Last week, American Life proudly attended the 2025 American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Annual Conference, held June 18–21 at the Gaylord Rockies Resort in Denver, Colorado. As the premier national event for immigration law professionals, AILA AC25 featured over 100 CLE sessions and brought together attorneys, advocates, and industry stakeholders from across the country to explore the evolving challenges and opportunities in immigration law.
Representing American Life
Jennifer Smith, Director of Business Development, and Molly Biell, Investor Relations Administrator, represented American Life at AILA AC25. The four-day event was a valuable opportunity to:
- Strengthen relationships with immigration attorneys and partners
- Stay current on policy developments and legal trends
- Reaffirm our commitment to supporting immigrant communities
Key Conference Themes
AC25 offered specialized content across a wide range of immigration law topics, including:
- Business Immigration & PERM (permanent labor certification)
- DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) & Removal Defense
- Litigation Strategies
- Agency Adjudication Updates
- Technology in Legal Practice
- Attorney Wellness & Professional Growth
Building Community & Advocating for Change
Beyond the sessions themselves, AC25 fostered rich and meaningful connections among immigration attorneys, law professors, paralegals, students, and other professionals who are united by a shared commitment to building fair and effective immigration systems. The energy throughout the hallways, receptions, and evening events reminded us that this is more than just a legal field — it’s a community driven by purpose, passion, and solidarity.
A highlight of our time in Denver was attending a special luncheon hosted by Immigrants’ List, a bipartisan political action committee that advocates for the rights and dignity of immigrants through legislative and electoral action. The event was both inspiring and motivating, underscoring how critical advocacy is in shaping a more inclusive and just immigration system.
We were especially moved by guest of honor Bradley Whitford, the actor and longtime activist, whose remarks captured the emotional and human dimensions of immigration. He spoke passionately about the importance of protecting programs like DACA, and his involvement in actions like the 2018 rally outside Senator Dianne Feinstein’s Los Angeles office reflects a deep, personal commitment to ensuring young undocumented immigrants are protected from deportation and afforded opportunities to thrive. His message in Denver served as a powerful reminder that immigration is ultimately about people, families, and the enduring promise of opportunity.
AILA Global Migration Forum
Following the main AILA AC25 event, Jennifer Smith joined the AILA Global Migration Section (GMS) Annual Global Migration Forum from June 22–23 in downtown Denver. This international-focused event gathered global mobility experts to discuss the current state of global migration after a year marked by political upheaval, conflict, and policy shifts. Their discussions included extensive topics such as:
- Trends in international migration policy
Regional agreements and geopolitical shifts- Human rights protections and ethical migration practices
- Strategies for navigating global mobility in a volatile world
Looking Ahead
Both the AILA AC25 and the Global Migration Forum deepened our understanding of the legal, human, and economic dimensions of immigration. As we return from Denver, we’re inspired and better equipped to support the attorneys and advocates who make our work possible.
American Life remains committed to promoting fair, transparent, and forward-thinking immigration policies—because we believe that immigration drives innovation, enriches communities, and strengthens the U.S. economy. We are also proud to support immigrant communities through the EB-5 program and our ongoing partnerships with immigration attorneys across the country.