Who is the American Immigration Council? AILA and the American Immigration Council A Proud History. A Powerful Voice. A Proven Partnership.

Who is the American Immigration Council? AILA’s non-profit partner Started more than 27 years ago by AILA leaders Enhance the POWER and REACH of immigration bar Pursue work important to the AILA community Bringing new resources and new partnerships

Who is the American Immigration Council? Connects AILA to broader community that shares our mission and values Advocates Scholars Educators Students Organizations General public AILA is our foundation and will always help guide our work

Who is the American Immigration Council? Preserving our proud history as a nation of immigrants through: Research and Policy Analysis Legal Advocacy, Litigation and Resources Education Outreach Cultural Exchange

Research and Policy Analysis Mission: Shape a rational conversation on immigration provides policymakers, the media, and the general public with accurate information about the role of immigrants and immigration policy on U.S. society. Refute myths Foster concerns that reform is needed Beth Werlin, Policy Director Guillermo Cantor, Deputy Director of Research

Legal Education and Litigation Mission: Protect the legal and constitutional rights of noncitizens and ensure that immigration law is interpreted and implemented in a manner that is sensible and humane.  impact litigation works with other immigrants’ rights organizations and attorneys litigation-related legal resources for immigration advocates, including in-depth practice advisories and litigation meetings. Melissa Crow, Legal Director

Education Outreach Claire Tesh, Senior Manager of Education Mission: To promote a better understanding of immigrants and immigration by providing educational resources that inspire thoughtful dialogue, creative teaching and critical thinking. Provide resources and host workshops for educators and community leaders Engage youth through creative outlets Creative Writing Contest Multimedia Contest Mini-grants to fund innovative projects Claire Tesh, Senior Manager of Education

Cultural Exchange Mission: Respect, value, and celebrate cultural differences, by creating a synergy of the best ideas from many cultures for the benefit of all. Foster the exchange of culture, ideas and knowledge through sponsorship of the J-1 visa. The premier provider of J-1 services to the AILA community. Lois Magee, Cultural Exchange Director

Who is the American Immigration Council? Honor outstanding immigrants and their advocates New York Immigrant Achievement Award DC Immigrant Achievement Awards (April) American Heritage Awards (June)

Who is the American Immigration Council? Ben Johnson, Executive Director Wendy Feliz, Communications Director Wilma Linares, Finance & Operations Director Megan Hess, Development Director

Who is the American Immigration Council? Council Ambassador – Batya Schwartz Ehrens Local Board Members Noemi Masliah Lisa Koenig Bob Juceam Local Board Alumni Jonathan Avirom, Lenni Benson, Margaret Catillaz, Jules Coven, Cyrus Mehta, Marcia Needleman, Deb Notkin, Ted Ruthizer, Annie Wang Creative Writing Contest Coordinator - Lili Biesemeyer

Who is the American Immigration Council? Current Work… CARA Project collaboration with AILA and other organizations to #EndFamilyDetention $150,000 raised in funds from outside the AILA community Powerful litigation and advocacy

Who is the American Immigration Council? Current work… Business Litigation Fellow: Leslie Dellon Co-counsel business cases to reverse the “culture of no” Extensive expertise to provide thoughtful practice assistance Submit critical amicus briefs to: preserve due process and fundamental fairness in PERM adjudications preserve federal court jurisdiction over visa petition revocation procedures Comment on proposed rulemaking regarding business immigration issues Contact Leslie at ldellon@immcouncil.org

Who is the American Immigration Council? Current work… Lifting up the economic contributions of immigrants Resource for facts testifying before Congress Point person for press Working with integration groups

Who is the American Immigration Council? Current work… Special Reports: The Criminalization of Immigration in the United States Challenged myths about immigrants and crime A Guide to Children Arriving at the Border Primer on the complex issues surrounding minors A Humane Approach Can Work Makes the case for releasing asylum seekers from detention

Who is the American Immigration Council? Current work… Litigation: EAP lawsuit Appointed Counsel CBP FOIA Lawsuit Short term Detention

Who is the American Immigration Council? How can you get involved? Donate via dues renewal Volunteer – Creative Writing Contest Attend an event Connect ImmigrationImpact.com (Text FACTS to 51555) Facebook & Twitter (@ImmCouncil) Use and share our resources Use our J-1 Program