AMERICAN IMMIGRATION LAWYERS ASSOCIATION
Washington State Chapter, Executive Committee
Meeting Minutes
Page 2 of 2
AMERICAN IMMIGRATION LAWYERS ASSOCIATION
Washington State Chapter
Executive Committee Meeting
Meeting Minutes
February 20, 2007
Present: Steve Miller, Lisa Seifert (phone),Erin Hall, Shannon Underwood, Elizabeth Poh, Andrew Chan
Submitted by: Andrew Chan
Next meeting: March 20, 2007 (Location: Cowan, Miller & Lederman, 1001 4h Avenue, Suite 3330, Seattle, WA 98154)
1. Advocacy Update. Steve reported that there is a good chance that Comprehensive Immigration Reform legislation will reach the floor for debate in Congress. Unions are currently split over support of a guest worker program. 60 is the magic number of votes required for the Senate to pass legislation. Members are encouraged to continue contacting their members of Congress to express their views on CIR.
2. Treasurer’s Report. Shannon reported that the Chapter has approximately $13,000 available in our checking account. Chapter funds are solid and in alignment with annual targets.
a. The budget allocates a total of $2,000 for members to attend Lobby Day in DC (March 15). Steve will review tax implications of using Chapter dues for lobbying purposes.
b. Shannon and Steve will review request for funds regarding the Vancouver Consulate.
c. EC approved new 2007-2008 budget allocation of $500 for chapter advocacy on immigration reform.
3. Chapter Website. The new chapter website went live on January 19, 2007. Members should contact Membership Chair Andrea Crumpler () with questions, recent posting announcement requests, and general feedback. Andrea also has the contact information for Committee Chairs to make direct updates to respective committee pages. A one time payment of $200 from the website budget will be provided to Andrea for creating, launching, and maintaining new website.
4. Committees. Steve brought up the possibility of combining the Congressional and Advocacy committees. One major focus would be how to build and solidify contacts within local business, ethnic, and religious communities to provide information about immigration issues. Discussion tabled for next EC meeting.
5. Citizenship Day (March 24). If members would like to volunteer or have questions about Citizenship Day, send an email to .
6. Sea-Tac Airport Tour. The CBP and YLD committees will co-host the airport tour, tentatively scheduled for April. Details TBA.
7. Officer Elections 2007-2008. Nominations Committee must submit recommendations to Andrew by March 1, write in nominations are due by April 1. Ballots will be mailed to membership by April 5. Results will be announced at the Annual Chapter Dinner in May.
8. Annual Chapter Dinner. Elizabeth will take the lead on organizing the annual dinner. Contact her if you have any good venue suggestions. Details TBA.
9. Next Meeting. Next meeting will be held on March 20, 2007 from Noon to 1:00 p.m. at Cowan, Miller & Lederman, 1001 4h Avenue, Suite 3330, Seattle, WA 98154.