Stepping into Capitol Hill can be exhilarating and daunting, especially when it involves advocating for an issue as important as immigration. Recently, I had the privilege of participating in my first National Day of Action in Washington DC, where I joined the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), a group of passionate immigration professionals working towards common sense immigration solutions.
Leading up to the trip to Washington DC, I was admittedly a little nervous and felt a great responsibility. I prepared talking points, familiarized myself with key legislative proposals, and read up on my members of Congress ahead of the big day. Thankfully, I was joined by seasoned colleagues from AILA’s Chicago Chapter who showed me the ropes!
First of all, there was a lot of walking! We had a full itinerary of meetings with legislative offices located throughout Capitol Hill, which meant we were always on the move. The meetings themselves were not as scary as I thought they would be. As we sat down with congressional staff, we shared our reasons for finding bipartisan solutions that 1) promote the nation’s economic growth and prosperity; 2) ensure the orderly, efficient, and fair processing of migrants at the U.S. southern border; 3) adequately resource immigration agencies to decide immigration matters in a timely and fair manner and to ensure safe and humane compliance with immigration law; and 4) expand legal pathways to meet the needs of American families and businesses. We shared stories of clients whose lives are directly impacted by the current immigration system – families torn apart, dreams deferred, and contributions to society hindered by visa backlogs and long wait times.
What struck me most during our meetings was the genuine interest and engagement from the legislative staffers. They listened attentively to our concerns, asked probing questions, and expressed a sincere desire to find solutions. It was encouraging to witness the dialogue and collaboration between constituents and their elected representatives. One of the most powerful tools in these meetings was our personal narratives. By sharing our own experiences or those of our clients, I hope we were able to show why immigration reform is not just a political issue but a deeply personal one.
My first National Day of Action was a wonderful experience that reinforced for me the importance of civic engagement and advocacy. While the journey towards immigration reform may feel like it may never end, I know that sharing our stories and engaging with policymakers is worthwhile. I’m looking forward to next year’s National Day of Action!
At McEntee Law Group, our team’s commitment and advocacy are what sets us apart. Call us to help with your case today at (773)828-9544, or email info@mcenteelaw.com
Written by Katherine Del Rosario, Immigration Attorney at McEntee Law Group
