8:50 am	Conference Kickoff Carolyn S. Alvarez, AILA Board of Governors, New York, NY Rachel Baskin, Conference Program Co-Chair, Garden City, NY Lindsey Gauzza, Conference Program Co-Chair, New York, NY
8:55 am – 9:55 am	The State of U.S. Immigration: Hot Topics The 2024 elections have concluded and attorneys are now facing an immigration landscape subject to the winds of change. Panelists will discuss the latest statutory, judicial, and policy updates and what to expect from the incoming administration. How do immigration lawyers best advocate for their clients? Can the immigration bar push for reforms? What should attorneys expect on January 20, 2025, and beyond? Parole in place: results thus far, strategies, and/or reasons to continue pursuing an I-601(A) waiver The death of Chevron deference in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, and how to effectively advocate for clients in federal court INA §212(d)(3) waivers: trends and best practices at U.S. consular posts abroad Litigation updates, including discussions of the following 2024 U.S. Supreme Court cases: Campos-Chaves v. Garland; DOS v. Muñoz; FBI v. Fikre; Wilkinson v. Garland Faculty Nora M. Anderson (DL), New York, NY Kelli J. Stump, AILA President, Oklahoma City, OK Alexis S. Axelrad, AILA First Vice President, New York, NY Suchita Mathur, Senior Litigation Attorney, American Immigration Council, Washington, D.C.
10:05 am – 11:35 am	Latest Updates from Government Agencies Come hear the latest updates from your local government officials, including U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). Faculty Rachel Baskin, Conference Program Co-Chair, Garden City, NY Lindsey Gauzza, Conference Program Co-Chair, New York, NY William Joyce, New York Field Office Deputy Director, ERO, New York, NY Tamika Gray, New York District Director, USCIS, New York, NY Francis J. Russo, Director of Field Operations, New York Field Office, CBP, New York, NY Na Na Soto, Deputy Chief Counsel, OPLA, New York, NY Hon. Khalilah M. Taylor, Acting Regional Deputy Chief, Office of the Chief Immigration Judge, EOIR, New York, NY
11:35 am – 11:45 am	Networking Break
11:45 am – 12:45 pm	Digital Transformation in Immigration Law: Using Technology to Streamline Representation and Protect Client Data (Cybersecurity) In an era when technology is rapidly evolving, immigration law practitioners are adapting to increase efficiency and efficacy across systems and security in their communication platforms. Panelists will explore digital tools and strategies for streamlining client representation, improving workflow, reducing costs, and enhancing client communication. They also will discuss best practices for protecting sensitive client data in compliance with ethical standards. Digital marketing and social media as communication tools Database management, including daily tasks and reporting Artificial intelligence (AI)-powered client relationship management Exploring how AI can assist in streamlining case management, drafting forms, and client communication with greater accuracy and speed Navigating the ethical implications of using AI in legal practice, including issues of bias, transparency, and accountability Understanding the evolving regulatory landscape surrounding AI technologies and how it impacts legal practice Faculty Afia Yunus (DL), Melville, NY K. Craig Dobson, AILA Well-Being Committee Chair, New York, NY Michael A. Harris, AILA Innovation & Technology Committee, Miami, FL Samantha Hamidan, New York, NY

Back to Top | Plenary Track | Business Track | Removal Track

Business Track

1:35 pm – 2:35 pm	Best Practices for Advising Clients Before, During, and After Corporate Changes For companies undergoing a merger or acquisition, the past couple of years have been a trying time for personnel managers and corporate counsel struggling to identify which employees can be saved from the impact of a transaction that changes the employing entity. Moreover, what legal standards apply to that employer’s ability to retain its foreign workers? Our panel of experts will offer best practices for advising corporate clients at different stages of the process. Were you informed before or after the deal closed? Memorandum to Public Access File (PAF): H-1B, H-1B1, and E-3 workers Saving Es and Ls: treaty ownership, overseas entities, ties to qualifying employment Successor-in-interest: When does it take effect? PERMs, I-140s, travel memoranda Inherit the I-9s: assume vs. reverify Faculty Karin Wolman (DL), New York, NY Shavit Yarden, AILA CBP Liaison Committee, New York, NY Drilona Breçani, New York, NY Stacey A. Simon, Newark, NJ
2:35 pm – 2:45 pm	Networking Break
2:45 pm – 3:45 pm	Got STEM? A Foot in the Door to Immigration Benefits Through a STEM Degree On January 21, 2022, DHS and DOS announced new initiatives relating to STEM degree-based work authorization, including J-1 researchers, National Interest Waiver (NIW) recipients, and O-1 extraordinary ability workers based on the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to attract and retain STEM talent in the United States. Since then, USCIS and DOS have updated policy guidance and published materials on their websites to highlight immigration pathways for STEM professionals. Panelists will examine the steps USCIS and DOS have taken in furtherance of these STEM initiatives. They also will provide resources and offer best practices for putting together a strong STEM degree-based filing. Most common immigration pathways facilitated by a STEM degree (in particular, an advanced degree) Arguing and evidencing stronger eligibility for an immigration benefit based on a STEM degree Related executive orders and other sources to cite or quote in immigration filings Current adjudication reality for nonimmigrant and permanent residence applicants Faculty Susanne C. Heubel (DL), New York, NY Lucy G. Cheung, AILA USCIS High Impact Adjudications Assistance Committee Chair, New York, NY Ana Marie N. Siscar, Fairfield, CT Lisa Murray, Exchange Program Director, American Immigration Council, Washington, D.C.
3:45 pm – 4:00 pm	Networking Break
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm	The Immigrant Entrepreneur: What Options Are Available? Many experts argue that entrepreneurs are the true engines of economic growth. Our panel of experts will explore myriad opportunities available to immigrant entrepreneurs, delving into the strategies for structuring and nurturing successful cases for startup founders. Panelists also will discuss the pathways that can turn the American dream into a reality. How does a foreign national establish a corporation, and what activities are permissible prior to procuring a visa? Choosing the right business structure: LLC vs. corporation Business, birth, domicile and nationality: How does the entrepreneur’s nationality and residence affect their options? Star student: how to be an entrepreneur on an F-1 Nontraditional entrepreneur employment Faculty Sonal Sharma (DL), AILA Board of Governors/DOL Liaison Committee, New York, NY Daniel J. Parisi, AILA Board of Governors/Client Resources Committee, Madrid, Spain Neena Dutta, New York, NY Scott Gorski, New York, NY

Back to Top | Plenary Track | Business Track | Removal Track

Removal Track

1:35 pm – 2:35 pm	“There’s a Parole Lot Going On”: Navigating Humanitarian Programs and Benefits Several crises around the world—Ukraine, Afghanistan, Haiti, Chad, Cameroon, Sudan, South Sudan, Venezuela, Honduras, and El Salvador—have resulted in an influx of migrants to New York State. New humanitarian programs and policies were announced by the Biden Administration to address this massive displacement of people. Panelists will explore the newest Temporary Protected Status (TPS) country designations, Deferred Enforced Departure, and various parole programs (including the formal expansion of parole in place). They also will discuss complex technical issues that surface in the adjudication of these cases and the future of humanitarian relief. Current forms of available parole: understanding the differences Options post-parole: extension, change of status, or adjustment? Expanding TPS designations and identifying technical issues with redesignations Federal and state benefits for asylees and humanitarian beneficiaries: What is (and is not) available? Faculty Ernie Collette (DL), New York, NY Tina Genovese-Munoz, Rockville Centre, NY Lauren Migliaccio, New York, NY
2:35 pm – 2:45 pm	Networking Break
2:45 pm – 3:45 pm	Federal Court Litigation: Preventing Justice Delayed from Becoming Justice Denied Currently, filing a straightforward immigration application is often just the beginning of a years-long process. Resorting to federal litigation is—increasingly—the only way to move cases forward. For applications that are adjudicated, the decisions are often inconsistent with the applicable law. Moreover, appealing or seeking reconsideration at the Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) can also take years and prove unsuccessful. Panelists will address when and how to use the federal courts for denied or delayed immigration applications. Administrative Procedure Act vs. mandamus (or both!) Strategies for drafting the complaint Delayed asylum cases: when, who, and where to file suit Anticipating the issues most often presented in a motion to dismiss Overcoming the black hole of administrative processing Visa denial and consular nonreviewability: Can you ever sue? Challenging USCIS denials: strategies for avoiding dismissal Faculty Paul O’Dwyer (DL), AILA USCIS High Impact Adjudications Assistance Committee, New York, NY Jesse M. Bless, AILA Federal Court Litigation Section Steering Committee/Benefits Litigation Committee Vice Chair, Georgetown, MA David A. Isaacson, AILA Benefits Litigation Committee, New York, NY
3:45 pm – 4:00 pm	Networking Break
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm	The End of Asylum? Understanding the Asylum Border Bans and How to Overcome Them The Biden Administration enacted two major bans to seeking asylum: The Circumvention of Lawful Pathways Final Rule (May 2023); and Securing the Border (June 2024). Panelists will discuss how these asylum bans are being enforced in practice, paying particular attention to cases being adjudicated at immigration courts away from the border (including in the New York region). Who is barred from seeking asylum, and what are the exceptions? Current state of litigation challenging the bans How are immigration judges in New York (and elsewhere) approaching these cases? Practical tips for practitioners away from the border Faculty Ginny Nunez (DL), New York, NY Sarah Lachman, New York, NY Heather Y. Axford, Director, Central American Legal Assistance, New York, NY
5:00 pm	Conference Concludes
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm	AILA New York Chapter Holiday Party The AILA New York Chapter invites chapter members and conference registrants to attend their 2024 Holiday Party after the program concludes. No payment required to attend, but kindly RSVP so the chapter can provide an accurate headcount. Appetizers and drinks will be served. Bea Restaurant and Bar, 403 West 43rd Street

Program Committee
Rachel Baskin, Conference Program Co-Chair, Garden City, NY
Lindsey Gauzza, Conference Program Co-Chair, New York, NY
Sonal Sharma, AILA Board of Governors/DOL Liaison Committee, New York, NY
Vishal Chander, AILA Global Migration Section Steering Committee, New York, NY
Randall A. Chamberlain, AILA Asylum and Refugee Committee, New York, NY
Lucy G. Cheung, AILA USCIS High Impact Adjudications Assistance Committee Chair, New York, NY
Paul O’Dwyer, AILA USCIS High Impact Adjudications Assistance Committee, New York, NY
Shavit Yarden, AILA CBP Liaison Committee, New York, NY
Nora M. Anderson, New York, NY
Liane M. Aronchick, New York, NY
Joss A. Bravo-Bonetti, Austin, TX
Drilona Breçani, New York, NY
Jan H. Brown, New York, NY
Neena Dutta, New York, NY
Joseph C. Fungsang, New York, NY
Samantha Hamidan, New York, NY
Susanne C. Heubel, New York, NY
Cynthia G. Katz, New York, NY
Eric Lorenzo, New York, NY
Ginny Nunez, New York, NY
Ana Marie N. Siscar, Fairfield, CT
Jennifer Wexler, Merrick, NY
Karin Wolman, New York, NY
Afia Yunus, Melville, NY

Carolyn S. Alvarez, AILA New York Chapter Chair, New York, NY
Scott Gorski, AILA New York Chapter First Vice Chair, New York, NY
Sarah Lachman, AILA New York Chapter Second Vice Chair, New York, NY
Cora-Ann V. Pestaina, AILA DOL Liaison Committee/New York Chapter Treasurer, Livingston, NJ
Ernie Collette, AILA New York Chapter Secretary, New York, NY

JJ Area, AILA Education Program Manager, Washington, D.C.

Back to Top | Plenary Track | Business Track | Removal Track

	Early Bird Rate (Through 11/21/24)	Regular Rate (After 11/21/24)
Members (In-Person)
AILA Members	$525	$725
AILA Affiliated Paralegals*	$525	$725
AILA Law Student Members	$325	$525
AILA Nonprofit Members	$375	$575
Nonmembers (In-Person)
Nonmembers	$725	$925
Nonmember Law Students	$425	$625
Government	$545	$745
Nonprofit Attorneys	$545	$745

You can register for this event quickly and securely online by adding this item to your cart before the deadline and paying by credit card. We encourage you to take advantage of the Early Bird Registration and register by November 21, 2024.

Once you register online, the registration system will auto-generate a receipt to your paid registration.

COVID-19 Health and Safety Information and Protocols
AILA no longer requires proof of vaccination status to attend the AILA in-person conferences, meetings, or events. Mask-wearing is optional, at the discretion of each attendee. Please act responsibly and with consideration for the health and safety of others.
For more information, please read the full protocols at: https://www.aila.org/conferences/covid-19-health-and-safety-information.

If you have any questions, please email conferences@aila.org.

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Full and partial tuition assistance will be offered for AILA National Conferences and Seminars based on need and availability. Please complete the tuition assistance application for consideration.

*Paralegals
To qualify for registration, all paralegals or law office support staff must have an AILA online account and attest that they work for an AILA member attorney. AILA Affiliated Paralegals (AAPs) receive member pricing. Signing up as an AAP must be completed before checkout for a conference to take advantage of the preferential pricing. To become an AAP, go to the My AILA application and select the AILA Affiliated Paralegal membership type. Paralegals who are not AAPs pay nonmember prices.

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AILA is committed to providing a professional and productive learning environment for all participants and staff. As a result, all participants are expected to follow all stated meeting and event instructions and guidelines in order to maintain an atmosphere of professionalism, mutual respect, and collegiality. AILA members in particular are expected to adhere to the principles set forth in AILA’s civility code. The guidelines herein apply to all AILA in-person, virtual, webcast and online programming including but not limited to AILA conferences, seminars, online courses, and roundtables. All participants must comply with the following guidelines to participate in the meetings and events:

All participants are expected to maintain a professional and civil discourse throughout AILA’s in-person/virtual meeting and event space. Participants are prohibited from using any defamatory, abusive, profane, discriminatory, harassing, threatening, and/or offensive language during the sessions or events including but not limited to Q&A, chat rooms or any activity that takes place in the virtual space.
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Registration Approval
All registrations and reservations are subject to approval. Registrations and reservations received without payment will be returned. Registrations are NOT transferable and cannot be split among conference attendees. Cancellations must be received by the cancellation deadline date in writing to be eligible for the full refund (less $50 processing fee). Exceptions to the cancellation deadline will be made for emergencies and valid medical issues submitted with supporting documentation. Any and all liability of AILA with respect to registration, reservations, cancellations, changes in the location or content of the program, and refunds is limited to a sum no greater than the registration fee paid. Under no circumstances shall AILA be liable for incidental or consequential damages of any kind, including, but not limited to, the cost of transportation or lodging. Submission of registration and payment constitutes acceptance of the terms and conditions herein.

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Attendance at in-person, virtual, webcast and online programming including but not limited to AILA conferences, seminars, online courses, and roundtables is solely restricted to AILA members and their employees, government employees, and nonmember attorneys. Non-attorney attendance is limited to the employees of AILA members in good standing, to HR professionals who have an AILA member reference, employees of accredited educational institutions providing support to international student and scholar services at their employing institutions, and accredited representatives under 8 CFR §292.2. AILA will reject conference registrations from persons who provide representation without authorization in violation of 8 CFR §292.1, such as for-profit "immigration consultants" and "notarios."

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ADA Request
AILA will provide ADA assistance if requested. Please e-mail conferences@aila.org with your special needs at the time of conference registration. Assistance may not be available if an adequate notice period is not provided.

Conference Hotel

New York Marriott Marquis
1535 Broadway
New York, NY 10036

AILA Room Rate: $409 Single/Double plus $30 destination fee and applicable taxes

Phone Reservations: 1-212-398-1900 (Group Code: AILA)
or reserve online: https://book.passkey.com/e/50766369

NOTE: The specially discounted AILA group rate has been contracted for room nights reserved from December 15 to December 16, 2024. The AILA group rate is not guaranteed for any other dates and will be based on availability.

Hotel Cut-off Date: November 21, 2024

Hotel reservations are made on a first-come, first-served basis. Rooms at the AILA rate will sell out before the deadline, so we advise you to make your reservation as early as possible. AILA will not be able to get additional rooms at the AILA rate after the AILA block of rooms fills up.

Airline Discounts

Southwest

Airports: NEW YORK (LA GUARDIA) (LGA)
Discount valid: 12/13/2024 to 12/18/2024

Go to https://www.swabiz.com/, enter the Company ID 99311376, and select flight details to get the discount. Contact 888-479-2249 or SouthwestAirlines@iluv.southwest.com for customer service needs.

United

Airports: New York (JFK), Newark (EWR)
Valid travel dates: 12/13/2024 to 12/18/2024

Go to www.united.com (Advanced Search page), enter your flight details, click on “Upgrades, certificates, and promotion codes” pull down menu, and enter promo code ZP2R163992 under “Promotions and certificates” to get the “Special offer” rates. MileagePlus members will earn valuable miles for their travel when using the Meetings discount code.

Please contact meetings@united.com with any questions or booking issues. US and Canada based attendees may also call United Meeting Reservations at (800) 426-1122. Booking fees are waived for Meeting reservations.

Delta

Airports: NEW YORK (LA GUARDIA) (LGA)
Valid travel dates: 12/13/2024 to 12/18/2024
Meeting Event Code: NM3GH

Please click here to book your flights.

You may also call Delta Meeting Network® at 1.800.328.1111* Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (EST) and refer to Meeting Event Code NM3GH
*Please note there is not a service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via our reservation 800 number.

Cancellations received by November 21, 2024, entitle registrants to a full refund (less $50 processing fee). Cancellation requests will not be accepted after November 21, 2024, but the conference materials will be made available to all registrants in their AILA Digital Library. Exceptions to the cancellation deadline will be made for emergencies and valid medical issues submitted with supporting documentation. All cancellations must be submitted by email to conferences@aila.org.