Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 1, 2023

Contact: Robin Nice, Chair, American Immigration Lawyers Association’s New England Chapter at [email protected]

AILA New England’s Statement on the Success the of Work Permit Clinic for Newly Arrived Immigrants

The American Immigration Lawyers Association’s New England Chapter (AILA New England) is thrilled with the two week-long work permit clinics that ended the week of December 1, 2023. Over the course of nine business days, approximately 1,200 work permit applications were filed and biometrics were completed on-site, and roughly an additional 800 biometrics were completed for those who had previously applied, but not yet completed the biometrics stage. This means roughly 2,000 immigrants residing in shelters will soon have employment authorization.

AILA New England is grateful for the collaborative spirit of the Healey-Driscoll Administration and cooperation with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Staff from USCIS were incredibly efficient and compassionate during these two weeks. We are thankful for all our partners’ exemplary efforts at making this clinic such a success, including the Mabel Center for Immigrant Justice, the Office for Refugees & Immigrants, the Massachusetts Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA), and the Boston Bar Association.

This was an unprecedented effort by USCIS and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and truly highlights what can happen when state and federal agencies work together to address immigration issues in a cooperative, humane manner. Work authorization will afford these migrants a path to self-sufficiency and stability in the New England region and boost our local economy.

As anticipated, our chapter members came out in strong support along with many other volunteers at the clinic. This is a momentous moment in immigration not only locally, but nationally. These clinics serve as a reminder of the welcoming spirit of New England, but also the United States.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 1, 2023

Contact: Robin Nice, Chair, American Immigration Lawyer’s Association’s New England Chapter at [email protected]

AILA New England’s Statement on Work Permit Clinics for Newly Arrived Immigrants

The American Immigration Lawyers Association’s New England Chapter (AILA New England) applauds the Healey-Driscoll Administration in establishing immigration clinics in partnership with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to collect and process work authorization during the week of November 13, 2023.

Massachusetts is facing a state of emergency as its shelter system is near maximum capacity with new arrivals, including asylum seekers. An estimated 7,500 families are in shelters, many of whom came through the Southern Border, and do not currently have work authorization.

To facilitate expedited issuance of Employment Authorization Documents for those who are eligible, U.S. Department of Homeland Security has mobilized to offer on-site assistance to accept filings, provide receipt notices, and conduct biometrics at the week-long clinic from November 13 to 17, hosted by the Healey-Driscoll Administration and U.S. Department of Homeland Security, facilitated by Massachusetts’ Office of Refugees and Immigrants, AILA New England, and the Boston Bar Association. The clinic will take place in Eastern Middlesex County.

This is an unprecedented effort by the DHS and Commonwealth of Massachusetts and presents a special opportunity for new arrivals in shelters to submit an unprecedented number of applications in a very short time frame, with attorneys’ assistance. Work authorization will afford these migrants a path to self-sufficiency and stability in the New England region.

As a multicultural and linguistically diverse state, our chapter welcomes this partnership to help ease the burden the state is facing. Moreover, the ability to work in the U.S. will boost our local economy and help employers with unmet labor needs. Immigrant households contribute hundreds of billions of dollars in federal, state, and local taxes and hold a tremendous amount of spending power. This partnership is stellar example of what we can accomplish when federal, state, and city government agencies collaborate with nonprofits and professional associations towards shared objectives to address a crisis situation.

As anticipated, our members are ready to volunteer and provide assistance at the clinic. Our chapter also welcomes lawyers and law students with or without immigration experience to volunteer, as training will be provided.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

Contact: Adrienne J. Vaughan, Chair, American Immigration Lawyer’s Association’s New England Chapter at [email protected]

AILA New England’s Statement on Developments on Martha’s Vineyard

The transport of migrants to Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts by Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis is a cruel and despicable act that disregards the value of both human life and of the immigration laws. DeSantis’ treatment of migrants through deceit is not only reprehensible – it is unlawful. The American Immigration Lawyers Association’s New England Chapter denounces the exploitation of vulnerable people as political pawns.

Media reports’ portrayal of these migrants as “illegals” is completely incorrect. U.S. immigration laws protect the rights of individuals to seek asylum through proper channels. Under the law, after initial processing and initial review of an asylum claim, the Department of Homeland Security may release migrants from federal custody so that they may pursue asylum claims.

We applaud the efforts of the people of Martha’s Vineyard, and New England generally, in rushing to the aid of these vulnerable individuals. AILA New England supports the migrants who are victims of this political stunt. AILA New England supports its volunteer member attorneys who have traveled to Martha’s Vineyard to triage this situation as well as those who will, in the coming months, be continuing to provide legal counsel to these migrants. Local organizations have also been indispensable in these efforts, and we would like to express our profound gratitude for their continued support and humanity.

Let’s use this event as an opportunity to discuss where our immigration system needs improvement. We can do better, and we must do better. The federal government must allocate resources to build and reinforce the infrastructure to better serve people seeking asylum.

Congratulations to all students who participated in the American Immigration Lawyers Association New England Chapter’s Student Essay Contest! Special congratulations to Grace Smith and Sammi Hanlon from Oak Ridge School in East Sandwich, MA and Calista Salpoglou from Mt. Alvernia Academy in Chestnut Hill, MA for their outstanding essays. Grace Smith won first place and wins $500 for her winning essay. Calista Salpoglou earned $300 for second place, and Sammi Hanlon earned $200 for second place. Congratulations!

Read more about the contest here: Students Celebrate America’s Tradition of Welcoming Immigrants 05.16.2022

The American Immigration Lawyers Association New England Chapter denounces the Administration’s use of the COVID-19 crisis to eliminate the US asylum system under the pretense of protecting public health and national security, part of a continuing stream of Executive Orders and Proclamations whose goal is to restrict legal immigration without Congress. 

July 13, 2020

AILA Press Release on Asylum

Contact: Eliana C. Nader, AILA New England Chapter Chair,
[email protected]

AILA Press Release on International Student Restrictions

American Immigration Lawyers Association New England Chapter denounces a new ICE rule requiring international students enrolled in schools offering on-line instruction only during the pandemic to leave the United States or face risk of deportation.

Contact: Eliana C. Nader, AILA New England Chapter Chair,
[email protected]

AILANE-POTUS Proclamation 6-22-20-PressRelease

American Immigration Lawyers Association New England Chapter denounces the President’s Proclamation restricting entry of skilled temporary workers, managers and executives, exchange visitors

Contact: Eliana C. Nader, AILA New England Chapter Chair
[email protected]

AILANE-DACA – Press Release

Contact: Eliana C. Nader, AILA New England Chapter Chair
[email protected]