Strategic Advising

For local governments, elected officials, campaigns

We help leaders design immigration strategies that prioritize inclusivity, foster community resilience, and address real-world needs. From policymaking to implementation, we ensure every strategy is actionable and impactful.

Examples of Success:

• Authored From Policy to Practice: Empowering Cities to Lead on Immigration to guide city leaders nationwide.

• Drafted innovative local legislation such as the Immigrant Assistance Service and Enforcement Act that established the New York State Office for New Americans as a permanent agency and the Access to Representation Act, the first state-based right to counsel bill for immigrants.

• Secured significant funding increases for immigrant services in New York City and New York State—from $10 million in 2013 to nearly $150 million today.

• Conducted trainings for the Sheriff’s Association and partnered with multiple District Attorney offices to develop policies that enable law enforcement to perform their duties while serving immigrant communities with dignity and compassion.

For non-profits, local advocates, civic leaders, foundations, and private philanthropy

We specialize in crafting cutting-edge approaches to expand access to legal services and respond quickly to emerging crises, ensuring communities receive the support they need when it matters most.

Examples of Success:

• Founded and launched Immigrant ARC, transitioning a rapid-response effort into a sustainable, multi-million-dollar non-profit.

• Organized legal services to aid hundreds of asylum seekers moved to Upstate New York during the 2018 family separation crisis.

• Served as one of the first lawyers on the ground at JFK Airport in 2017 during the Muslim Travel Ban.

• Played a key role in coordinating the civilian evacuation of Afghans in 2021.

For local leaders, non-profits, and local governments

From preparing for crises to navigating periods of instability, we offer expert advice on building resilience and leading with strength in challenging times.

Examples of Success:

• Helped organize the Afghan evacuation in 2021.

• Responded to the rollback of pro-immigrant policies during the Trump administration.

• Coordinated efforts to counter the Muslim Travel Ban in 2017, offering immediate legal support and advocacy.

• Designed a resilient workspace at Immigrant ARC and cultivated a leadership style that prioritizes adaptability, well-being, and the ability to thrive in high-pressure environments.

For advocacy groups, local leaders, think tanks, and academic institutions

We provide guidance on shaping messaging and policy strategies that resonate with diverse audiences and drive meaningful change.

Examples of Success:

• Authored Humane, Strategic, and Secure: a White Paper on Immigration Policy Reform, a white paper framing immigration as integral to national security and economic strength.

• Wrote and Developed the Truman Center Playbook for Cities on Immigration, providing tools for collaboration and policy influence.

• Conducted in-depth research and authored reports like “No Safe Harbor” and “Swept Up In The Sweep”, which exposed systemic barriers to immigrant legal services and the misuse of gang allegations to target Central American migrants, driving advocacy for increased funding and better legal protections.

• Published analyses, including “Behind Bars in the Empire State” and “When Help Is Nowhere to be Found”, shedding light on ICE detention practices and law enforcement operations impacting immigrant communities, resulting in actionable recommendations for policy reform and improved legal access.

For governments, non-profits, and business leaders

We specialize in designing, launching, and managing coalitions that bring together diverse stakeholders to address shared challenges. By fostering trust, alignment, and collaboration, we create spaces for innovative solutions and sustained impact.

Examples of Success:

• Immigrant ARC: Founded and developed this rapid-response effort into a sustainable, multi-million-dollar nonprofit supporting over 80 legal service providers across New York State.

• Protecting Immigrant New Yorkers (PINY) Task Force: Launched and chaired this pioneering coalition of federal, state, and local law enforcement, government agencies, community-based organizations, and legal service providers to tackle immigration services fraud.

• Evacuate Our Allies Coalition: Played a pivotal role in creating and growing this coalition to advocate for the evacuation of vulnerable Afghans before the U.S. troop withdrawal in 2021, later transitioning into leadership during the mass evacuation following the Taliban takeover.