The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Annual Conference is one of the most respected gatherings in the field of immigration law—and this year, San Jose immigration lawyer Lina Baroudi was invited to take the stage.
As the founder of the Law Office of Lina Baroudi, Baroudi has built a reputation as a powerful advocate for immigrants facing deportation, seeking asylum, and navigating some of the most complex areas of U.S. immigration law. Her appearance at the AILA conference marks not only professional recognition but also highlights the growing importance of diverse voices in spaces where immigration policy and advocacy intersect.
Representation on the National Stage
Baroudi’s participation as a panelist at AILA is significant for many reasons. As an Arab immigration attorney, her presence brings needed representation to a profession where marginalized communities—both as clients and practitioners—have long been underrepresented.
In a personal announcement shared ahead of the conference, Baroudi said:
“I’m excited to share that I’ve been invited to speak at the upcoming American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Annual Conference. As an Arab immigration attorney, I’m particularly proud to contribute my voice to a space where our representation has historically been limited.”
Baroudi’s comments reflect the broader goals of the event: education, collaboration, and opening the legal profession to more diverse perspectives. Her appearance reinforces the value of cultural competency and lived experience in immigration advocacy—especially in today’s polarized political climate.
Introducing the Fundamentals of Asylum Law
At the conference, Baroudi joined co-panelists to present on one of the most rapidly evolving areas of immigration law: asylum. Her panel served as an introduction to asylum law, laying the groundwork for other attorneys—particularly newer practitioners—to understand core principles, recent case law, and procedural updates.
The selection of asylum law as a topic underscores how vital this area has become. With global conflicts, persecution, and humanitarian crises on the rise, and with shifting U.S. policy under new administrations, asylum seekers face mounting challenges.
“I’m looking forward to sharing insights and inspiring more attorneys to work in this field,” Baroudi noted, “especially as the new administration promises to make it more difficult for immigrants to seek asylum.”
Baroudi’s experience in asylum cases spans complex litigation, advocacy against expedited removal orders, and working with clients from regions where political repression and war make return unsafe. Her emphasis on encouraging more legal professionals to enter this space speaks to the urgent need for support.
A Voice for the Underserved
The Law Office of Lina Baroudi is known for taking on challenging cases involving deportation defense, asylum, and family-based immigration. Many of Baroudi’s clients are individuals and families from the Middle East, North Africa, and other underrepresented communities who may not find culturally competent support elsewhere.
Her law firm in San Jose, California, serves clients across the Bay Area and nationwide. As an immigration lawyer in San Jose CA, Baroudi’s work is grounded not only in technical skill, but in deep empathy and understanding of the unique barriers her clients face.
Her decision to spotlight representation at the AILA event was a natural extension of her practice philosophy:
“Representation matters, and I hope to encourage more voices from underrepresented communities to step forward and engage in these important discussions.”
In an era where immigration laws are changing quickly—and where legal protections can shift overnight—the need for attorneys who reflect the diversity of the immigrant community has never been greater.
Expanded Expedited Removal: A Critical Topic
In addition to her asylum panel, Baroudi has spoken out about the growing use of expanded expedited removal, a controversial policy that allows immigration officers to deport certain noncitizens without a hearing before an immigration judge. While initially limited to border areas, the expansion of this policy under various administrations has raised significant due process concerns.
Baroudi’s deep knowledge of how expedited removal impacts asylum seekers and mixed-status families makes her an important contributor to national conversations on enforcement, discretion, and legal safeguards.
Her advocacy adds value not just to the legal community—but to policymakers and institutions that must reckon with the consequences of fast-track deportations.
Encouraging the Next Generation of Immigration Advocates
For young lawyers, law students, and attorneys transitioning into immigration law, hearing from leaders like Lina Baroudi is both educational and inspiring. Her work models how lawyers can combine technical excellence with cultural humility, systemic awareness, and a commitment to justice.
The AILA conference offers critical legal training—but it also builds the community. Baroudi’s panel was an invitation to connect, collaborate, and challenge the status quo.
“If you’re attending, I’d love to connect!” she shared, offering mentorship and dialogue to colleagues in the field.
About the Law Office of Lina Baroudi
The Law Office of Lina Baroudi is a boutique immigration law firm based in San Jose, CA, serving clients across California and the U.S. The firm focuses on removal defense, asylum, family-based immigration, and naturalization. Lina Baroudi is known for her thoughtful, client-centered approach—especially in cases involving vulnerable populations or emerging legal issues.
Whether helping someone fight a deportation order, seek asylum based on political or gender-based persecution, or bring family members to safety, Baroudi brings legal skill and human compassion to every case.
Final Thoughts
Lina Baroudi’s invitation to speak at the AILA Annual Conference is a moment of recognition not only for her personal achievements, but for the broader mission of equity and access in immigration law. Her contributions on asylum law, representation, and removal defense reflect a growing demand for attorneys who lead with both expertise and empathy.
As the landscape of immigration continues to shift, attorneys like Baroudi help shape the path forward—for the profession, and for the thousands of individuals and families seeking safety, fairness, and dignity under U.S. law.
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