June 19–20, 2023 • Disney’s Contemporary Resort • Orlando, FL

2023 AILA Paralegals Conference and Webcast

This program is designed to give paralegals as well as law office and in-house support staff insight into the complexities and practicalities of immigration law, allowing them to assist their supervising attorneys and clients more effectively. This two-day in-person and virtual conference covers the breadth of situations that these professionals may encounter. After the conference, registrants will have access to recordings of all sessions, so they may watch any panels they missed and review the content they found most useful. 

The conference includes sessions on the paralegal’s role, including a careers panel, and a panel on effective writing. We will also discuss pointers for increasing productivity, tips and tricks for USCIS paperless filings, adjustment of status, immigrant visa processing, and naturalization matters. A question-and-answer period will be included during each session, allowing attendees to interact with faculty and gain further insight. 

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Program Highlights

  • One track with everything you need!  

  • Extended panel: TPS, U and T Visas, VAWA, and Humanitarian Relief  

  • PERM Overview  

  • Addressing Client Needs in Vulnerable Situations  

  • NIV/IV Options for Extraordinary/Exceptional Ability Individuals

  • 601/601A Waivers (Ethics Session)

  • USMCA-Based Visa Categories and Related Port-of-Entry Issues  

 Separate registration is required for this event. 

Preconference Sessions 

Your Paralegals Conference registration gives you access to these exclusive live webinars.

MAY 2, 2023 / 1–2 PM (ET)

Employment-Based Immigration 101

With its vast array of temporary and permanent visas available for foreign nationals who work for U.S. companies, the U.S. business immigration system is one of the most complex in the world. Our panel of experts will provide a high-level overview of employment-based temporary and permanent residency options, including discussions of documentation required and agencies involved in processing applications.  

 

  • Overview of nonimmigrant visas 
  • Required documentation (I-94, I-797, visa stamp, etc.)  
  • Agencies involved when sponsoring foreign nationals  
  • Permanent residency options 
MAY 9, 2023 / 1–2 PM (ET)

Addressing Client Needs in Vulnerable Situations  

Panelists will address the issues particular to representing vulnerable populations, including tricky client communication issues, worst-case scenarios, and how to make lemonade out of lemons.  

 

  • What to do if a client is arrested 
    • Whom to contact 
    • Changes in strategy equal changes in process 
  • Communication between a paralegal and client in vulnerable situations 
    •  Communicating with clients in detention 
    • Border issues 
    •  VAWA, U visas, and T visas: best practices to protect survivors 
    • Keeping in contact with clients over long periods of time and addressing frustration caused by governmental delays 
    • Supporting clients with mental health concerns  
  • How to obtain records and build a case when a client is detained 
  • What to do if something happens outside the scope of representation  

 

MAY 16, 2023 / 1–2 PM (ET)

USMCA-Based Visa Categories and Related Port of Entry Issues 

Navigating port of entry procedures and policies is a difficult process even for experienced attorneys, as the rules are in a state of constant flux. Panelists will advise on how you can help your supervising attorney to navigate the rules and requirements of this constantly changing landscape. 

  • TNs
  • Canadian Citizens 
    • Procedure for filing (visa-exempt) 
    • Documentary requirements and assembling the application 
    • Understanding the nuances of different TN categories 
  • Mexican Citizens 
    • Procedure for filing (visa required) 
    • Documentary requirements and assembling the application 
    • Understanding visa reciprocity periods and the significance of the I-94 versus the visa validity period 
  • L-1s (Canadians only) 
    • Where to file? 
    • Individual versus blanket L visa procedures and requirements 
    • Documentary requirements and assembling the petition 
    • Local port of entry policies regarding processing initial L-1s versus renewals and exceptions to this policy 
  • Automatic visa revalidation   
GET A HEAD START ON YOUR CAREER

Networking Opportunities

The Paralegals Conference will have a reception and dedicated networking opportunities to connect with friends and colleagues and forge new connections. 

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DISNEY RESORT BENEFITS INCLUDED IN THE GROUP RATE!

Travel Information for Paralegals Conference Attendees

Please reach out to AILA hotels below for the current best available rate for AILA attendees.

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

(2.4 miles, 10 minutes from Contemporary, on Disney Monorail) 
4401 Floridian Way, Lake Buena Vista, FL 

The AILA group rate is $389 for single/double, plus taxes. Each additional person (18 years and older) is $35 per person, per night. There’s no charge for children under 18 years. The maximum room occupancy is 5. 

Disney's Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

(4.7 miles, 13 minutes from Contemporary, NOT on Disney Monorail) 
1251 Riverside Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL  32830

The AILA group rate is $195 for single/double, plus taxes. Each additional person (18 years and older) is $25 per person, per night. There’s no charge for children under 18 years. The maximum room occupancy is 4. 

Come for the Paralegals Conference and Stay for AC23

GO TO THE 2023 AILA ANNUAL CONFERENCE SITE