06/28/2023
It was a great pleasure seeing familiar faces, and meeting new colleagues, at the 23rd annual American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) national conference last week! I’m happy to have spent some time catching up with others from the AILA South Florida Chapter who made it up to Orlando, and, as usual, learning so many golden bits of advice and best practices from fellow immigration attorneys from across the country.
It's no secret that immigration is one of the most challenging legal fields, particularly on account of its constantly changing regulations; shifting governmental policies (many of which are seemingly clandestine); and logistical bogs which we, as attorneys, must help our clients navigate. The immigration landscape has become increasingly influenced by some politicians’ selfish and bleak opportunism over the years, and the trend is only worsening. This makes it ever more important for those who aid the immigrant community to show up, listen, and collaborate on the many ways in which we can best serve our clients, advance their interests, amplify their voices, and counteract inhumane law and policy.
Immigration lawyers are an empathetic bunch, and left to our own devices, we absorb heavy doses of the stress that each our clients bring through our doors. Despite this, we were never trained (as are psychologists, for example), to buffer this stress for most effective service. That said, I’m grateful to AILA for not only serving as a constant source of knowledge, but also as a source of support and motivation. The organization, and all the great minds that comprise its membership, allow us to stay strong and alert for those who rely on us most.
This year, I look forward to contributing on the AILA South Florida CLE Committee, doing my small part in furtherance of the overall effort to keep the immigration lawyer community up to date. I have no doubt the experience will be an excellent chance to make new connections and continue learning from the best.