The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Tuesday, June 13, 2008 elected Paschal O. Nwokocha as Chair of their Minnesota/Dakotas chapter. This marks the first time in the history of AILA that an African American has headed an AILA chapter.
Minneapolis based immigration attorney, Nwokocha reached the milestone becoming the first African-born chairman and leader of a major national organization in a critical year for immigration reform.

AILA, founded in 1946, is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit national association of over 10,000 attorneys and professors “established to promote justice, advocate for fair and reasonable immigration law and policy, advance the quality of immigration and nationality law and practice, and enhance the professional development of its members.”

Paschal O. Nwokocha, born in Nigeria, graduated from William Mitchell College of Law. He was an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Minnesota before he left to found his immigration law practice in 1999. Paschal Nwokocha Law Offices has assisted
businesses and individuals nationwide with their immigration cases. Former AILA chair and immigration law professor at William Mitchell College of Law, Jerome Ingber says “I have known Nwokocha for more than 15 years. He brings integrity and dedication to
the position. He is uniquely capable to lead the chapter, and will bring his diverse background to the position becoming the first African immigrant chairman.” Mr. Ingber was the first chair of the local AILA chapter in 1979.

With immigration issues taking center stage in this year’s elections, AILA will play an important role in advocating for comprehensive immigration reform. Nwokocha, as Chair of the local chapter, has a strategy to build bridges with local organizations, businesses, and associations to cultivate a strong alliance to advocate for these reforms.

“Immigration is significant and very relevant to Minnesota.” States Nwokocha, “I plan to build a coalition between the immigration bar, local stakeholders and the immigrant community. It is my goal to create a better understanding of the importance immigrants
play in our local economy and daily lives.”

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See www.aila.org for more information.
Photo: Courtessy of minnlawyers.com