The AILA Annual Conference on Immigration Law is the premier event for immigration law professionals, organized by the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). This conference brings together thousands of attorneys, law professors, paralegals, students, exhibitors, and special guests to engage in comprehensive learning and networking opportunities.
The conference features over 90 Continuing Legal Education (CLE)-eligible sessions covering a wide range of topics, including family immigration, business immigration, humanitarian issues, removal defense, and litigation. Specialized tracks are available for both newcomers and experienced practitioners, ensuring that attendees can tailor their experience to their professional needs.
In addition to educational sessions, the conference offers numerous networking opportunities, an exhibit hall showcasing the latest legal technologies and services, and special events such as a closing celebration at the San Diego Zoo. Notable speakers and experts in the field provide insights into current and proposed reforms, legal strategies, and innovative solutions for practice management.
This event is ideal for immigration attorneys, law professors, paralegals, and students seeking to enhance their expertise, stay updated on the latest developments in immigration law, and connect with peers and industry leaders. Attendees will leave equipped with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate the evolving landscape of immigration law effectively.
Categories
Speakers(3)
Elizabeth R. Edwards
Attorney at Aziz Law Firm
Elizabeth R. Edwards is a graduate of Wake Forest University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law. Licensed in North Carolina, she has been certified as an Immigration Specialist by the North Carolina Board of Legal Specialization since 2001. She previously served as a chapter liaison with Charlotte USCIS Field Office, chair of the AILA Carolinas Chapter, co-chair of the Mecklenburg County Bar Immigration Section, and chair of the NC Immigration Specialization Committee. She currently practices with Aziz Law Firm in Charlotte, NC.
Margaret Holland Sparages
Attorney
Margaret ('Margy') Holland-Sparages has 28 years of experience representing clients before the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service, the U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. consulates abroad, and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol at land and airports. She represents entrepreneurs, corporations, key managers, and investors in their visa and U.S. work authorization matters. Margy has particular expertise in advocating U.S. national interest waivers for persons making substantial contributions to the United States. She also focuses on O-1 visa petitions for outstanding scientists, researchers, artists and businesspersons. She advises investors and traders who work under bi-lateral and multi-lateral treaties (E-1/E-2 visas). She also works with individuals and companies on visa matters impacted by corporate restructuring and reductions in work force. A past chair of the AILA New England Chapter, she served on the chapter executive board from 2014-20.
Tahmina Watson
Attorney at Watson Immigration Law
Tahmina Watson practices business immigration law at Watson Immigration Law in Seattle. She is a frequent speaker, author, and blogger, and is regularly quoted and published in various newspapers and magazines. She is the author of the book 'The Startup Visa: Key to Job Growth & Economic Prosperity in America' and host of the podcast 'Tahmina Talks Immigration'. A recipient of the 2019 AILA President’s Commendation.
Event Details
- Date
- June 17-20, 2026
- 4 days
- Location
- 🇺🇸 San Diego, United States
- Marriott Marquis San Diego and Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
- Pricing
- Varies by tier
- Audience
- Immigration attorneys, law professors, paralegals, students, exhibitors, and special guests
- CLE Credits
- Up to 27 total credits in 50-minute jurisdictions; up to 22.5 total credits in 60-minute jurisdictions, including ethics, technology, wellness, and elimination of bias credits.
- Attendees
- Thousands