The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) is the national association of over 11,000 attorneys and law professors who practice and teach immigration law. AILA Member attorneys represent tens of thousands of U.S. families who have applied for permanent residence for their spouses, children, and other close relatives to lawfully enter and reside in the United States. AILA Members also represent thousands of U.S. businesses and industries who sponsor highly skilled foreign workers seeking to enter the United States in a temporary or --having proven the unavailability of U.S. workers -- permanent basis. AILA Members also represent foreign students, entertainers, athletes, and asylum seekers, often on a pro bono basis. Founded in 1946, AILA is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that provides its Members with continuing legal education, information, professional services, and expertise through its 36 chapters and over 50 national committees. AILA is an Affiliated Organization of the American Bar Association and is represented in the ABA House of Delegates.

Mission Statement

The American Immigration Lawyers Association is the national association of immigration lawyers established to promote justice, advocate for fair and reasonable immigration law and policy, advance the quality of immigration and nationality law and practice, and enhance the professional development of its members.

Strategic Goals

1. Increase member participation in advocacy before Congress, the Judiciary, the Federal Agencies, and the media, for the immigration-related interests of our clients and society.
2. Enhance the litigation capabilities of the membership as an important option to ensure the just administration of our immigration laws.
3. Educate the public about the ways in which U.S. immigration law and policy serves the national interest by reuniting American families, protecting refugees, and providing U.S. employers with the specialized skills they need to remain globally competitive.
4. Enhance respect for immigration law, and professional recognition of immigration lawyers, by government, the bar, and society.
5. Increase the level of knowledge and professionalism, and foster the professional responsibility, of our members.
6. Advance the protection of the public by promoting consumer protection and authorized representation.
7. Promote and support delivery of competent, ethical, and lawful immigration services by lawyers, authorized accredited representatives, and pro bono programs.
8. Assist members in effectively and competently pursuing their law practice and enhancing their professional satisfaction.
9. Encourage and facilitate member participation in, and support for, pro bono services and programs.