ALL IN - WITH ALLY

Ally Bolour for

BOG http://americanvisas.net

Partial list of endorsements: Deborah Notkin Angelo Paparelli Kirsten Schlenger David Ware Bernard Wolfsdorf

I am running for the Board of Governors because I want to make a difference in AILA during what promises to be a year of great change. When I passed the California Bar in December 1996, a colleague told me that as an immigration lawyer, I must join AILA. I did so immediately, and it was the best professional decision I ever made. Over the years I have had the opportunity to work with some amazing immigration lawyers from across the country as part of the Southern California Chapter, GLIG and the committees on which I have served. As a member of the Board of Governors I want to continue to help AILA grow its educational offerings, particularly in this time of change. I also want to increase networking opportunities so that thought leaders from around the country have more opportunities to interact. This includes enhancing the environment for newer practitioners to network and participate in committees and speak at conferences at both the chapter and national level.

I have benefited greatly from my AILA membership. It has given me the resources I need to effectively run my practice and I want to make sure that other lawyers benefit as I have. I have also been privileged to serve as a panelist at AILA conferences around the country. Over the years, I have presented on topics ranging from nonimmigrant visas to asylum law, and bias. I proudly wear my AILA badge when I speak or otherwise participate at non-AILA events, including the: Board of Trustees of the American Immigration Council (AIC), National Immigration Project, Los Angeles County Bar Association, Harvard University LGBT Policy and Law Conference, and Lavender Law Project. The commonality throughout my career has been my absolute belief in advocating for justice and equality for all. AILA has given me that platform. At a time when our elected leaders are convinced that the only way to move forward on the immigration issue is through legislation providing for a Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CIR), AILA is leading the charge to make CIR a reality. I want to be in the vanguard fighting for fair and comprehensive reform that benefits families, business and those seeking protection from tyranny. I am proud to be a part of AILA during these exciting times and will work to make it the advocacy voice I know it can be. Whether you are a solo practitioner, as I am, or work in a larger law firm, I am grateful to have earned your consideration for a vote to serve on AILA’s Board of Governors. If elected, I will do my best to have your voices heard at AILA, as it navigates through what is sure to be a period of tremendous opportunity for us.