AILA Central Florida Chapter

Helps us congratulate our very own CFC Member & Attorney Christopher Dempsey as he is being recognized by AILA National for his amazing work in federal litigation and due process in the consular system!

Chris is the recipient of the “2024 Jack Wasserman Memorial Award for Excellence in Litigation in the Field of Immigration Law.”

We are very proud of the federal litigation work, especially with the Afghanistan Humanitarian Parole, Consular Processing and Citizenship federal litigation you have been working on for years!

Congratulations on this IMPORTANT recognition in other AILA Annual Award categories!!! 🏆🥇🎖🏛⚖️🌎

AILA Presents the Muñoz Litigation Team with the 2024 Jack Wasserman Memorial Award AILA recognizes the Muñoz Litigation Team with the 2024 Jack Wasserman Memorial Award for excellence in litigation in the field of immigration law.

Register now for this fantastic webinar!

The CFC Business & Investment Committee invites you to a 75 minute CLE webinar on April 12, 2024 from 10 – 11:15am – learn how entrepreneurs and investors can self-petition for a green card, by applying for EB2 NIW under Matter of Dhanasar.

CFC Attorney Speakers Andrea Bowers and Ileana Rivera will be discussing the following:

• Definition of EB2NIW
• EB2NIW Eligibility:
o Advanced Degrees - Masters and PHD
 Bachelor + 5 years of progressive experience
o Exceptional Ability - Explain each one of the criteria
 Explain Kasarian (totality of circumstances)
• National Importance - Matter of Dhanasar
o Substantial merit and National Interest
o Well Position to Advance the Proposed Endeavor
o On Balance
• How to establish an EB2-NIW for investors and business executives.

Tickets are $25 for AILA CFC members and $30 for non-CFC members and will provide 1 Florida CLE Credit. Please reserve your spot by registering here: https://www.eventbee.com/v/understanding-e2-niw-for-entrepreneurs-and-investors/event?eid=236214554

If you have any questions about the program, please contact Andrea Bowers at [email protected].

Understanding EB2 NIW for Entrepreneurs and Investors Online/Virtual Event

Great job to our CFC UPL Committee Chair Vilerka Bilbao and Vice Chair Emmily Marcela Kozan Ribeiro for organizing this necessary and informative CLE Presentation with Florida Bar Attorneys Jaqueline Neddelman and Maria Torress! This presentation provided our membership with invaluable information and suggestions.

For those in attendance, the CLE information will be sent to you so be on the lookout in your email inboxes.

If you want to continue the conversation on how to combat UPL in our areas or have ideas/suggestions on how to work better together, please join the CFC UPL Committee that meets every last Wednesday of every month! Here is that zoom link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88501524878?pwd=RmZ2eDZMUTZMMmM0cmpRditrYU02dz09

Due to the Orlando Immigration Court move, all hearings, individuals and masters, that are currently scheduled for Thursday March 14th through Monday March 25th, will be canceled and rescheduled. The Court will reopen on Tuesday, March 26th, but only for scheduled individual hearings. All masters scheduled for Tuesday March 26th through Friday April 5th will be cancelled and rescheduled.

Your AILA CFC EOIR/OPLA Liaison Committee is glad to invite you to a Happy Hour with some of our local Immigration Judges and OPLA attorneys!

• When: February 8, 2024
• Time: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
• Where: Eola View, 150 E. Central Blvd., Orlando, FL 32801.

Given space restrictions, a charge of $10 secures one of the limited spots. As an added perk, the initial 30 AILA CFC members to RSVP will receive a complementary drink ticket.

Please use this link to register and join us for an enjoyable evening:

As a reminder, please be courteous and polite while mingling with OPLA & EOIR representatives.

Parking instructions will be provided later.

CFC Happy Hour with Your Orlando OPLA & EOIR 150 East Central Boulevard - Orlando

Happy New Year and Happy Saturday CFC 🎇🥳 Hope everyone had a lovely, relaxing, and happy holiday season with your loved ones! Sharing this super important post on a Saturday because the nomination period for the 2024 - 2025 CFC Board year is underway!

Since it’s the weekend, we ask that you please take FIVE MINUTES to read this post and email your Board nominations. Please read the attached nominations instructions prepared by your lovely Elections Committee Chair Victoria Jaensch Karins.

🔷 This is your chance to nominate YOURSELF or SOMEONE ELSE and be part of our growing leadership team in the upcoming years!!

🔷 The recipient of the 24th email that Victoria receives after this email, will win a 💲 25.00 💲 electronic visa card courtesy of your Vice-Chair, truly.😊

🔷The nomination period closes this Wednesday, January 10, 2024.

As a board member, you will be part of the governing body of the Central Florida Chapter (CFC). You will take part in the key-making decisions on the operations, budget, programming of the CFC, and all issues pertaining to the orderly conduction of business by the CFC and its members.

Board members are required to meet once a month for the regularly scheduled board meetings, and any special meetings that are required by the board. Committee participation is highly encouraged. The required term for Board Officers is one (1) full year. The five (5) Board of Directors term is also one (1) full year and are limited to five (5) consecutive terms.

➡️➡️➡️ email Victoria your nominations RIGHT NOW at [email protected]!!!⬅️⬅️⬅️

In response to the extreme, discriminatory agenda being pursued by the Florida Governor and Legislature, including recently passed anti-immigrant legislation, the Florida AILA Action Coalition is organizing a slate of advocacy and community support activities during our 2023 Annual Conference, taking place June 21–24 in Orlando. This list will be updated as activities are added and/or confirmed:

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

Immigrants List Civic Action: Combating Anti-immigration State Legislation — What You Can Do - 3:30 pm (ET)
Featuring Jeremy Robbins, Ben Johnson, Ira Kurzban, and Denyse Sabagh

Friday, June 23, 2023

Superheroes 5K Run for Justice (presented by the Central Florida Chapter) - 6:30 am (ET)
Benefiting the American Immigration Council and the Orlando Center for Justice
Sign up. https://runsignup.com/Race/Donate/FL/Kissimmee/The2ndAnnualSuperheroes5KRunforJustice

Bad State Bills Targeting Immigrants: An Emergency Open Forum for Resistance, Response, and Reporting on the Current State of Florida - 4:30 pm (ET)
Featuring Kate Goettel, Sui Chung, Ira Kurzban, and invited speakers from SPLC and ACLU

Saturday, June 24, 2023

Belonging in Florida: Communities in Action - 9:00 am (ET)
Featuring invited speakers and representatives from HOPE, NOW, FLIC, NAACP, ADL, AAPI, and FANM

AILA’s 12th Annual Conference Pro Bono Clinic - 10:00 am to 2:00 pm (ET)
In collaboration with Mi Familia Vota, SEIU, and the AILA Central Florida Chapter
Learn more. https://www.aila.org/practice/pro-bono/find-your-opportunity/annual-conference-pro-bono-clinic

Content of Florida Anti-immigrant Bills

For information on the content of recent anti-immigrant legislation in Florida, see these resources from AILA:

Summary of Major Provisions of FL 264

This law imposes significant nationality-based restrictions on ownership of property by individuals from “foreign countries of concern.” https://www.aila.org/advo-media/aila-practice-pointers-and-alerts/florida-enacts-law-imposing-significant

Summary of Major Provisions of FL 1718

This law restricts the ability of undocumented individuals to live and work in Florida. https://www.aila.org/advo-media/aila-practice-pointers-and-alerts/fl-1718-florida-anti-immigrant-legislation

Contact Your Elected Officials

U.S. constituents can make a political impact by contacting their elected officials to share their concerns, recommendations, and demands. You can find contact information for your elected officials in the AILA Advocacy Action Center. Simply click on More at the top of the dark blue window and select My Officials. https://www.aila.org/advo-media/tools/advocacy-action-center

Source: https://www.aila.org/advo-media/tools/psas/flyers-and-advocacy-resources-on-florida?utm_source=Recent%20Postings%20Alert&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=RP%20Daily

AILA - The error message that appears when a user tries to access a part of the site that requires log in. DO NOT CHANGE NAMED URL.

AILA condemns the ’s proposed asylum ban. Help stop this extremely restrictive effort immediately and submit a public comment urging the administration to reverse course and protect asylum seekers: https://bit.ly/3kALMJk

Submit a Public Comment to Stop the Biden Adminstration's Proposed Asylum Ban The must reverse course on their proposed asylum ban & implement solutions that protect asylum seekers. Submit a public comment and stop the transit ban today: https://bit.ly/3kALMJk

Good Afternoon & Happy Monday CFC Members! Today (EOBD) is the LAST day to register for our upcoming “Second Edition: The 2nd Cuban Exodus: Parole is Alive!”

Remember that the Florida bar has approved this CLE Luncheon/Webinar for the following Credits:

CLE Credits:
o 2.0 Hours for General
Certification Credits:
o 2.0 Hours for Criminal Appellate Law
o 2.0 Hours for Criminal Trial Law
o 2.0 Hours for Immigration & Nationality Law

We previously did a Cuban Parole CLE back in 2021 when all the crazy Cuban stuff was happening with bond and Form 220A’s and since its STILL happening, we are very excited to have Member Attorneys Mark Prada & Vilerka Bilboa join forces (again!) to host our “SECOND EDITION: THE 2ND CUBAN EXODUS – PAROLE IS ALIVE!” A LOT has changed since 2021 and this CLE is focused ENTIRELY on Cuban’s, Parolees, Current Litigation, Form 220A and all the updates you need to know about.

As many of you know, Attorney Prada has been heavily involved with the Cuban “ROR as Parole” litigation since January of 2021 and had previously received multiple favorable decisions from the Miami Immigration Court regarding Cuban Parolees. After ICE appealed those decision, he has recently briefed six (6!) cases with the BIA and will be able to provide us with an update on this as well.

Event details:

Where: 1928 Cuban Bistro (Banquet room in the back)
Address: 13770 Beach Boulevard
When: Tuesday, January 31, 2023
Time: 12 – 2pm

The topics we will be discussing during this CLE will include:
 Overview of Current Border Procedure
 Quick History of Parole
 Authority to Detain Applicants for Admission
 Litigation Update + Parole Argument to be Advancing in Court
 Using FOIAs as a Tool
 Cuban Adjustment (USCIS vs. Court)
 Dismissing or Terminating Removal
 New Parole Program for Cuba, Nicaragua, Venezuela & Haiti
 Q&A Session

This CLE has already been approved for 2.0 OUR CREDITS with the Florida Bar:

After the Program is completed, both ticket types will receive the PowerPoints presentation, CLE code, and the recording of the CLE.

In-Person Luncheon & CLE Ticket:
• $40: Include delicious Cuban appetizers and lunch meals (yes, this was on purpose 😊!) plus regular beverages (alcohol not included).

Virtual CLE (Live or Recording)
• $20: You will receive the Zoom link for the Virtual CLE today Monday, Jan 30th, at EOBD.

Please register for either option and provide payment through the Eventbee link below. If you have any questions or issues registering, please email [email protected] for help. Thank you and looking forward to seeing your local faces there!

SECOND EDITION: THE 2ND CUBAN EXODUS – PAROLE IS ALIVE! Online/Virtual Event

Applications are open now thru Feb. 10, 2023 for The Michael Maggio Immigrants’ Rights Summer Fellowship! If you are a law student who feels strongly about immigration law, promoting justice and equality for vulnerable immigrant groups, and are interested in hands-on, real-world experience--then you should apply ASAP.

The Michael Maggio Immigrants’ Rights Summer Fellowship offers $2500 (plus $1500 from a host institution, for a total of $4000) to allow law students to strengthen their commitment to immigration law by obtaining hands on practice experience. Additionally, recipients receive complimentary registration for the 2023 AILA Annual Conference, the 2023 National Lawyers Guild Annual Convention, the National Immigration Project’s Immigration Skills seminar, if any, at the 2023 NLG Convention, and a $500 travel stipend to attend the 2023 NLG Annual Convention.

More about the fellowship here: https://maggiofellowship.org/
Application available here: https://maggiofellowship.org/application-form/

READ more from President on : https://bit.ly/3QYcKGm

Application Form – Michael Maggio Immigrants’ Rights Summer Fellowship Application Form Selection Criteria for the Michael Maggio Immigrants’ Rights Summer Fellowship Program Host Sites Fellowship host sites must be recognized non-profit organizations. These include: Nonprofit organizations serving low-income and underserved immigrant communities. Legal services orga...

Remember that awesome Cuban Parole CLE we did back in 2021 when all the crazy Cuban stuff was happening with bond and Form 220A’s? Well since its STILL happening, we are very excited to announce that Member Attorneys Mark Prada & Vilerka Bilboa have joined forces (again!) to host our “SECOND EDITION: The 2nd Cuban Exodus – Parole is Alive!” A LOT has changed since 2021 and this CLE is focused ENTIRELY on Cuban’s, Parolees, Current Litigation, Form 220A and all the updates you need to know about.

As many of you know, Attorney Prada has been heavily involved with the Cuban “ROR as Parole” litigation since January of 2021 and had previously received multiple favorable decisions from the Miami Immigration Court regarding Cuban Parolees. After ICE appealed those decision, he has recently briefed six (6!) cases with the BIA and will be able to provide us with an update on this as well.

AILA CFC invites Jacksonville (and all surrounding areas) AILA members to join us for an In-Person Luncheon CLE where our members can network and receive a 1.5 hour CLE training regarding ““SECOND EDITION: The 2nd Cuban Exodus – Parole is Alive!” ” led by Attorney Mark Prada (Miami, FL) & Vilerka Bilbao (Jacksonville, FL). We are also offering a virtual option for those distant members that want to learn all about this topic.

🔹Where: 1928 Cuban Bistro (Banquet room in the back)
🔹Address: 13770 Beach Boulevard
🔹When: Tuesday, January 31, 2023
🔹Time: 12 – 2pm

The topics we will be discussing during this CLE will include:

🔹Quick History of Parole
🔹Authority to Detain Applicants for Admission
🔹Litigation Update + Parole Argument to be Advancing in Court
🔹Using FOIAs as a Tool
🔹Cuban Adjustment (USCIS vs. Court)
🔹Dismissing or Terminating Removal
🔹New Parole Program for Cuba, Nicaragua, Venezuela & Haiti
🔹Q&A Session

This CLE is pending approval for 1.5 General CLE credits with the Florida Bar:

🔹After the CLE is completed, both ticket types will receive the PowerPoints presentation, CLE code, and the recording of the CLE.

🔹In-Person Luncheon & CLE Ticket: $40: Includes delicious Cuban appetizers and lunch meals (yes, this was on purpose 😊!) plus regular beverages (alcohol not included)

🔹Virtual CLE Ticket - Live or Recording: $20: You will receive the Zoom link for the Virtual CLE on Monday, Jan 30th.

Please register for either option and provide payment through the link below. If you have any questions or issues registering, please email [email protected] for help. Thank you and looking forward to seeing your local faces there!

SECOND EDITION: THE 2ND CUBAN EXODUS – PAROLE IS ALIVE! Online/Virtual Event

Hello CFC! Hope you are settling well into this holiday season. Please be sure to RSVP to our Jax Holiday Dinner:

▪️ Date: December 19, 2022
▪️ Time: 6:00 – 10pm
▪️ Location: Seasons 52, Carneros Room, 5096 Big Island Drive
▪️ Cost: Free to AILA members ($50.00 for AILA member +1)

Please RSVP directly at [email protected] to me by Sunday, December 18th so we can have a proper headcount. See you then!

JOIN US for our 1.5-hour LUNCH CLE “The ‘Must Knows’ for starting Employment/Investment Immigration Law”to Monday, November 14, 2022 from 11:30-2pm at Terra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse.

Our Member Attorneys Courtney Rineer and Alice Burgoswill be hosting a 1.5-hour Florida General CLE on all the things you should know about working and/or starting employment and investment immigration cases.

This CLE will be a great introduction for attorneys looking to explore adding Employment and Investment Immigration Law to their current practices, and a great refresher of main triggers and issue spotting for those already practicing in this field. (Beginner and Intermediate).

There will be a Q&A session at the end so you can ask all the questions you were scared to ask before.

The CLE will be live in Jacksonville with a virtual option as well.
Recording and CLE Code will be provided after the lunch.

Here are the event details:

Location: Terra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse.
Address: 4483 Southside Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32216
Time: 11:30 – 2pm (program starts at 12:30pm)
CLE: 1.5 Florida General CLE (pending)
Cost: $30.00 In-Person Member/ $15 Virtual/Recording Option.

REGISTRATION LINK: https://www.eventbee.com/v/the-must-knows-for-starting-employmentinvestment-immigration-law/event?eid=237002975

A great time was had last night at the OPLA Happy Hour!