Contact me → mturansick@meltzerhellrung.com                              AILA Member Endorsements

 

 

  • Former Chair of AILA’s New York City Chapter
  • Six years as Board Member of the American Immigration Council (AIC)
  • Three years of experience working for AILA’s Government Relations Department as Supervisory Policy & Practice Counsel
  • Many years of service as a member of several AILA national committees
  • Frequent presenter and author at AILA Conferences and Seminars
  • Participated in over twenty National Days of Action
  • Member of Illinois and Rome District AILA Chapters

 

I am honored to have been selected by AILA’s Nomination Committee to run for the Board of Governors during this pivotal moment in our organization’s history.

In my over three decades of practicing immigration law, I have never witnessed a time when our profession has faced such profound challenges. The threats extend beyond attempts to impede our day-to-day casework; they reach fundamental constitutional principles such as due process, the right to counsel and the rule of law. It is because the stakes are so high that I feel called to serve. If elected, I will bring to this role deep experience, sound judgment, and a long-standing commitment to AILA and the values that unite us.

I have practiced employment-based immigration law in New York City and Chicago. I have worked for small, mid-sized and large firms and can identify with the issues each face. My recent tenure with AILA’s Government Relations Department provided me with the opportunity to know AILA from the inside out and enhanced my profound respect for the work of AILA’s staff and its volunteer committees while also giving me a sense of where AILA can better align with the evolving needs of our members. I enthusiastically look forward to working with this talented group and contributing further to AILA’s mission as a member of the Board of Governors.

I am also deeply passionate about AILA’s legislative advocacy efforts. I believe that AILA’s Standing Committee on Political Engagement (SCOPE) holds immense potential as we work to shape the future of immigration law. Continued development of this initiative is a key step toward strengthening our voice on Capitol Hill and I will assist SCOPE in every way possible.

Looking ahead, we must also embrace change. Innovative law firm models and technological transformation are rapidly redefining our practice. I am eager to help AILA proactively embrace these changes, equipping our members with the tools not only to adapt, but to thrive.

I respectfully ask for your vote for AILA’s Board of Governors. If elected, I will dedicate myself to representing all AILA members, defending our shared values, advancing our collective interests, and ensuring our profession emerges from the challenges of the moment with a renewed sense of purpose and clear vision for our shared future.

Thank you for your support.