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AILA Texas/New Mexico/Oklahoma Spring Conference – Guadalajara, Mexico
April 9 - April 11
Hilton Guadalajara Midtown
$125.00 – $650.00
Our 2025 Spring Conference in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico is underway!
Download documents from each session here
Let’s join forces to learn up-to-date strategies in this new Trump Era! We are offering an advanced, dual track (family/litigation and business) conference. Panels will include the finest immigration experts, speakers from the United States and Mexico, Government speakers, and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) from Mexico and the USA. 13 hours of CLE credit.
Our conference will be held April 9th through April 11th at the Hilton Guadalajara Midtown. Discounted hotel bookings will be available through Saturday, April 12th so that attendees can take in the city over the weekend.
The city of Guadalajara is bursting with history, international business and culture. Many attractions are in the city’s historic center and in the neighboring city of Zapopan. Museums, parks and churches flourish alongside bullfights, rodeos and futbol. Nearby are the towns of Tequila, where the liquor of the same name is produced, and Tlaquepaque and Tonala, where artisans create an abundance of Mexican handicrafts. Mariachi, which originated in the area, is the sound of this bustling area!
Click here to book your hotel
Click the Tickets & Reservations tab on this page to register for the conference.
Schedule
Wednesday, April 9th: Bienvenida Happy Hour at UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hospicio Cabañas, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Mural tours at 6:30 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, April 10th: Conference Day, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Happy Hour in the Midtown Ballroom Foyer
Friday, April 11th: Conference Day, 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 12th: Guadalajara has an amazing array of things to do, and it is strongly encouraged to explore this part of Mexico on Saturday post conference. We have negotiated our discounted rates through Sunday, April 13th, for those of you wanting to take advantage of the many things there are to do.
Sunday, April 13th: Optional Pro Bono legal clinic for The Rhizome Center for Migrants, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
All conference sessions will take place in the Hilton Guadalajara Midtown Ballrooms 2 and 3, with registration and breaks in the Midtown Ballroom Foyer.
Click here to enjoy the conference playlist on Spotify—or find a poster with this code and scan it from inside the Spotify app!
Excursions and Day Trips
Plaza de Armas, catedral de Guadalajara y palacio del gobierno: This historic plaza at the heart of Guadalajara features artists, vendors, and excellent views of some of the most famous sights in the city. Spend an hour purchasing souvenirs, people-watching, and checking out the art and statues around the plaza, and then head to the cathedral to see the unforgettable towering spires that permanently mark the Guadalajara skyline. Then proceed to the state of Jalisco government building, which features impressive artwork by famous artist Jose Clemente Orozco.
Mercado San Juan de Dios: As the largest indoor market in Latin America, this market has approximately 3000 stalls offering every ware imaginable and is an excellent stop for people looking to try good local food. The entire ground floor features the food and desserts of Guadalajara, including tortas ahogadas, which are the most iconic dish to come from the city.
Colonia Americana: Considered by many residents and visitors to be the best neighborhood in Guadalajara, this is a great option for walking and exploring. There are many boutiques and restaurants offering beautiful goods and culinary delights, as well as great nightlife.
Tlaquepaque: A nearby town with picturesque streets and amazing restaurants, Tlaquepaque is worth the stop if you have the time. Weave through the streets and turn corners until you find yourself in an alley covered by colorful umbrellas, and there will be no shortage of souvenirs and sweet treats.
Guachimontones: A nearby archaeological site featuring round pyramids from the Teuchitlan people. There is also a small museum with information about the land and the people who lived there. Requires significant walking on uneven hills.
Tequila: Another nearby town famously known for being the home of one of the world’s most well-loved spirits: tequila. The town is a UNESCO world heritage site and is home to Jose Cuervo’s distillery. Tours are available for a closer look into the distillery and/or tasting processes.
Wednesday, April 9
| Start Time | End Time | Track | Topic |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5:00 pm | 7:00 pm | All | Registration in the Midtown Ballroom Foyer |
| 6:00 pm | 9:00 pm | All | Bienvenida Happy Hour at Hospicio Cabañas UNESCO World Heritage Site Welcome to beautiful Guadalajara! We invite you to an exclusive inaugural reception at the magnificent Hospicio Cabañas, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the heart of the city. Step into a masterpiece of architecture and enjoy breathtaking murals and stunning courtyards at this former orphanage and hospital, while forging connections new and old. This evening will provide a unique opportunity to connect with chapter members and local attorneys amidst a backdrop of rich history and cultural splendor, setting the stage for a truly remarkable conference. The evening includes tours of the Orozco murals at 6:30 and 7:00 p.m. Make sure you arrive on time to join one of our included guided tours! Hospicio Cabañas Hosted by: The Rhizome Center for Migrants |
Thursday, April 10
| Start Time | End Time | Track | Topic |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8:00 am | All | Registration in the Midtown Ballroom Foyer All conference sessions will take place in Midtown Ballrooms 2 and 3. |
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| 9:00 am | All | Welcome by Chapter Chair Bea Ballerini, Houston, TX |
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| 9:10 am | 10:00 am | Business | “¡Ay, Jalisco, no te rajes!” by Jorge Alberto Negrete Don’t Back Down! Hot Topics in Business Immigration This panel of experts will highlight and discuss important updates from the last ten weeks of the second Trump administration. Learn how to navigate these challenges in the practice of employment-based immigration from lessons learned and strategies to best advise your corporate clients. Latest updates from CBP, DOS, and USCIS; where we are now and what to expect; tips from experts and lessons learned. Speakers: |
| 9:10 am | 10:00 am | Family | “Guadalajara, Guadalajara!” by Vicente Fernandez Welcome to Guadalajara and Let’s Talk About Hot Topics in Family Immigration! This panel will explore current trends and hot topics at the USCIS and the Department of State (DOS), including evolving adjudication patterns, processing delays, and key policy shifts under the current administration. Our expert panelists will provide practical strategies for effectively representing clients navigating family-based petitions, consular processing, and adjustment of status. Speakers: |
| 10:00 am | 10:50 am | Business | Did you say Tequila and Mariachi? Hot Topics in the PERM Arena Learn from a panel of PERM gurus an overview of where we are today with the changes in DOL processes; review discernible trends and recent policy changes under Trump administration; processing times, wage disclosure issues, and what to expect in the next 4 years. Speakers: |
| 10:00 am | 10:50 am | Family | “Volver, Volver” by Vicente Fernandez Migration in the Americas 101 As migration patterns shift across the Americas, immigration attorneys must understand not only the U.S. protection system but also the Mexican asylum process and legal framework. This panel will provide a foundational overview of Mexico’s asylum system, key agencies involved, and the procedural differences between seeking protection in the U.S. versus Mexico. Panelists will discuss how to obtain critical documents for clients, including humanitarian visas, refugee status recognition, and temporary protection options available in Mexico. The session will also highlight key distinctions between U.S. and Mexican protection systems, including eligibility requirements, legal standards, and strategic considerations for advising clients on their best options. Speakers: |
| 10:50 am | 11:00 am | All | Break |
| 11:00 am | 11:50 am | Business | Bosque Los Colomos L-1 Visa Applications: An In-Depth Discussion with Experts Our panel of experts will provide an update on adjudication trends, strategies for responding to RFEs during a second Trump administration from lessons learned from the last administration. How to handle corporate changes, post filing conundrums and best practices for immigration strategies for your corporate clients. Speakers: |
| 11:00 am | 11:50 am | Family | Plaza de la Liberación en Guadalaraja Humanitarian Visa Panel Humanitarian relief options like VAWA, U-visas, T-visas, and Parole in Place (PIP) provide critical protection for vulnerable immigrants, but shifting policies and heightened scrutiny have made these cases more complex. This panel will explore current trends and key updates in humanitarian visa adjudications, including processing backlogs, evolving evidentiary requirements, and the impact of policy changes under the current administration. Panelists will discuss USCIS’s increasing scrutiny of fraud allegations, including red flags, best practices for responding to Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs), and strategies to strengthen applications from the outset. The session will also cover what happens after denials, including motions to reopen/reconsider, appeals, and litigation options for challenging wrongful adjudications. Speakers: |
| 12:00 pm | 12:50 pm | All | “Mujeres Divinas” by Vicente Fernández Plenary: Lunch Panel A Lesson in Ethics from AILA National Board and Executive Committee Members Ethical challenges in immigration law continue to evolve with new policies, enforcement priorities, and case law developments. This panel will provide an in-depth analysis of recent ethics-related case law, updates on professional responsibility rules, and best practices for navigating ethical dilemmas under the current administration. Panelists will discuss key issues such as dual representation, client confidentiality in the digital age, avoiding conflicts of interest, and managing fraud or misrepresentation risks. Speakers: |
| 12:50 pm | 1:00 pm | All | Break |
| 1:00 pm | 1:50 pm | Business | What to do? Mariachi, Tequila, and Birria Roundtable Immigration Strategies in EB Immigration: When Things Go Wrong This panel will provide an in-depth discussion on options for foreign nationals who have overstayed their period of admission and other immigration violations and discuss viable strategies to mitigate future impact of their immigration status. Experts will discuss when “Nunc pro Tunc” is a viable option and how best to use it, departure and re-entry and other tactics. The panel will discuss myriad violations in the employment-based space and the tools to resolve them; lessons learned and how to handle conflicts of interest; portability, retrogression and a “Plan B”; and recurrent status issues with F-1s and how best to prepare their immigration strategy. Speakers: |
| 1:00 pm | 1:50 pm | Family | Escultura La Estampida en Guadalajara La Batalla: Fighting the Good Fight in Immigration Court Immigration court is a battleground where every procedural tool and legal strategy can mean the difference between deportation and relief. This advanced panel will equip attorneys with the latest tactics for challenging removal proceedings and defending noncitizens at every stage of litigation. Panelists will cover key strategies, including fighting defective Notices to Appear (NTAs), filing Motions to Suppress based on constitutional violations, issuing subpoenas to hold DHS accountable, and leveraging Motions to Terminate and Dismiss. The session will also explore Motions to Reopen, appellate strategies, and advocacy before the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) and federal courts. Speakers: |
| 1:55 pm | 2:45 pm | Business | Mercado Libertad San Juan de Dios America First Trade Policy and Its Effect on Treaty Visas: US, Mexico, and Canada Learn the latest on TN visas and their future in the second Trump Administration. Experts will discuss adjudication trends for TN visas: where we were, where we are today, and what we should expect and prepare for in the next four years both at the Southern and Northern borders. In the last year, TN visa adjudications in consular posts in Mexico have led to a resurgence of denials in renewals, and previously approvable cases under the USMA are now getting refused. Update on TN visa adjudications in Mexico in T.2. In addition, experts from Mexico and Canada will provide their perspective on the second Trump administration in the processing of treaty visas in their jurisdictions. A robust discussion will provide a holistic presentation of how these trends affect the three countries. Speakers: |
| 1:55 pm | 2:45 pm | Family | “El Niño Perdido” by Mariachi Vargas De Tecalitlán USCIS Nonsensical and Erroneous RFE’s, NOIDS, and Decisions Immigration practitioners are increasingly facing frivolous and erroneous Requests for Evidence (RFEs), Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs), and adverse decisions from USCIS, creating unnecessary hurdles for clients. This panel will examine current USCIS trends, providing real-world examples of illogical and unfounded agency actions. Panelists will share best practices for responding to meritless RFEs and NOIDs, including crafting effective legal arguments, leveraging policy guidance, and assembling strong evidentiary records. The session will also explore strategies for communicating with USCIS, escalating cases through service requests, engaging with the CIS Ombudsman, and challenging improper denials through motions, appeals, and litigation. Speakers: |
| 2:50 pm | 3:40 pm | Business | Colonia Americana E-2 Visa Updates and Practice Pointers: Trump 2.0 Join us for an expert panel to discuss updates and practice strategies on how to E-2 visa applications for treaty investors and treaty traders; best practices on assessment of treaty employees and how to support the application; how to prepare for a potential BAHA or America First application. Speakers: |
| 2:50 pm | 3:40 pm | Family | “Los Caminos de La Vida” by Mariachi Vargas De Tecalitlán Pal Norte: Border and Asylum Panel As border policies continue to shift under the current administration, immigration attorneys must stay informed on new enforcement measures, asylum restrictions, and evolving due process challenges. This panel will provide critical updates on border policies, including the latest developments in Title 8 and expedited removal, humanitarian parole programs, and CBP processing at ports of entry. Panelists will discuss key strategies for advocating for asylum seekers at the border, addressing access to counsel, credible fear interviews, and challenges in navigating the asylum process under increasingly restrictive policies. The session will also highlight ongoing litigation efforts to preserve the right to seek asylum in the U.S., including legal challenges to asylum bans, metering, and safe third-country agreements. Speakers: |
| 3:40 pm | 3:55 pm | All | Break |
| 3:55 pm | 4:45 pm | Business | Meet you in Tlaquepaque! National Importance Shift under the New Administration T 2.0 The Trump administration’s shift in defining areas of “National Importance” and its effects on National Interest, EB-1, and O-1 adjudications and STEM, including Policy Manual Update for January 2025; resources available to demonstrate National Importance; adjudication trends, RFEs, and other practical advice on evidence submission; and retrogression in the EB2 and EB1 category. Speakers: |
| 3:55 pm | 4:45 pm | Family | “La Malaguena” by Angela Aguilar The State of TPS, Parole, and DACA With ongoing legal challenges and shifting policies, the future of Temporary Protected Status (TPS), humanitarian parole programs, and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) remains uncertain. This panel will provide a comprehensive update on TPS policies, recent designations and terminations, and litigation impacting recipients. Panelists will discuss the decline of humanitarian parole programs, the latest on DACA litigation and its implications, and practical guidance on traveling with Advance Parole for TPS and DACA holders. Given the instability of these programs, the panel will also explore alternative legal strategies, such as adjustment of status, employment-based pathways, and humanitarian relief options. Speakers: |
| 5:00 pm | 6:30 pm | All | Happy Hour in the Midtown Ballroom Foyer Sponsored by the Immigration & Nationality Law Section of the State Bar of Texas |
Friday, April 11
| Start Time | End Time | Track | Topic |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00 am | 10:00 am | Business | Arcos de Guadalajara Latest on Immigration Enforcement and Compliance under Trump 2.0 This panel will discuss how to prepare for changes in I-9 employment verification and immigration compliance. Learn how to best inform your clients about how to prepare for changes in I-9 employment verification and immigration compliance; worksite visits (ICE, FDNS, IER); an update on ICE raids and advising employers on best practices. Speakers: |
| 9:00 am | 10:00 am | Family | “Caminos de Guanajuato” by Jose Alfredo Jimenez Mass Deportation to Mexico: Civil Society Fights Back As mass deportations from the U.S. to Mexico commence, civil society organizations and impacted individuals are at the forefront of providing humanitarian aid, legal assistance, and advocacy. This panel brings together on-the-ground experts and deported individuals to share firsthand accounts of what happens when someone is deported, the challenges they face upon arrival in Mexico, and the critical role that civil society plays in responding to these injustices. Panelists will discuss the systemic issues surrounding deportations, access to legal remedies, reintegration challenges, and cross-border advocacy efforts. Speakers: |
| 10:00 am | 11:00 am | Business | Let’s go down Chapultepec Avenue The Evolution of H-1B and H-2B Programs Review of H1B and H2B modernization rules; updates on H1B registration process and selection; H1B changes on the horizon. Speakers: |
| 10:00 am | 11:00 am | Family | “El Relampago” by Mariachi Aztlan de UTRGV Defending the Defender As immigration policies tighten under a second Trump administration, immigration attorneys face unprecedented restrictions, obstacles, and attacks on due process while representing noncitizens. This panel will examine the evolving legal landscape, including increased enforcement actions, access-to-counsel restrictions, and agency roadblocks that hinder effective representation. Panelists will provide strategies for aggressively advocating for clients amid heightened scrutiny, deportation priorities, and limitations on relief. The discussion will also explore holding the government accountable through litigation, including Bivens claims for constitutional violations and Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) lawsuits for government misconduct. Speakers: |
| 11:00 am | 12:00 pm | Business | Catedral Basílica de la Asunción de María Santísima Strategies for Religious Workers In an administration where we all need a little grace, even religious workers don’t even seem to be getting any. But there are lots of ways to creatively and zealously advocate for your religious entity clients. This panel will discuss effects of visa retrogression; non-traditional visa categories and their pitfalls; and creative IV strategies. Speakers: |
| 11:00 am | 12:00 pm | Family | “El Hijo del Pueblo” by Vicente Fernandez Crimmigration Updates As immigration and criminal law continue to intersect, staying informed about the latest legal developments is essential for effective representation. This panel will provide key updates on crimmigration, including recent case law, changes in enforcement priorities, and evolving policies under the current administration. Panelists will discuss best practices for advising noncitizen clients facing criminal charges, negotiating plea deals to mitigate immigration consequences, and post-conviction relief options. Speakers: |
| 12:00 pm | 1:30 pm | All | Lunch: Chapter Business Meeting |
| 1:30 pm | 2:30 pm | All | Plaza de Los Mariachis in Guadalajara (where everyone goes to hear Mariachi music) Plenary Federal Litigation Update When administrative advocacy fails, litigation against the federal government can be a powerful tool to challenge unjust immigration policies and agency decisions. This panel will provide key updates on ongoing federal litigation impacting immigration law, including challenges to USCIS adjudication delays, unlawful denials, asylum restrictions, and due process violations at the border. Panelists will offer practical tips and recommendations for successfully suing the federal government, including mandamus actions to address unreasonable delays; APA lawsuits to challenge unlawful agency decisions; habeas corpus petitions for detained clients; and constitutional challenges to immigration policies. Speakers: |
| 2:30 pm | 3:30 pm | All | “El Son de La Negra”: A mariachi fight song and Mexico’s second national anthem! Plenary Leading with Resilience: Navigating Challenges and Preparing Your Law Firm for the Future Resilience isn’t just about weathering storms—it’s about growing stronger through them. Ruby Powers will share insights on how law firm leaders can cultivate resilience within themselves and their teams. Key topics include developing a mindset for success in a high-pressure environment; anticipating and overcoming obstacles like staff turnover, market changes, and client demands; and preparing your practice for the future with strategic planning, digital tools, and leadership development. Participants will leave with actionable steps to lead their firms confidently into the future. Speakers: |
| All | Closing remarks – End of conference |
Sunday, April 13
| Start Time | End Time | Track | Topic |
|---|---|---|---|
| All | Optional Pro Bono Volunteer Opportunity The Rhizome Center for Migrants, based in Guadalajara, and St. Mary’s School of Law will host a post-deportation pro bono legal clinic. We are looking for volunteer attorneys who may be available for one-on-one legal consultations. Please consider donating your time for a great cause before heading back home. Attorneys available to volunteer can register here: https://forms.gle/YT4dZ2XZDN5KtL4eA. If you can’t volunteer this time but would like to stay in touch, please contact us at connect@rhizomecenter.org. Founded in 2018, The Rhizome Center for Migrants is a U.S. nonprofit serving and defending the rights of people returned and deported from the United States. Our legal team provides urgent legal assistance and advocacy support to vulnerable individuals and families. In addition to legal aid, the organization provides critical political, economic, social, and cultural integration support and is a leading voice on the long-term implications of deportation on the United States and Mexico. |
Accommodations
**NOTE: As of March 14th, our room block at the Hilton Guadalajara Midtown is full. Our travel partner has requested additional rooms from the hotel. The Hilton will confirm by Wednesday March 19th the availability of additional rooms under our room block. Once we have the information, we will notify chapter members immediately. We are closely monitoring the situation.**
The discounted AILA group rate at the conference hotel is for conference participants (and their guests) only. When you select your room you will see the total price, depending on how many nights you stay and the number of guests in the room. **Should you require alternative dates to the ones provided on the booking link, please reach out to our travel planner, Julie Stone with Sun Spirit Travel at julie@sunspirittravel.com
Your room rate includes daily breakfast, complimentary wifi, all taxes, and tips for the maid and bellman. All reservations are non-refundable unless trip protection has been purchased. It is strongly suggested to purchase trip protection.
For those that elect a trip protection quote, the quote will be emailed to you once your reservation has been received. Individualized trip protection quotes and waivers will be provided within 48 business hours of your reservation submission. Before your payment will be processed, you must either elect to purchase a trip protection policy or sign a waiver indicating you do not wish to have trip protection.
Transportation
Airlines that Fly to Guadalajara: American Airlines, United, Viva Aerobus, Volaris.
Taxis are readily available at the airport and it is recommended to take a taxi to the hotel.
In-Person Attendees Not Staying at the Conference Hotel
The Chapter encourages conference attendees to book their accommodations early with the Hilton Guadalajara Midtown (“Hilton”) via the link above to take advantage of AILA’s special group pricing.
Each person not staying at the Hilton or booking through the AILA link above must also add the $125 add-on fee to their cart when registering. This fee is to cover all food and drink provided during the conference. The conference will provide lunch on both days, snacks, and beverages. AILA will be reviewing the hotel bookings and registration lists and will be contacting those not staying at the Hilton who have not paid the fee. If you have not paid the additional fee, you will be unable to attend the conference until the daily fee is paid.
Pricing
Early registrants receive a $50 discount. After March 1, ticket prices will increase to $550 for members, $350 for nonprofit and paralegal members, and $650 for non-members.