AILA NE Holiday Party at Omni Parker
2024-12-13 17:30 - 22:00 (America/New_York)
Back by popular demand, we are holding our holiday party at Omni Parker on Friday, 12/13. Please register for the party by Thursday 12/5. No walk-ins will be accepted.
When: Friday December 13 at 5:30-10 pm

5:30 – 6:30 pm Cocktail Hour
6:30 – 10:00 pm Dinner, Music (see below), Dancing (with DJ), Photo Booth!
Featuring: Slow Boat Home, band led by AILA NE member Stephen Born!

Where: Omni Parker Boston, 60 School Street
Tickets: First-come, first-served, up to 200 attendees

AILA NE members working at non-profits: $20
AILA NE members (not at non-profits): $50
AILA NE members’ Plus One guest: $80 (up to 30 slots, first-come, first-served, to be available next week. Only 1 guest per AILA NE member)
Do you know an attorney who wants to attend and is not a member? Encourage them to become a member!

Lodging: We have a courtesy 20-room block for the night of 12/12 and 12/13, at $159 per night. Use this link to reserve a room at the discounted rate before 11/26, when the room block expires.

AILA NE Connected: Navigating the Trump 2.0 Storm (Open Forum)
2024-12-17 17:00 - 18:00
AILA NE Connected: Navigating the Trump 2.0 Storm
As we all digest the post-election results, we are feeling uncertain, stressed, perhaps even angry, and probably a whole range of other emotions—that is why connectedness and solidarity is more important than ever. Join us at AILA NE Connected: Navigating the Trump 2.0 Storm, a supportive space for AILA NE attorneys to connect, commiserate, and strategize. Held twice monthly – 1st Wednesday of the month at 12 pm (join here) and 3rd Tuesday of the month at 5 pm (join here), this forum is designed to empower and sustain you as you face unprecedented changes and challenges, both professionally and personally.
Whether you’re grappling with:

New or intensifying travel restrictions,
Managing DACA clients under shifting policies,
Responding to mass deportation efforts,
Supporting business clients navigating new standards for common work visa, DOL wage rules or other restrictions,
Or just feeling the weight of this turbulent environment,

AILA NE Connected is here for you. The AILA NE Wellness Committee and the Executive Committee will provide a space to discuss legal strategies, share advice, and simply vent about the stresses we all feel. Many of our members work in solo practices or work remotely—so they often don’t feel connected. This forum is designed to provide a safe and supportive space twice a month so you can feel connected to your AILA colleagues. Together, we can problem-solve, find creative solutions, and remind each other that we’re not alone in this fight.
No need to register in advance—and you don’t have to stay for the full hour, or come every session—drop in whenever you are able. Just bring yourself and whatever is on your mind. We will stand together as advocates , allies, colleagues and friends. We will get through this together!

KIND Office Hour (Virtual)
2024-12-18 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-01-15 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-02-19 12:00 - 13:00
KIND Office Hours
Please join KIND Boston for a virtual hour at 12 pm EST to discuss issues on your cases surrounding representation of unaccompanied children, potential community referrals, and volunteer opportunities for those interested.

This is a recurring event on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 12 pm.
A member of KIND Boston’s Staff will be available for this hour each month for brainstorming and discussion.
Join at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89432923086, Meeting ID: 894 3292 3086

PAIR Project Asylum Office Hours (New Members Division)
2025-01-08 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-02-12 00:00 - 13:00, 2025-03-12 12:00 - 13:00
The PAIR Project is delighted to offer New Members Division members monthly open asylum “office hours” hosted by PAIR’s Asylum Program staff – an open Zoom line that members can drop in on to ask questions, discuss their cases, and hear from others.

You can drop in any time during the hour – no need to sign up or pre-schedule
Office hours will be 12:00-1:00pm on the second Wednesday of each month
Join at https://zoom.us/j/95442321927, Meeting ID: 954 4232 1927

AILA NE Conference Review Brown Bag
2025-01-09 12:00 - 13:00
Missed some (or all) of the AILA New England Annual Conference? Or perhaps you would like a refresher? Join us for a brown bag review in which we’ll summarize the most important takeaways from the different sessions.
Register here: https://aila-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/fMeLk04IR5u7Us3c53RxXA

January Chapter Meeting (EOIR)
2025-01-16 17:00 - 18:30
AILA NE Executive Committee has invited EOIR to speak at our January 16, 2025 Chapter Meeting. ACIJ Holmes-Simmons of the Boston Court is confirmed to attend and we are waiting on a response from ACIJ Cheng of Chelmsford. This may be the last time EOIR can comment on any of its practices or policies post-inauguration, if the new administration will bring changes to our liaison relationship.

5:00-5:30 Chapter Business Meeting
5:30-6:30 Main Meeting

Virtual: Register here for zoom link.

AILA NE Connected
2025-01-21 17:00 - 18:00
AILA NE Connected: Next Session on Tues 1/21 at 5pm
Join us at AILA NE Connected: Navigating the Trump 2.0 Storm, a supportive space for AILA NE attorneys to connect, commiserate, and strategize.
Thank you to everyone who attended the last session – it was a great turnout with almost 60 members! We had 3 breakout groups by practice area and the feedback has been positive!
Held twice monthly – 1st Wednesday of the month at 12 pm (join here) and 3rd Tuesday of the month at 5 pm (join here), this forum is designed to empower and sustain you as you face unprecedented changes and challenges, both professionally and personally.
Whether you’re grappling with:

New or intensifying travel restrictions,
Managing DACA clients under shifting policies,
Responding to mass deportation efforts,
Supporting business clients navigating new standard for common work visa, DOL wage rules or other restrictions
Or just feeling the weight of this turbulent environment

No need to register in advance—and you don’t have to stay for the full hour, or come every session—drop in whenever you are able. Just bring yourself and whatever is on your mind. We will stand together as advocates, allies, colleagues, and friends. We will get through this together!

Walk to the Hill 2025
2025-01-23 09:30 - 13:00
AILA NE is a sponsor of Walk to the Hill, an event advocating for increased state funding for civil legal aid, happening at the Massachusetts State House on Thursday, January 23! The event officially begins at 11 am. Come join up with members of your Executive Committee members and other AILA colleagues at 9:30 am at Capitol Coffee House near the state house at 122 Bowdoin Street.
Grab a coffee and a snack provided by AILA NE and get your talking points, and then head into the event as a group! Bonus: there may be wearable AILA swag you can purchase to show our support!
Please register here and email the committee at ailanestatelegislative@gmail.com.

New Year Potluck (AILA-NE DEI Committee)
2025-01-26 16:00 - 20:00
AILA-NE DEI Committee invites you to a special New Year Potluck:

Celebrate the New Year and the vibrant diversity within our chapter!

This event is an opportunity to connect, share delicious food, and honor the cultures that enrich our work and lives. Join us as we celebrate unity, resilience, and the shared commitment to supporting immigrants and their dreams.

We will also welcome the Chinese New Year. Beginning January 29, the Year of the Snake will bring us wisdom, transformative energy, and personal growth.

We encourage everyone to bring a dish that represents cultural heritage, family tradition or just a favorite. Please let us know about any food restrictions.

Date: Sunday, January 26, 2025
Time: 4pm to 8pm
Place: Mahsa Khanbabai’s home, North Easton, MA
RSVP: Sign up here by January 15

We can’t wait to feast with you!

Christina, Claudia, Katharine, Mahsa, Ogor & Samia – AILA-NE DEI Committee

What to do if your client is detained? (AILA NE brown bag)
2025-01-28 12:00 - 13:00
Join the CLE Committee for a brown bag on relief options, including bond and parole.
Speaker: Irene C. Freidel, Detention Program Manager, PAIR Project
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/acW6UolaTHWxolRFtiHo_A

An overview of the New H-1B Modernization Rule, and more (AILA NE brown bag)
2025-01-29 12:00 - 13:00
Join the AILA CLE Committee for a brown bag on the new H-1B modernization rule, and more
Speakers:

John Quill (Mintz)
Matt Maiona (Maiona Ward Immigration Law)

Register in advance for this meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/M31Ky0e5TP2ND1t_AQwoSA

AILA NE Connected
2025-02-05 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-02-18 17:00 - 18:00, 2025-03-05 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-03-18 17:00 - 18:00
Join us at AILA NE Connected: Navigating the Trump 2.0 Storm, a supportive space for AILA NE attorneys to connect, commiserate, and strategize.
Held twice monthly – 1st Wednesday of the month at 12 pm (join here) and 3rd Tuesday of the month at 5 pm (join here), this forum is designed to empower and sustain you as you face unprecedented changes and challenges, both professionally and personally.
Whether you’re grappling with:

New or intensifying travel restrictions,
Managing DACA clients under shifting policies,
Responding to mass deportation efforts,
Supporting business clients navigating new standard for common work visa, DOL wage rules or other restrictions
Or just feeling the weight of this turbulent environment

No need to register in advance—and you don’t have to stay for the full hour, or come every session—drop in whenever you are able. Just bring yourself and whatever is on your mind. We will stand together as advocates, allies, colleagues, and friends. We will get through this together!

AILA NE: Webinar on Asylum Impact of JOP Settlement
2025-02-06 17:00 - 18:00
Join us to learn more about JOP settlement’s impact on Asylum from Wendy Wylegala who works at KIND and is part of the JOP co-counsel team. Eligible class members must file their asylum applications with USCIS by February 24, 2025, to qualify for these protections under the settlement.

Link to recording (passcode = [REDACTED]
Resources on J.O.P. v. DHS
Practice Alert: J.O.P. v. DHS Settlement
J.O.P. v. DHS Settlement Agreement – Five Key Takeaways

AILA NE Webinar: EB-5 Hot Topics
2025-02-07 12:00 - 13:30
EB-5 Hot Topics
Where: Register here
Who: AILA NE Chapter members Doug Hauer and Bernie Wolfsdorf together with AILA EB-5 Committee Vice Chair Joey Barnett to learn more about how to file EB-5 cases while visa numbers are available.
What: Great opportunity for AILA members interested in EB-5 cases. Note E in the January Visa bulletin that warned about: VISA AVAILABILIY IN THE EMPLOYMENT FIFTH PREFERENCE (EB-5) SET ASIDE CATEGORIES
The Department of State and USCIS note increased I-526E petition approvals, and both agencies see increasing numbers of individuals processing their applications to completion in the EB-5 set aside categories. It may become necessary to establish Dates for Filing and Final Action Dates during the fiscal year to ensure that issuances in these categories do not exceed annual limits. This situation will be continually monitored, and any necessary adjustments will be made accordingly.”
USCIS has advised, and the February Visa Bulletin confirms, that only Final Action Dates (Chart A) may be used for concurrent EB-5 filing. Dates for Filing (Chart B is closed) for employment cases and most likely will not reopen until October 2025. The panel will also cover:

Best practices for EB-5 Investor client intake
Red flags to look out for in terms of transactions that may make unrealistic promises
Securities law basics immigration lawyers must know
Complex source of funds issues, including loans and partial funding
How to know your client may need a “red flag report” issued by a third party to strengthen a USCIS adjudications process
Q&A

AILA NE Roundtable: The Calderon Jimenez Settlement
2025-02-11 12:00 - 13:00
Speakers: Kathleen Gillespie and Adriana Lafaille
Join us to learn about the recent settlement in Calderon Jimenez v. Mayorkas and how it affects noncitizens who have final orders of removal and are married to U.S. citizens.
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/kJVbImIaT7WBKAb3mdt_Rw

AILA NE Roundtable: Preparing for a Travel Ban
2025-02-14 14:00 - 14:30
When: Friday 2/14 at 2 pm EST
Who: AILA NE CBP Committee Chair and National CBP Committee member Stefanie Fisher and AILA NE DEI/Congressional Member Mahsa Khanbabai
What: Based on Trump’s Day 1 Executive Order directing agencies to evaluate recalcitrant countries within 60 days of the order, AILA New England is preparing for a travel ban. Hear from experts in our chapter about what to expect and how to prepare.
Where: Register here.

AILA NE Roundtable - Mitigation of Illegal Behavior in Immigration Defense: How Crimes, Fraud, Misrepresentation, and CIMTs Can be Explained Through the Help of Clinical Forensic Evaluations
2025-02-25 12:00 - 13:00
Understanding the psychological and social factors behind crimes, fraud, misrepresentation, and CIMTs can be crucial in immigration defense. Join this insightful roundtable where Dr. Mark S. Silver, MA, MSW, LCSW, PsyD, JD will discuss how clinical forensic evaluations can provide compelling mitigation evidence, helping to explain client behavior in legal contexts. This session is designed to provide practical strategies for integrating forensic assessments into immigration cases, offering a deeper understanding of how expert evaluations can support your clients. Register here.

AILA NE Roundtable: Ask me Anything About Joining the Board - Past Chapter Chairs Edition
2025-02-27 15:30 - 16:30
Hear from former Chapter Chairs about how rewarding, fulfilling, and enriching it is – professionally and personally – to serve on the AILA New England Executive Committee (formerly known as the Board), and see if joining the Executive Committee might be a good fit for you! Hear about past Chairs’ participation in AILA National’s board meetings (often in lovely destinations like Curacao, Puerto Vallarta, San Francisco, Chicago, etc., with costs covered by AILA), the camaraderie that comes from working closely with colleagues who you otherwise may have never met, and how helpful it is to be on the front lines of getting up to date info directly from government agencies and liaison meetings. Feel free to join and just listen to our moderator’s questions or ask your own questions!
Register for the event here.

February Chapter Meeting (Hybrid) - Asylum Office
2025-02-27 17:00 - 18:30
Join us for our monthly chapter meeting to hear a presentation from Anita Sharma, Jill Seeber, and Eliana Nader about the latest information learned from meetings with the asylum office. This will be in place of the previously scheduled asylum officers’ presentation as they are unable to join the meeting. Please see details below.

When: Thursday February 27 at 5- 6:30 pm

5:00 – 5:30 Chapter Business Meeting;
5:30 – 6:30 Main Meeting

Where: MCLE at 10 Winter Place in Boston
Virtual option: Register here for Zoom link
RSVP to join dinner at Estella (6.30 – 8pm). The Chapter will cover an appetizer and 1 drink per person.

Prior to the meeting, please review meeting notes from AILA NE Asylum Committee’s December meeting with Acting Director Rachael Sundborg and Deputy Director Onyema Kamalu. The meeting addressed members’ problem cases and office procedure questions. Please find updated AO/SAO list here.

AILA NE Wellbeing Roundtable
2025-03-04 12:00 - 13:00
Join an AILA NE Wellbeing Roundtable with wellbeing speakers Brittany Faith and Lily Axelrod from the Mid-South Chapter. Brittany practices employment-based and family-based immigration and Lily practices family-based, humanitarian, and removal defense matters.
Love Yourself
With caring for our clients, family, and friends, having compassion for yourself, often comes last especially when we are our own worst critics carrying around our own internal trauma. Because of this, we forget that “putting our oxygen masks on first” is essential to be able to the foundation of being able to take care of others. This session will discuss how to find to a place of peace and confidence.
Register for the event here.

Open Chats with the Chair
2025-03-07 16:00 - 16:30
Come chat with the Chair using this Zoom link if you would like to:

Learn about getting more involved at AILA, what resources AILA has to offer, or who in the chapter you might seek advice from on a particular topic;
Get oriented as a new member to AILA or to our chapter;
Provide feedback on the chapter’s activities; or
Just to say hi!

AILA New Member’s Division Taza Chocolate Factory Tour
2025-03-08 13:00 - 15:00
Please join AILA New England’s NMD for a tour of the Taza Chocolate Factory located at 561 Windsor Street, Somerville, Massachusetts 02143 on March 8, 2025 at 1:00pm. We will be celebrating International Women’s Day together by reenergizing, recharging, and helping foster our community. The tour is open to all members, however, the tour is capped at sixteen members, so please email ailanenmd@gmail.com to register. Details on lunch after will be provided soon!
Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively for #IWD2025 we can all #AccelerateAction.

AILA NE Social Event: Free Beginner Bollywood class led by our AILA Intern!
2025-03-17 18:00 - 20:00
Please join us for a fun *free* beginner Bollywood class taught by our fantastic AILA intern, Ananya Potlapalli on Monday 3/17 at The Foundry in Cambridge from 7-8 pm (dinner from 6-7pm)! The location is accessible through the Redline stop at MIT and there is free street parking at meters starting 6 pm.
This class is welcome to dancers of all levels and will be a fun way to learn more about Indian culture through dance. Ananya is trained in Bharatanatyam (classical Indian dance) as well as Bollywood and has choreographed and taught dance for the past ten years. She loves dance for the freedom it gives people to express themselves and she is excited to share that with you all! She will be teaching a short choreography and is open to any suggestions or requests you have for this class.
Join us for dinner before the class (6-7pm)! It will be partially subsidized by the Chapter.
Register here! There is a cap of 40 attendees – first come, first served.
