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American Immigration Lawyers Association Day of Action

The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Day of Action is a yearly event where immigration lawyers from across the United States come together to advocate for fair and effective immigration policies. They meet with lawmakers to discuss the challenges within the current immigration system and propose practical solutions.

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Position your legal services, advocacy platform, or nonprofit as a partner in immigration reform by aligning with AILA's annual advocacy push to lawmakers and communities.

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Feature immigration attorney success stories and policy wins on your platform
Host or sponsor a local panel event connecting legal professionals with community advocates
Create educational content on immigration law changes and their real-world impact on families and workers
Promote pro-bono legal aid opportunities and volunteer sign-ups for nonprofit partners

History

The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) began the National Day of Action in 1996.

This effort started as a way for immigration lawyers to meet with members of Congress and discuss the real impact of immigration laws.

AILA, a national group made up of attorneys and legal experts, wanted to create a space where lawmakers could hear directly from people working with immigrants every day.

Over time, this day became more than just meetings. It turned into a powerful moment where stories, concerns, and policy ideas all came together.

Lawyers didn’t just talk about rules—they shared what those rules meant for families, workers, and communities. Their goal was clear: help create a fair and workable immigration system.

Every year, hundreds of AILA members travel to Washington, D.C., to take part. They meet with senators, representatives, and staff to push for positive changes.

Many also bring stories from their clients to show how laws affect real lives. These face-to-face conversations help bridge the gap between lawmakers and the people their decisions affect.

This day continues to grow in reach and influence. It gives legal professionals a strong voice in shaping how the country handles immigration. Their message is simple: the system can—and should—be better.

How to celebrate

Join a Local Event

Look for community events near you that focus on immigration issues. Attend panel talks, forums, or small meetups. These gatherings often include stories from immigrants and updates from advocates. Ask questions, listen closely, and show support through your presence. A strong turnout sends a powerful message.

Contact Elected Officials

Call, email, or write to your representatives. Share your thoughts on fair immigration practices and urge action. Personal messages stand out more than form letters. If possible, mention a local case that matters to you. These small efforts can reach big decision-makers.

Share Stories on Social Media

Use your platform to share real stories from immigrants or immigration attorneys. Keep posts short but honest. A photo or short video can add depth. Use hashtags linked to immigration advocacy, but create your own message. Make sure your tone remains respectful and thoughtful.

Support Legal Aid Groups

Many nonprofit organizations assist immigrants in need of legal guidance. Offer a donation or volunteer your time. Every contribution helps these groups serve more people. Some need help with translation, tech, or clerical work. Check their websites for clear instructions.

Read and Learn More

Spend some time understanding how immigration laws affect real people. Read articles, watch documentaries, or follow trusted advocacy groups. Learning builds empathy and stronger conversations. It also prepares you to speak up in your own circles. Awareness begins with curiosity.

FAQ

What does an immigration lawyer actually do in the United States?

An immigration lawyer in the United States helps people and organizations navigate complex federal immigration laws and procedures. Their work can include applying for family or employment-based visas and green cards, representing clients in removal (deportation) proceedings, preparing asylum and humanitarian protection cases, advising employers on work authorization and compliance (such as Form I‑9 rules), and appealing agency or court decisions. Because immigration law is mostly federal, attorneys often practice nationwide and must stay current with frequent legal and policy changes that affect clients’ rights and options.

Why is U.S. immigration law considered so complicated compared to many other legal areas?

U.S. immigration law is often described as highly technical because it combines detailed statutes, extensive agency regulations, and shifting policy guidance from multiple federal departments. Different government bodies handle different parts of the process, including the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, the Department of State, and the Department of Labor. Frequent legal changes, backlogs, and numerical limits on certain visas create additional layers of complexity, so two people with similar life situations may face very different options and timelines.

How does someone end up in U.S. immigration court, and what happens there?

People are placed in immigration court when the Department of Homeland Security alleges they are removable from the United States, for example because they entered without authorization, overstayed a visa, or violated certain criminal or immigration laws. Immigration courts, which are part of the Executive Office for Immigration Review in the Department of Justice, decide whether the person can remain in the country or must be removed. During proceedings, noncitizens can apply for relief such as asylum, cancellation of removal, or certain waivers, and they may be represented by counsel at their own expense. The immigration judge’s decision can often be appealed to the Board of Immigration Appeals and, in some cases, to federal courts.

Do immigrants in U.S. immigration court have a right to a free government-appointed lawyer?

Unlike in criminal cases, people in U.S. immigration court generally do not have a right to a government-appointed attorney, even though the consequences can be severe. The law provides a right to be represented by counsel at no expense to the government, which means noncitizens must hire an attorney or seek help from nonprofit legal service providers or pro bono programs. Studies have shown that immigrants with legal representation are significantly more likely to appear for court hearings and to succeed in their cases than those who represent themselves.

How is U.S. immigration policy made, and who sets the rules that lawyers work with?

Congress writes the main immigration laws, such as the Immigration and Nationality Act, which establish categories of visas, eligibility criteria, and grounds of inadmissibility and deportability. The executive branch then implements these laws through federal agencies that write regulations, issue policy memoranda, and make case-by-case decisions. These include U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border Protection, and the Department of State’s consular officers abroad. Federal courts also shape immigration policy by interpreting statutes and reviewing agency actions. Advocacy groups and professional associations contribute by providing data, legal analysis, and recommendations to lawmakers and agencies.

Why do backlogs and long wait times exist in the U.S. immigration system?

Backlogs arise when the number of applications or cases exceeds the system’s capacity to process them under current laws and resources. Some delays are caused by strict annual limits on certain visa categories that have not kept pace with demand, which creates multi‑year or even decades‑long queues in family and employment‑based immigration. Other backlogs result from funding and staffing constraints in immigration courts and adjudicating agencies, as well as security checks and changing policy priorities. These delays can affect family unity, workforce planning, and the stability of people’s lives while their cases remain pending.

What are some common misconceptions about “getting in line” to immigrate legally to the United States?

A common misconception is that everyone who wants to come to the United States can simply “get in line” and eventually qualify for a visa if they wait long enough. In reality, many people have no qualifying family or employer sponsor, and U.S. law provides few paths for low‑wage workers or people seeking better economic opportunities alone. Even when a person is eligible, strict numerical caps and per‑country limits can create extremely long waits, and some categories are effectively closed for new applicants. As a result, the idea of a single, fair, and accessible “line” does not reflect how the system actually operates.