Practice Aids

About Practice Aids

These resources break down complex aspects and procedures in immigration law and are aimed at immigration attorneys or those who wish to act as their own attorney(sometimes referred to as pro se).

Electronic Databases Available at the State Law Library

These databases cover aspects of immigration law for practitioners and can be viewed by those who have signed up for a free library account with the State Law Library. Only Texas residents are eligible to sign up. Signing up is free.

AILALink This link opens in a new window
AILALink is a fully searchable, immigration law research website from the American Immigration Lawyers Association. Available AILA publications include Kurzban's Immigration Law Sourcebook, Essentials of Immigration Law, Immigration Consequences of Criminal Activity, AILA's Asylum Primer, AILA's Occupational Guidebooks Series, The Waivers Book, Representing Clients in Immigration Court, Litigating Immigration Cases in Federal Court, and many others. This database also provides access to some primary source materials for immigration law.
Immigration Law & Policy (HeinOnline) This link opens in a new window
This monumental collection is a compilation of the most important historical documents and legislation related to immigration in the United States as well as current hearings, debates and recent developments in immigration law. This first comprehensive database includes BIA Precedent Decisions, legislative histories, law and policy titles, extradition titles, scholarly articles, an extensive bibliography, and other related works.

E-books Available at the Texas State Law Library

Below are some of the library resources aimed at practitioners that can provide further guidance on this topic. The library may have other resources in addition to the resources highlighted below. Please call us at (512) 463-1722 if you have any questions about these materials.

Understanding immigration law
This e-book provides a comprehensive, up to date look at immigration laws and procedures. Updated to include major changes by the Trump administration and important court rulings through 2019, this is a great primer for anyone interested in immigration law. Available as an e-book on OverDrive.
Immigration law and procedure : desk edition
"This is a concise one-volume desk reference covering all the key areas of immigration law and containing appendices with forms and other practical information. Updated two times per year. " - publisher's description
Immigration law and procedure in a nutshell
"This compact, comprehensive title offers a thorough overview of the history, constitutional basis, statutory structure, regulatory provisions, administrative procedure, and ethical principles related to immigration law and practice. Updated to reflect developments since the 2016 Presidential election, it is valuable both as a teaching and a practice reference." - publisher's description
Essentials of immigration law
"Essentials of Immigration Law provides the foundation necessary for an understanding of everything immigration-from the passage of the first immigration-related statute to the current state of affairs. This indispensable reference offers a practical overview of the entire area of U.S. immigration law and will help you comprehend: Labor Certification Consular Processing Citizenship/Naturalization Deportation/Removal/Inadmissibility Waivers Asylum Criminal Violations Family-Based Immigration Employment-Based Immigration Administrative/Judicial Review." - publisher's description
Immigration law & the family : a practical guide to family sponsored immigration
This resource acts as a guide to the family-sponsored immigration application process for attorneys. It provides a thorough explanation of the DOS and handling of family-based visa petitions, immigrant applications, and more.
Immigration practice pointers : tips for handling complex cases
"AILA's Immigration Practice Pointers includes nearly 1900 pages of practical advice and guidance from some of the most experienced and well-known immigration law practitioners in the country. " - publisher's description
AILA's immigration litigation toolbox : sample motions, pleadings, and memos for immigration court, BIA, AAO, DHS, DOL, and Federal courts
This e-book provides easy-to-use, printable sample forms for immigration lawyers, including motions, pleadings, and memos.
AILA's asylum primer : a practical guide to U.S. asylum law and procedure
This all-in-one reference from the American Immigration Lawyers Association offers a procedural "walk-through" of the entire U.S. asylum process, from entry to citizenship, with a myriad of creative strategies and practical guidance for effective advocacy.
Immigration consequences of criminal activity : a guide to representing foreign-born defendants
This title provides an excellent introduction on how to assist clients who are not U.S. citizens and who have been accused or convicted of a crime.

Professional Organizations for Immigration Attorneys

Immigration and Nationality Law Section of the State Bar of Texas
This section of the State Bar of Texas consists of attorneys working in all areas of law related to immigration, and is dedicated to promoting the administration and development of immigration and nationality law in the state of Texas.
AILA Texas — Immigration Lawyers Association
Founded in 1946, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) is a national bar association of attorneys who practice and teach immigration law. This link is to AILA's Texas chapter.
American Bar Association Commission on Immigration
The Commission directs the Association’s efforts to ensure fair treatment and full due process rights for immigrants, asylum-seekers, and refugees within the United States.

Immigration Law

Practice Aids

About Practice Aids

Electronic Databases Available at the State Law Library

E-books Available at the Texas State Law Library

Professional Organizations for Immigration Attorneys