AILA Central Florida Chapter

01/28/2026

Do you need to run away from the tyranny of this administration, the freezing cold, your family OR….. ALL of the above? We got you!

JOIN THE CFC FOR OUR UPCOMING EPIC ADVENTURE ON MARCH 6-9, 2026: “HOT TOPICS IN THE TROPICS CLE AT SEA CRUISE” WHERE AILA PRESIDENT JEFF JOSEPH AND FORMER AILA PRESIDENT KELLI STUMP WILL BE A FEW OF OUR SPEAKERS!!!

The Boat: Royal Caribbean Cruise Line | Utopia of the Seas

This is an opportunity like no other! Check out:
- Bigger flavor with over 20 dining options, 👩‍🍳🍤
- Bolder play across adrenaline-packed activities, 🏄‍♂️🛝
- Better chill days with serene sun decks, five pools, 👙🔆 and the iconic
- Perfect Day at CocoCay 🏖🦈🍹

Spaces are limited so register HERE now! https://www.ailacfc2026cruise.com/

Here is the flyer for the CLE agenda: 3.5 credits with 1 tech credit (pending):https://www.ailacfc2026cruise.com/_files/ugd/f41711_463fb10972254427ad1a8925b6ed6cf7.pdf

11/05/2025

🌊🌊 CLE at SEA - TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO REGISTER🌊🌊

JOIN US FOR AN EPIC ADVENTURE WITH AILA CFC - CLE AT SEA CRUISE MARCH 6-9, 2026! Royal Caribbean Cruise Line | Utopia of the Seas

CLE Registration Fee Included in Total Cost! All you have to pay today is $350.00 Per Person ($700.00 Single) TODAY and the rest is due today and the remaining balance is due on or before November 15, 2025.

If you thought our CFC Conference was s BLAST, then you cannot miss this cruise!! It is an opportunity like no other! Check it out:
• Bigger flavor with over 20 dining options, 👩‍🍳🍤
• Bolder play across adrenaline-packed activities, 🏄‍♂️🛝
• Better chill days with serene sun decks, five pools, 👙🔆 and the iconic
• Perfect Day at CocoCay 🏖🦈🍹

The general scheudle is as follows (full itinerary available at the registration link):
• 03/06/26 - Orlando/Port Canaveral, FL
• 03/07/26 - Nassau Bahamas
• 03/08/26 - Perfect Day CocoCay Bahamas
• 03/09/26 - Orlando/Port Canaveral, FL

REGISTER HERE NOW➡️https://www.ailacfc2026cruise.com/

Book it now to have something to look forward to and get you through these next few months. ;-)

10/26/2025

Final shoutout to your FOUR RAFFLE WINNERS for next year's 40th Anniversary CFC Conference:

Day 1: Maria Nikolov (New Members Happy Hour)
Day 2: Julie Farah (CFC Reception Raffle)
Day 3: Edgar Chavez (CFC Reception Raffle)
Day 4: Ardian Gjoka (Conference Surve)

Between our raffles and our GENEROUS SPONSORS, we raffled off OVER THIRTY gifts to our attendees!!!

And remember, there is still a 3-day cruise to the Bahamas to be raffled off for those of you that took the time to visit it Convert It Marketing! (Let us know on this post when you when!)

WE WILL SEE YOU AND EVERYONE ELSE NEXT YEAR!!!!

10/24/2025

Our photographer Gus with Square One is here ready for your professional headshot pics! Come on over and sign up for your slot. He is going to fit in as many as possible!

10/23/2025

HUGE SHOUTOUT TO OUR INCREDIBLE SPONSORS WHO YEAR AFTER YEAR SUPPORT OUR CHAPTER CONFERENCE! 🎉🥳🪅🎊

🎁Our AMAZING SPONSORS are doing CRAZY raffles these next few days!

☕️ We have TWO caffeine stations at the Exhibitor Hall:
• Hyatt Coffee station, right next to CMB Regional Centers, our Legacy Sponsor
• CAFECITO with Andria Roa of AER Mental Health Services (Conference Sponsor)

🕊 Our wonderful non-profit organizations that work in Advocacy and provide you with Practice Advisorys are also here sharing their important and invaluable work with our members

☮️ Americans for Immigrant Justice
• Raffling: CFC raffle for business/stationary gifts

🗽 American Immigration Council:
• Raffling: CFC raffle for business/stationary gifts

✨️✨️IN ADDITION TO THE FOUR (4) FREE TICKETS WE ARE RAFFLING FOR NEXT YEARS CONFERENCE, CHECK OUT ALL THE RAFFLES AND GIVEAWAYS OUR SPONSORS ARE DOING THIS YEAR✨️✨️

🟢 CMB Regional Centers (right next to the coffee station 😉)
• Raffling: 2 Bluetooth speakers (one tonight/one tomorrow)

🟢 AER Mental Health Services, LLC
• Giveaways: CAFECTIIIITOOOO & Adult Coloring books

🟢 Immigration Finder
• Raffle: 3 Ipads

🟢 Visa Business Plans
• Raffle: $100 giftcard to Amazon

🟢 EB5AN
• Raffling: 2 - $100 gift cards to Starbucks (one tonight/one tomorrow)

🟢 Convert It Marketing
• Giveaways: 3-day CRUISE to the BAHAMAS (Winner will be announced within a month of conference ending)

🟢 Florida Forensic Psychology
• Giveaways: 10 - $20 dollar cards to Starbucks

🟢 Sendero de Esperanza
• Raffle: Bottle of Rum - Flor de Caña

🟢 Immigration Court Mentor
• Raffle: 2 - Wine bottles (one tonight/one tomorrow)

🟢 Counseling For Relationships
• Raffle: Free Mental Health Evaluation + sweet treats and colored note pads

🟢 Filevine
• Giveaways: Mints & Glasses/Screen Cleaner

🟢 Dynaxe Capital
• Giveaways: Football Stressballs

🟢 LollyLaw
• Giveaways: Swag Bags

🟢 CaseBlink
• Giveaways: Chocolates

Be sure to thank our sponsors for their continued support, follow theirs socials and remember to network, make new friends and have FUN with it!

10/23/2025

Day 2 of our 39th Annual Conference has been a success!!! Thank you to our amazing in-state and out-of-state speakers for sharing their valuable time, energy and resources with our CFC members!!!

10/20/2025

We’re just TWO days away from the AILA Central Florida 39th Annual Immigration Law Conference in Clearwater Beach, and this year’s event is shaping up to be our most dynamic, practice-ready, and rejuvenating yet!

REGISTRATION CLOSES AT EOBD TODAY!!!

👉 Register Now: https://ailacfl39.rsvpify.com/
🏨 Book Your Hotel Room Here: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/PIERC/G-AILA

🌟 WHATS NEW THIS YEAR YOU ASK?!?!?!?!?

• Intentionally Themed Conference: Rebuild, Resist, Rise & Rest

• Free Professional Headshots: Need to get professional headshots or update you current ones? You will be able to get your FREE headshots on Thursday!

• Raffles & FREE Giveaways: We will be giving away FOUR (4) free tickets to next years 40th Annual CFC Conference each day of conference (must be present to receive!) along with a "The Kurzban Sourcebook" by Ira Kurzban & "Power up Your Practice" by Ruby Powers

• 📈 Wednesday Practice Management Track: Kick off the conference with industry leaders teaching you how to build a profitable, sustainable, and purpose-driven immigration law firm.

• Exclusive Agency Leadership Panel: Recently retired officials from USCIS, HART Service Center, NVC, and the Ombudsman’s Office share insider perspectives on USCIS operations and upcoming adjudication trends.

• Investment in the U.S. for Foreign Nationals: A strategic session on E visas, investor pathways, and business immigration opportunities.

• In-Depth Practice Workshops: Immersive, skill-building sessions designed to make you practice-ready on day one, including a motion writing workshop with *Retired Immigration Judge Stuart Karden*

• Exclusive Expo Hall: Discover innovative vendors and partners redefining the future of immigration practice.

• Exclusive New-Member & Law Student Networking Event: Connect with AILA Leadership and colleagues across Florida in an intimate networking reception.

• Sunrise Beach Tai Chi Session: Restore balance and energy as the sun rises over the Gulf.

• Evening DJ + Live Percussion Experiences: Unwind, dance, and celebrate our fearless advocacy under the Clearwater stars.

• Gorgeous Sunrises, White Sands & Brilliant Minds: Celebrate the tireless, fearless work we do together for immigrants across Florida.

Join us for a weekend of learning, connection, and inspiration surrounded by the best colleagues and friends in immigration law.

Make it a fun weekend getaway or bring the family for a fun beach weekend but no matter what, SEE YOU IN CLEARWATER!!!!!

October 22, 2025 @ 12:00 PM - Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort And Spa - 301 S Gulfview Blvd, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767, USA

10/10/2025

Hello CFC! Check out these great digital ad campaigns from Immigrant Lists Civic Action! Please share with all of your networks and share on your personal/business social media platforms.

Our messaging ALSO needs to be loud and succinct, and as lawyers, WE KNOW THAT FACTS MATTER!

1. Is Your City Next?
🎥➡️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LacdnINWp5U

2. Follow the Money:
💻➡️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmLyPLF3wrQ

3. Not Criminals:
📲➡️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yV2b15em9yM

4. Stop the Spike:
🔗➡️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltf11ySRIXw

The administration recently deployed the National Guard to our nation’s capital. Claiming that violent crime in the city is out of control. But the facts? Th...

09/10/2025

DID YOU GET YOUR CONFERENCE TICKETS ALREADY?

*TODAY* is the last day to get your BACK2SCHOOL Discount at checkout!

Our upcoming 39th Fun & Lively Beach-Front Annual Conference is set for Oct. 22 – 25th in Clearwater, Florida at the Hyatt!

Our Education Committee Chair Vilerka Solange Bilbao & Vice Chair Jeremy Lasnetski have been working hard to put together this INCREDIBLE PROGRAM! See the program link for all the panel goodies!

Dates: October 22–25, 2025
Location: Clearwater Beach, Florida
Register Here: Use BACK2SCHOOL at checkout - https://ailacfl39.rsvpify.com/
Book Your Hotel: Use Group Code: AILA - https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/PIERC/G-AILA

This years theme is: REBUILD, RESIST, RISE & RELAX and our agenda brings together timely updates and practical tools, including:

- 11th Circuit Updates: Insightful analysis of recent decisions and their direct impact on your cases.
- Interactive, In-Person Workshops: Work side-by-side with peers and experts to tackle complex case scenarios.
- Perspectives from Retired Government Officers: Rare behind-the-scenes views on agency priorities and processes.
- Advanced Panels: In-depth, advanced panels on topics like O-visas, EB2, T-visas, denaturalization strategies, ties to terrorism, and more
- Practice Management Strategies: Guidance on navigating today’s unique professional and economic challenges while sustaining a thriving practice.

TODAY IS THE FINAL DAY FOR YOUR DISCOUNT! Your seat is waiting!!! See you in Clearwater!!!

08/21/2025

Hello CFC Members! In a time when our work as immigration advocates has never been more critical, the 39th Annual AILA CFC Immigration Law Conference is your space to learn, connect, and recharge for the fights ahead.

From October 22–25, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa, we’ll come together to share strategies, strengthen our skills, and build the professional relationships that sustain our mission.

This isn’t just a conference — it’s FOUR days designed to help you:
• REBUILD the systems and structures that make your practice thrive
• RESIST the barriers that stand in the way of justice
• RISE with new skills, insights, and legal tools
• REST so you can return to your clients with clarity & purpose

With sessions led by leading practitioners, former agency officials, and specialists across law, mental health, and business development (plus our partners CMB-5, AER Mental Health Services, Florida Forensic Psychology, ConvertIT Marketing, ImmigrationFinder, Senderos de Esperanza, and MANY more), you’ll leave empowered to take on whatever comes next.

📅 Dates: October 22–25, 2025
📍 Location: Clearwater Beach, Florida
🏨 Book Your Hotel: Use Group Code: AILA (https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/group-booking/PIERC/G-AILA)
🎟️ Registeration Link Below: Use Back2School for 10% off non-discounted tickets through September 10
📄 Full program in registratin link: see every session, speaker, and special event.

Clearwater awaits. Let’s make this our strongest year yet!!!!

With purpose,
The CFC Education Conference Committee

October 22, 2025 @ 12:00 PM - Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort And Spa - 301 S Gulfview Blvd, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767, USA

06/08/2025

📣‼️ 4-PART AI SERIES RECORDING NOW AVAILABLE: AI-Powered Lawyering: Build, Integrate, & Ethically Implement AI in Your Practice - ALL 4 Workshop Sessions in ONE!📣‼️

By popular demand, the AILA CFC is now offering the RECORDINGS of the phenomenal 4-part AI Series that the CFC Professional Responsibility and Practice Management (PRPM) Committee put together earlier this year.

Many of us have said we were scared to use AI so we highly encourage you to check out this series as it will be a GREAT introduction in helping you understand AI and get you feeling comfortable with the different tools.

And Remember: AI won’t replace you, but it WILL empower you. As immigration attorneys, we know the stakes are high right now. Our clients count on us to move fast, think clearly, and adapt, especially now, under the fast-paced daily-changing demands of this administration. The legal landscape is shifting daily, and we simply don’t have the luxury of doing things the way we always have. That’s why embracing AI isn’t about replacing our roles, it’s about protecting them.

AI can help streamline tasks, reduce burnout, and free up our time to focus on what we do best: strategize advocate, and partake in human connection. Whether it’s summarizing case law, drafting routine motions, managing intake, or spotting red flags in complex filings, AI is a force multiplier, not a threat. You don’t need to become a tech expert. You just need to stay curious, stay open, and start exploring how AI can support your work, and this 4-part series does JUST that. 😉

📅 Workshop Agenda:

🔹 Day 1 Workshop: Mastering AI Prompting for Legal Work & Avoiding Common Pitfalls:
Learn how to craft effective prompts for ChatGPT and similar AI tools, tailored specifically for legal tasks.

🔹 Day 2 Workshop: Building Custom AI Tools & Google/SORA AI for Law Firms:
This session takes your AI knowledge beyond ChatGPT by exploring advanced AI tools and practical implementations:

🔹 Day 3 Workshop: Choosing the Right AI Tools for Your Firm:
Not all AI tools are created equal. This session will help you cut through the noise and find the best AI solutions for your firm.

🔹 Day 4 Workshop: AI Ethics, Compliance & Practical Implementation:
AI is powerful, but it comes with ethical and legal considerations.

💰 Pricing Options:
✔ Full 4-Day Workshop Recording, Presentation & Extra Materials: $160.00

If you have any questions about the series, please reach out directly to PRPM Committee Nadine Heitz: [email protected] & Nadine Navarro: [email protected] as they will be able to answer any of your questions about the series.

Link to get your Recordings:

Zoom

06/07/2025

BREAKING NEWS! Last night, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals refused to stay a lower court’s decision blocking enforcement of SB4C, the discriminatory law targeting immigrants for arrest and detention which means SB4C will remain barred while the case continues.

The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals refused to stay a lower court’s decision blocking enforcement of a discriminatory law targeting immigrants for arrest and detention.