Friday, May 10
7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. | Registration + Breakfast
8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | Hot Topics with USCIS and DOS
In this panel discussion, FBA ILS welcomes representatives from various U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) divisions and the Department of State (DOS) (currently TBD as invited) to discuss the current state of USCIS/DOS improvements in customer service, updates on backlogs, budgets and case processing. The panel will further discuss pending or upcoming changes in policies, possible expansion of online application processing, and general immigration benefit goals under the Biden administration.
- Moderator: Margaret Rosenast, Field Office Director, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
- Brenda Grewe, Office Director for Domestic Operations, Consular Affairs – Visa Office, U.S. Department of State
- Connie Nolan, Associate Director, Service Center Operations (SCOPS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
- Carrie Selby, Associate Director, External Affairs Directorate, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
- Stephanie Woodard, Attorney-Adviser, Consular Affairs, Office of the Legal Adviser, U.S. Department of State
10:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | Concurrent CLE Tracks
1 | Asylum & Humanitarian: Strategizing a Winning Case
Panelists will discuss how to prepare and file a strong asylum application and which types of corroborative evidence to file in support of the claim. They will also share tips on preparing the asylum client to tell their story at the Asylum Office or testify in Immigration Court. This panel will provide a strong foundation for those newer to asylum law and will also include strategic tips for the more experienced practitioner.
- Moderator: Jenna Gilbert, Director, Refugee Representation, Human Rights First
- Judith Hospedales, Managing Attorney, J Hospedales Law Firm, PLLC
- Chris Stanislowski, Supervising Attorney, Northwest Immigrant Rights Project
- Alyssa Williams, Attorney, Migration and Refugee Resettlement, Catholic Community Services of Utah
2 | Family & Removal: Hot Topics in Removal Defense
This panel will discuss hot topics in the removal immigration context, including recent BIA decisions. Topics will include pressure on the court dockets, requests for prosecutorial discretion, and other issues.
- Moderator: Maya Lugasy, Attorney, Brown Immigration Law
- Ofelia Calderon, Partner, Calderon Seguin PLC
- Lance Curtright, Managing Partner, De Mott, McChesney, Curtright & Armendariz LLP
3 | Business: Office of Foreign Labor Certification Open Forum
The Office of Foreign Labor Certification Open Forum will discuss recent Department of Labor trends and updates. These topics include: Recent Department of Labor Trends and Updates; H-2B and Labor Condition Applications; Prevailing Wage Determinations; and PERM Labor Certification Applications.
- Moderator: Vincent Lau, Managing Partner, Clark Lau LLC
- Brandt Carter, Deputy Administrator, Office of Foreign Labor Certification, U.S. Department of Labor
- Margaret Samotyj, Supervisory Immigration Analyst, National Prevailing Wage Center, Office of Foreign Labor Certification, U.S. Department of Labor
- Robert White, Principal, Masuda Funai
11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Keynote Luncheon
[KEYNOTE] Dr. Giovanni Batz, Assistant Professor, Chicana and Chicano Studies, UC Santa Barbara
Dr. Giovanni Batz was a 2020-2022 President’s Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Native American Studies at the University of California, Davis, and a 2018-2019 Anne Ray Fellow at the School for Advanced Research in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Batz was previously a Visiting Assistant Professor at Miami University in Ohio, and New Mexico State University in Las Cruces.
1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Concurrent CLE Tracks
1 | Asylum & Humanitarian: Particular Social Groups: Litigating Gender and Family-Based Asylum Claims
In this panel, you will learn how to litigate asylum claims based on gender, family membership, or other “particular social groups” before U.S. Immigration Courts. Panelists will also provide guidance on when to argue “political opinion” or other grounds for asylum in the alternative. They will also give practical advice for working with survivors of violence and preparing them to testify about harm they experienced and ongoing effects.
- Moderator: Rebecca Press, Senior Counsel, Central American Legal Assistance
- Yliana Johansen-Méndez, Associate Director, Immigrant Defenders Law Center
- Prof. Karen Musalo, Professor & Director, Center for Gender & Refugee Studies, UC Law, San Francisco
2 | Family & Removal: New Developments in Crimmigration
The panelists will provide an overview of recent developments in case law related to crimmigration issues, with a focus on how to advise your clients and how to make your case in court or before USCIS.
- Moderator: Kevin Gregg, Partner and Host of Immigration Review Podcast, Kurzban Kurzban Tetzeli & Pratt, P.A.
- Randall Caudle, Immigration Attorney, River Mountain Immigration
- Anna Hysell, Founding and Managing Attorney, Law Offices of Anna M. Hysell
3 | Business: H-1B Alternatives and Workarounds
Business immigration practitioners continue to see unprecedented challenges in the H-1B Specialty Occupation visa category, primarily due to the ever-shrinking chances of lottery selection. Here we will discuss: Student benefits (F-1 CPT, etc); Nonimmigrant alternatives; and Thinking outside the box.
- Moderator: Lori Chesser, Shareholder, Dentons
- Tammy Fox, Partner, Rifkin & Fox-Isicoff, PA
- Tina Goel, Attorney, Miles & Stockbridge
- Arif Khimani, President & COO, MobSquad
2:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Concurrent CLE Tracks
1 | Asylum & Humanitarian: Trauma-Informed Representation
Legal representation of asylum-seekers and other survivors of violence requires trauma-informed, culturally sensitive awareness from initial intake to final adjudication. Humanitarian cases often involve trauma survivors, and this panel will guide you through best practices for zealously representing survivors while protecting against re-traumatization during the immigration process.
- Moderator: Payal Sinha, Managing Attorney, Tahirih Justice Center
- Maria Osornio, Attorney, Self-Employed
- Anuscé Sanai, Senior Managing Attorney, Tahirih Justice Center
- Dr. Mara Rabin, Medical Director & Co-Founder, Utah Health & Human Rights
2 | Family & Removal: Bona Fide Marriages, Sham Marriages and Everything in Between
This panel will discuss the bona fide marriage requirement and how to navigate a marriage-based I-130 petition, specifically the threshold to be met for marriage validity and the types of evidence necessary to meet the threshold. The panel will also discuss marriage fraud and sham marriage allegations and strategies for dealing with Notices of Intent to Deny and denials on this basis.
- Moderator: Justin Burton, Partner, Kriezelman Burton and Associates
- Stacy Cozart Martin, Partner, MJB Immigration
- Michelle Saenz-Rodriguez, Senior Partner, Saenz-Rodriguez & Associates
3 | Business: Consular Conundrums
Latest update on both Employment-Based Nonimmigrant and Immigrant Visa Processes at US Consulates including: Processes at US Consulates, Current trends and problem areas, Ongoing backlogs, and the future of stateside renewals.
- Moderator: Laya Kushner, Attorney, Kushner & Kushner, P.C.
- Jan Pederson, Partner, Wright, Constable & Skeen, LLP
- Christopher Richardson, General Counsel and COO, BDV Solutions
- Stephanie Woodard, Attorney-Adviser, Consular Affairs, Office of the Legal Adviser, U.S. Department of State
>Sponsored by Visa Business Plans
4:15 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Concurrent CLE Tracks
1 | Asylum & Humanitarian: Bars to Asylum and Related Relief
This panel will cover the bars to asylum, including firm resettlement, material support for terrorism, convictions for particularly serious crimes, and the one-year filing deadline. Panelists will also discuss withholding of removal and protection under the UN Convention Against Torture, with guidance for addressing the statutory bars that apply to those alternate forms of relief.
- Moderator: Lauren Anselowitz, Partner, Harlen York & Associates
- Anwen Hughes, Director of Legal Strategy, Refugee Programs, Human Rights First
- Audrey Mulholland, Director of Immigration-Padilla, Texas RioGrande Public Defenders
2 | Family & Removal: Strategies for VAWA and U Visa Cases Before USCIS and EOIR
This panel will focus on strategies for representing individuals in their VAWA cases before USCIS and EOIR. The panelists will discuss applications before USCIS, as well as VAWA cancellation of removal before EOIR.
- Anusce Sanai, Senior Managing Attorney, Tahirih Justice Center
- Susan Roy, Attorney/Former Immigration Judge, Law Office of Susan G. Roy LLC
- Cristina Velez, Legal and Policy Director, ASISTA
- Mark Williams, Attorney/Partner, Perretta Law Office
3 | Business: Alternatives to PERM
With the increasingly long processing times, attorneys need to think outside the box and consider other alternatives for clients to obtain permanent resident status through employment, including: First preference category; National Interest Waivers in a Dhanasar Universe; Schedule A Group I and II; and Potential Schedule A Expansion.
- Moderator: Rita Sostrin, Partner, Sostrin Immigration Lawyers LLP
- Susan Fortino-Brown, Principal, Law Offices of Susan Fortino-Brown, LLC
- Laura J. Mazel, Partner, Mazel Immigration Law
> Sponsored by Joorney
5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Awards Reception
Saturday, May 11
8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | Challenges of Language Access in the U.S. Immigration Practice
In this panel discussion, representatives from DHS Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsmen, and CIELO will discuss how the lack of adequate interpretation and translation services for immigration benefit seekers or those going through enforcement processes who are not proficient in English impedes their ability to navigate the complex immigration system. The panel will discuss how the many agencies and advocacy groups within the immigration system are working together to ensure proper translation services are available. The Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsmen will also discuss how OIDO integrates feedback from stakeholders/the public into their work.
- Moderator: Kelli Duehning, Partner, BAL
- Odilia Romero, Co-founder & Executive Director, Comunidades Indigenas en Liderazgo (CIELO)
- Rebekah Tosado, Director, Antidiscrimination Group, Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
10:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | Concurrent Tracks
1 | Asylum & Humanitarian: Immigration Relief for Trafficking Survivors and Special Immigrant Juveniles
This panel will cover the latest policy and practice developments affecting T visa applications for survivors of trafficking and I-360 petitions for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS). Panelists will provide guidance on responding to those developments in your T and SIJS casework. They will discuss best practices for representation of immigrant survivors of trafficking, abuse, abandonment, or neglect.
- Moderator: Cristina Velez, Legal & Policy Director, ASISTA
- Nadia Danilovich, Senior Staff Attorney, ABA Children’s Immigration Law Academy
- Payal Sinha, Managing Attorney, Tahirih Justice Center
- Elissa Steglich, Clinical Professor and Co-Director, University of Texas School of Law Immigration Clinic
2 | Family & Removal: Litigating USCIS and Department of State Delays
The panelists will discuss the most common types of litigation surrounding delays and share updates regarding recent case law impacting this type of litigation.
- Moderator: Betty Stevens, Attorney of Counsel, Poarch Thompson Law
- Enes Hajdarpasic, Partner, Onal Gallant Bayram & Amin PC.
- Lauren McClure, Partner, Kriezelman Burton and Associates, LLC
3 | Business: AI, Ethics and the Practice of Immigration Law
Expert panels will discuss the ethical implications of incorporating AI into the immigration law practice, including: What is AI? What are its current/potential uses in the practice of law? What are the primary ethical concerns with AI?
- Moderator: David Ware, Attorney at Law, Ware|Immigration
- Diane Akiyama, Assistant Disciplinary Counsel, Office of Professional Conduct
- Cristian Sanchez, Managing Attorney, Texas Immigration Law Council
11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Luncheon Program
Q&A Session with the Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsmen’s Office
- Melissa Nitsch, Senior Public Engagement Specialist, OIDO
> Immigration Law Section Meeting to take place concurrently in separate lunch room.
1:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Concurrent CLE Tracks
1 | Asylum & Humanitarian: Asylum and Due Process at the Border
This session will include a discussion of the U.S. immigration system as it relates to refugees who arrive at the border seeking protection. Panelists will describe the experience of asylum-seekers in the detention and removal systems and provide guidance for attorneys to best advocate for their clients. Attendees will learn about the Family Expedited Removal Management (FERM) system and the impact of such fast-track programs on the due process rights of refugees, including their ability to obtain legal representation. Alternatives to seeking bond for the release of asylum applicants and advocacy in credible fear and reasonable fear reviews will also be discussed.
- Moderator: Robyn Barnard, Senior Director, Refugee Advocacy, Human Rights First
- Yvette Changuin, Senior Staff Attorney, RAICES
- Guerline Jozef, Executive Director, Haitian Bridge Alliance/Black Immigrants Bail Fund/Cameroon Advocacy Network
- Lindsay Toczylowski, Executive Director, Immigrant Defenders Law Center
2 | Family & Removal: Consular Processing Trends, Recent Developments and CSPA Updates
The panelists will discuss consular processing trends from the last year and discuss strategies for dealing with interview backlogs and delays. The panel will also discuss updated USCIS CSPA policy focus on updates regarding interview delays and backlogs for the U.S. consulates across the world.
- Moderator: Tiffany Derentz, Senior Counsel, Berry Appleman and Leiden
- Fernando Candil, Staff Attorney, RAICES
- Desiree Goldfinger, Partner, Pryor Cashman
- Brenda Grewe, Office Director for Domestic Operations, Consular Affairs – Visa Office, U.S. Department of State
- Diane Holcombe-Geddens, Senior Managing Attorney, Consular Affairs, Erickson Immigration Group
3 | Business: Preparing the PERM I-140
Although it may seem as if obtaining PERM labor certification is the biggest hurdle in the employment-based permanent residence process, attorneys should be mindful of the potential traps once the I-140 stage is reached, and potential work-arounds. This expert panel will address the following critical I-140 issues: Predictions on the growing processing times for PERMs, Timing and deadline considerations for the I-140, Showing ability to pay the PERM proffered wage, Advocacy in I-140 filings and Ethical considerations
- Moderator: Linda Rose, Founding Member/Of Counsel, Rose Immigration Law Firm
- Laura J. Mazel, Partner, Mazel Immigration Law
- Dustin O’Quinn, Shareholder, Lane Powell, P.C
2:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Concurrent CLE Tracks
1 | Asylum & Humanitarian: State Challenges to Federal Asylum Law and Procedure
Panelists will discuss the relationship between increasing arrivals at the border and governmental policy regarding immigration enforcement in the United States. Topics will include recent efforts by state and local authorities to enforce immigration law and to criminalize under state or local law the entry or presence of undocumented immigrants in their jurisdiction, as well as the practice and impact of bussing migrants from border towns to points north. We will hear updates regarding SB4, an unprecedented measure which aims to give immigration enforcement power to state and local authorities in Texas. We will also learn about challenges to state and local attempts to enforce federal immigration law.
- Moderator: Manoj Govindaiah, Managing Attorney, Immigrant Legal Defense
- Audrey Mulholland, Padilla-Immigration Team Manager, OLS Project, Texas RioGrande Public Defenders
- Aron Thorn, Senior Staff Attorney, Texas Civil Rights Project
2 | Family & Removal: View from the Federal Bench
In this conversation with judges from the immigration court, district court, and federal court of appeals, panelists will explore contemporary issues impacting effective oral and written advocacy. Panelists will share insights on civility, professionalism, and candor and the impact of the immigration court backlog on their respective dockets.
- Moderator: Kate Goettel, Legal Director of Litigation, American Immigration Council
- Hon. Amiena Khan, Assistant Chief Immigration Judge, Office of the Chief Immigration Judge, U.S. Department of Justice (Invited)
- Hon. William Orrick, Judge, Northern District of California
- Hon. Andrea Saenz, Judge, EOIR, Board of Immigration Appeals, U.S. Department of Justice (Invited)
3 | Business: AOS, EB and Humanitarian Collide
With close to 600,000 DACA recipients, many of whom have joined the US workforce, employers are increasingly looking for options to sponsor these employees for permanent residence. Employment-based immigration attorneys are increasingly relied upon for guidance and potential options for employees traditionally within the Humanitarian categories. This includes: DACA; TPS; Asylum Applicants; and Advance Parole and INA section 245(K).
- Moderator: Nicole Simon, Managing Partner, Landau, Hess, Simon, Choi & Doebley
- Peter Ashman, Founder and Principal, Law Offices of Peter L. Ashman
- Mike Jarecki, Principal, Jarecki Law Group, LLC
4:15 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Concurrent CLE Tracks
1 | Asylum & Humanitarian: Ethical Representation in Your Humanitarian Case
In this session, you will hear from experts on the ethical representation of clients who have experienced trauma and seek protection under U.S. immigration law. Topics will include zealous representation, candor to the tribunal, and when to seek administrative closure or dismissal of removal proceedings. Panelists will also discuss whether there is an ethical use for AI in the humanitarian practice, and the impact of remote work on the attorney-client relationship.
- Moderator: Lauren Anselowitz, Partner, Harlen York & Associates
- Cyrus Mehta, Founder, Cyrus D. Mehta & Partners PLLC
- Joanna Mexicano Furmanska, Staff Attorney, Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc.
2 | Family & Removal: Handling Complex Adjustment of Status
The panelists will discuss all types of adjustment of status cases and the complexities that may arise, including inadmissibility issues, proof of lawful admission, and other issues that may arise before a case is filed, during the interview process, and after a decision is made.
- Moderator: Mary Sirmans, Attorney, Poarch Thompson Law
- Margaret Stock, Attorney, Cascadia Cross Border Law Group
- Betty Stevens, Attorney of Counsel, Poarch Thompson Law
3 | Business: EB Litigation for the Amateur
This panel of litigation experts will serve as a primer for employment-based immigration attorneys providing the key tools for advising a client on seeking redress in the federal courts, including: How to know when to litigate; Litigable issues: delay, error, etc; APA vs DJA; and EAJA fees.
- Moderator: Jesse Bless, Owner, Bless Litigation, LLC
- Leslie Dellon, Senior Attorney (Business Immigration), American Immigration Council
- Jonathan Wasden, Managing Attorney, Wasden Law