Ben Johnson
@ailaexecdir.bsky.social
Executive Director of @aila.org. The views expressed here are my personal opinions. RT ≠ Endorsements.
Congress must block the DHS funding bill unless it has the necessary guardrails to end the lawless, deadly actions DHS is engaging in. DHS is endangering, NOT protecting, American communities. Take Action: www.aila.org/library/take...
Take Action: Tell Congress to Vote NO on the FY2026 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill
The American Immigration Lawyers Association urges Congress to oppose any increase in funding for DHS in the FY26 DHS Appropriations Bill.
www.aila.org
January 30, 2026 at 9:59 PM
Congress must block the DHS funding bill unless it has the necessary guardrails to end the lawless, deadly actions DHS is engaging in. DHS is endangering, NOT protecting, American communities. Take Action: www.aila.org/library/take...
AILA calls on Congress to settle for nothing less than real reforms that ensure compliance with the Constitution, reduce DHS’s excessive and bloated budget, and keep our communities safe.
NEW: AILA leadership responds to today’s bipartisan effort to block unchecked DHS funding. “We stand in solidarity against the violence and chaos DHS has unleashed in our communities," said AILA President Jeff Joseph. https://bit.ly/4tdmNKK
Bipartisan Effort Blocks Unchecked DHS Funding
AILA leadership responded to the Senate vote to block passage of a combined spending bill, driven by opposition to increasing funding to DHS without, at the same time, enacting meaningful measures tha...
www.aila.org
January 29, 2026 at 9:20 PM
AILA calls on Congress to settle for nothing less than real reforms that ensure compliance with the Constitution, reduce DHS’s excessive and bloated budget, and keep our communities safe.
Reposted by Ben Johnson
"If immigration enforcement is civil, it must look civil: transparent, notice-driven, and judge-centered. No masked street operations for civil paperwork. No brandishing of firearms with no imminent threat of harm" -Jeremy McKinney on #ThinkImmigration. https://bit.ly/45zRLm6
Think Immigration: A Civil Code, Enforced at Gunpoint
AILA Past President Jeremy McKinney describes how Congress normalized “arming a civil enforcement agency with criminal-style power while insisting the Constitution counts for less” and what must be do...
bit.ly
January 29, 2026 at 6:11 PM
"If immigration enforcement is civil, it must look civil: transparent, notice-driven, and judge-centered. No masked street operations for civil paperwork. No brandishing of firearms with no imminent threat of harm" -Jeremy McKinney on #ThinkImmigration. https://bit.ly/45zRLm6
Reposted by Ben Johnson
Today, AILA sent a vote recommendation to the Senate urging a NO vote on the FY2026 DHS Appropriations bill. Congress cannot give more money to DHS without putting in place guardrails to stop the unlawful actions that are causing violence & death. https://bit.ly/4k6HJPo
Vote Recommendation: AILA Urges Senate to Vote NO on FY2026 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill
AILA sent a vote recommendation to the Senate on 1/26/26 urging a NO vote on the FY2026 Homeland Security Appropriations bill.
www.aila.org
January 26, 2026 at 11:36 PM
Today, AILA sent a vote recommendation to the Senate urging a NO vote on the FY2026 DHS Appropriations bill. Congress cannot give more money to DHS without putting in place guardrails to stop the unlawful actions that are causing violence & death. https://bit.ly/4k6HJPo
A second U.S. citizen has now been killed as a direct result of DHS’s reckless enforcement operations. This campaign of fear must end. AILA calls for what the country deserves: a full, independent investigation with integrity and accountability; and Senators to vote NO on any DHS funding (1/2)
Live: State officials decry fatal shooting. ‘We can’t live like this,’ Walz says
Protesters have swarmed the street where a man was shot and killed by federal agents Saturday. Republican Tom Emmer said Walz’s response was “dangerous.”
www.startribune.com
January 24, 2026 at 11:36 PM
A second U.S. citizen has now been killed as a direct result of DHS’s reckless enforcement operations. This campaign of fear must end. AILA calls for what the country deserves: a full, independent investigation with integrity and accountability; and Senators to vote NO on any DHS funding (1/2)
When the government tells judges to ignore a federal court order, it undermines the rule of law itself. Court orders aren’t optional. Defying them erodes judicial independence, due process, and the basic promise that the law applies to everyone.
‘Is Bond Now Being Granted?’: Conflicting Orders Leave Detainees, Attorneys in Limbo - Documented
The Trump administration has continued to push mandatory detention despite a court order to stop.
documentedny.com
January 23, 2026 at 8:01 PM
When the government tells judges to ignore a federal court order, it undermines the rule of law itself. Court orders aren’t optional. Defying them erodes judicial independence, due process, and the basic promise that the law applies to everyone.
AILA opposes increased funding for DHS detailed in the FY 26 DHS appropriations bill. Further expansion of a dangerous, harmful, and deadly enforcement system cannot be allowed to continue under the watch of this Congress. We need urgent accountability.
Vote Recommendation: AILA Urges NO Vote on FY2026 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill
AILA sent a vote recommendation to Congress on 1/21/26 urging a NO vote on the FY2026 Homeland Security Appropriations bill.
www.aila.org
January 22, 2026 at 2:00 PM
AILA opposes increased funding for DHS detailed in the FY 26 DHS appropriations bill. Further expansion of a dangerous, harmful, and deadly enforcement system cannot be allowed to continue under the watch of this Congress. We need urgent accountability.
DOJ ordered immigration judges to defy a federal court’s nationwide ruling that said class members have a right to a bond hearing. ICE is terrorizing communities and arresting people with impunity, and now DOJ is limiting any chance for release. Defying court orders erodes the rule of law.
Practice Alert: EOIR Issues Nationwide Guidance on <em>Maldonado Bautista</em>
On January 13, 2026, EOIR issued nationwide guidance instructing all immigration judges to continue denying access to bond hearings despite recent federal court orders.
www.aila.org
January 16, 2026 at 10:29 PM
DOJ ordered immigration judges to defy a federal court’s nationwide ruling that said class members have a right to a bond hearing. ICE is terrorizing communities and arresting people with impunity, and now DOJ is limiting any chance for release. Defying court orders erodes the rule of law.
As an organization of more than 18,000 immigration lawyers, we are concerned about the safety of Americans and their family members in Iran, as well as Iranian nationals in the United States.
AILA has sent a letter to the Trump Administration urging immediate government action to use the full range of immigration authorities available under U.S. law to ensure the safety and security of all people impacted by the current crisis in Iran. https://bit.ly/3NLope8
AILA Sends Letter to President Trump Urging Action to Protect Individuals Affected by the Iranian Crisis
AILA sent a letter to President Trump urging all government action be taken to protect individuals currently affected by the ongoing unrest in Iran. The letter offers multiple actions that government ...
bit.ly
January 15, 2026 at 6:33 PM
As an organization of more than 18,000 immigration lawyers, we are concerned about the safety of Americans and their family members in Iran, as well as Iranian nationals in the United States.
The Administration calls this a “pause on processing.” In reality, it blocks immigrant visas from 75 countries—including family and employment-based cases—and adds a de facto wealth test. The human and economic costs are real. We cannot keep shutting our doors on legal immigration.
US will suspend immigrant visa processing from 75 countries over public assistance concerns
The State Department says it will suspend the processing of immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries whose nationals are deemed likely to require public assistance while living in the United State...
apnews.com
January 15, 2026 at 1:20 PM
The Administration calls this a “pause on processing.” In reality, it blocks immigrant visas from 75 countries—including family and employment-based cases—and adds a de facto wealth test. The human and economic costs are real. We cannot keep shutting our doors on legal immigration.
Ending TPS for Somalia is disgraceful given conditions there. Added to the Administration's ICE operations in Minnesota & multiple derogatory statements about the Somali-American community, this is a deliberate attempt by the Administration to sow fear & harm.
DHS announces termination of protected status for Somalis after group targeted by Trump
There are 2,471 Somali nationals currently in the U.S. under TPS, sources said.
abcnews.go.com
January 15, 2026 at 2:03 AM
Ending TPS for Somalia is disgraceful given conditions there. Added to the Administration's ICE operations in Minnesota & multiple derogatory statements about the Somali-American community, this is a deliberate attempt by the Administration to sow fear & harm.
A life was lost in Minneapolis today, and that alone demands pause and accountability. No immigration operation should end in death. This tragedy is a direct result of ICE using excessive force as part of a campaign of fear and intimidation in targeted communities.
US immigration officer fatally shoots woman in Minneapolis, officials say
Local officials accuse immigration agents of
www.bbc.com
January 7, 2026 at 9:37 PM
A life was lost in Minneapolis today, and that alone demands pause and accountability. No immigration operation should end in death. This tragedy is a direct result of ICE using excessive force as part of a campaign of fear and intimidation in targeted communities.
Reposted by Ben Johnson
NEW: AILA President Jeff Joseph responds to the Trump Administration's recent immigration changes, including the expansion of the ban, widespread cancellations of citizenship oath ceremonies, and halt to the Diversity Visa program. https://bit.ly/48WFVod
AILA: Trump Administration Moves Harm Families and Employers and Do Not Make America Safer
AILA President Jeff Joseph responds to the Trump Administration's recent changes, including the expansion of the ban and halt to the Diversity Visa program, noting the continued weaponization of “trag...
bit.ly
December 19, 2025 at 8:55 PM
NEW: AILA President Jeff Joseph responds to the Trump Administration's recent immigration changes, including the expansion of the ban, widespread cancellations of citizenship oath ceremonies, and halt to the Diversity Visa program. https://bit.ly/48WFVod
Ignoring the need for immigration reform affects tens of thousands of American families. Longtime immigrant workers care for our kids, but without a path to legal status, families face constant disruption and uncertainty. @immcouncil.org
Immigrant Workers and the Childcare Crisis - American Immigration Council
Immigrant childcare workers are vital to America’s economy, yet aggressive immigration enforcement and rising costs threaten access to affordable care. Learn why protecting this workforce is essential...
www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org
December 11, 2025 at 8:50 PM
Ignoring the need for immigration reform affects tens of thousands of American families. Longtime immigrant workers care for our kids, but without a path to legal status, families face constant disruption and uncertainty. @immcouncil.org
You can’t be “pro-innovation” and “anti-immigrant” at the same time. The Trump–Miller agenda is a recipe for losing talent, investment, and jobs to our competitors.
New Trump-Miller Strategy Clashes On Immigration And Innovation
The Trump administration’s national security strategy assumes America can gain the benefits of immigration without admitting immigrants.
www.forbes.com
December 11, 2025 at 7:46 PM
You can’t be “pro-innovation” and “anti-immigrant” at the same time. The Trump–Miller agenda is a recipe for losing talent, investment, and jobs to our competitors.
AILA supports new paths to legal status, but there are serious concerns about whether the President has the authority to collect a monetary gift in exchange for an employment-based immigrant visa, especially if applicants who have been waiting in line are moved to the back of the line.
December 10, 2025 at 11:35 PM
AILA supports new paths to legal status, but there are serious concerns about whether the President has the authority to collect a monetary gift in exchange for an employment-based immigrant visa, especially if applicants who have been waiting in line are moved to the back of the line.
AILA is committed to sensible, lawful reforms that address the real challenges in our immigration system, strengthen security, and uphold our nation’s constitutional and humanitarian commitments.
NEW in response to the Trump Administration’s immigration policy announcements and changes following the attack on National Guard troops in Washington, DC: Response to Tragedy Should be Measured and Bolster Security, Not Undermine It.
AILA: Response to Tragedy Should be Measured and Bolster Security, Not Undermine It
As the Trump Administration made a rapid series of immigration policy announcements and changes following the attack on National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., AILA President Jeff Joseph and Execut...
www.aila.org
December 1, 2025 at 11:20 PM
AILA is committed to sensible, lawful reforms that address the real challenges in our immigration system, strengthen security, and uphold our nation’s constitutional and humanitarian commitments.
Reposted by Ben Johnson
"Instead of honoring our legal and moral commitments, the administration is sowing fear and uncertainty and undermining the credibility of its own institutions,” AILA Executive Director Ben Johnson responds to Trump Administration refugee re-screenings.
https://bit.ly/4oduBIF
https://bit.ly/4oduBIF
AILA: Refugee Re-Screenings Sow Fear, Not Security
Ben Johnson, Executive Director of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), responded to news that the Trump Administration will reopen vetting for refugees who entered between January 20,...
www.aila.org
November 25, 2025 at 5:57 PM
"Instead of honoring our legal and moral commitments, the administration is sowing fear and uncertainty and undermining the credibility of its own institutions,” AILA Executive Director Ben Johnson responds to Trump Administration refugee re-screenings.
https://bit.ly/4oduBIF
https://bit.ly/4oduBIF
Great article highlighting the important work of @aila.org and our members to protect clients' rights, particularly through habeas efforts.
'We need warriors': Immigration lawyers get help from unlikely allies in fight to free clients
Immigration lawyers who have little experience with habeas corpus petitions are turning to informal networks and a software developer from Chicago to help them with their cases.
www.kpbs.org
November 21, 2025 at 4:44 PM
Great article highlighting the important work of @aila.org and our members to protect clients' rights, particularly through habeas efforts.
Reposted by Ben Johnson
AILA Elected Director Heather Prendergast describes a recent consultation that deeply affected her: a young Venezuelan couple faces detention and removal after a routine traffic stop upended their lives. Read on the #ThinkImmigration blog. https://bit.ly/3WxICpa
Staying Brave is Hard for Immigrants and Attorneys Alike
AILA Elected Director Heather Prendergast describes a recent consultation that deeply affected her as a young Venezuelan couple faces detention and removal after a routine traffic stop upended their l...
bit.ly
October 31, 2025 at 5:22 PM
AILA Elected Director Heather Prendergast describes a recent consultation that deeply affected her: a young Venezuelan couple faces detention and removal after a routine traffic stop upended their lives. Read on the #ThinkImmigration blog. https://bit.ly/3WxICpa
Reposted by Ben Johnson
NEW on #ThinkImmigration: AILA Law Journal Editor-in-Chief Cyrus Mehta describes the key topics from articles published in the newly released Fall 2025 issue of the AILA Law Journal. https://bit.ly/3L5k9F5
Think Immigration: What’s New In Your AILA Law Journal?
As part of our efforts to amplify the AILA Law Journal, Editor-in-Chief Cyrus Mehta shares highlights as he describes the key topics from articles published in the newly released Fall 2025 issue of th...
bit.ly
October 23, 2025 at 8:05 PM
NEW on #ThinkImmigration: AILA Law Journal Editor-in-Chief Cyrus Mehta describes the key topics from articles published in the newly released Fall 2025 issue of the AILA Law Journal. https://bit.ly/3L5k9F5
Reposted by Ben Johnson
"Put immigration adjudication where it belongs: under an independent Article I court, led by judges whose duty is to the law—not to a political boss." Read more on #ThinkImmigration from AILA Past President Jeremy McKinney. https://bit.ly/4hkX4KQ
Think Immigration: Our Immigration “Courts” Need a New Boss
AILA Past President Jeremy McKinney writes for the Think Immigration blog on the need for an independent immigration court system: “Put immigration adjudication where it belongs: under an independent ...
www.aila.org
October 16, 2025 at 7:00 PM
"Put immigration adjudication where it belongs: under an independent Article I court, led by judges whose duty is to the law—not to a political boss." Read more on #ThinkImmigration from AILA Past President Jeremy McKinney. https://bit.ly/4hkX4KQ
A DHS audit just gutted most of a South Dakota dairy’s workforce, hardworking people who kept the operation running for decades. This is what happens when enforcement replaces reason: rural economies and American businesses suffer.
Noem's South Dakota neighbors hit with an immigration audit that decimates their workforce • South Dakota Searchlight
Dairy farm audits in South Dakota under the Trump administration’s escalated immigration enforcement efforts have “created unrest."
southdakotasearchlight.com
October 13, 2025 at 7:22 PM
A DHS audit just gutted most of a South Dakota dairy’s workforce, hardworking people who kept the operation running for decades. This is what happens when enforcement replaces reason: rural economies and American businesses suffer.
Reposted by Ben Johnson
AILA Chicago Chapter Citizenship Day Coordinator Megan Davis describes how the Chicago Chapter partnered with community organizations to hold a successful & inspiring 2025 AILA Citizenship Day, helping people toward naturalization. #ThinkImmigration https://bit.ly/46TUIOa
Think Immigration: AILA’s Citizenship Day in Chicago: Uplifting Communities in a Time of Adversity
In this blog post, AILA Chicago Chapter Citizenship Day Coordinator Megan Davis describes how the Chicago Chapter partnered with community organizations and held a successful and inspiring AILA Citize...
bit.ly
October 6, 2025 at 3:48 PM
AILA Chicago Chapter Citizenship Day Coordinator Megan Davis describes how the Chicago Chapter partnered with community organizations to hold a successful & inspiring 2025 AILA Citizenship Day, helping people toward naturalization. #ThinkImmigration https://bit.ly/46TUIOa
Reposted by Ben Johnson
"Advocates have urged immigrants, especially children, not to sign any documents that attempt to threaten or incentivize children to waive their rights without first seeking legal advice." https://bit.ly/4pTEtt1
ICE Targets Unaccompanied Immigrant Children, Offering Payment for Deportation
ICE confirmed its plan to pay unaccompanied immigrant children in exchange for their agreement to be deported.
bit.ly
October 3, 2025 at 9:58 PM
"Advocates have urged immigrants, especially children, not to sign any documents that attempt to threaten or incentivize children to waive their rights without first seeking legal advice." https://bit.ly/4pTEtt1