AILA Presents Jeremy McKinney with the 2026 Susan D. Quarles AILA Service Excellence Award

WASHINGTON, DC - The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) recognizes Jeremy McKinney with the 2026 Susan D. Quarles AILA Service Excellence Award, in recognition of his outstanding service, over a period of years, in advancing the mission, development, and value of AILA for its members and the public it serves.

His nominators highlighted the myriad ways he has contributed to AILA "across all aspects of the organization - from chapter leadership to national committees, to the Board of Governors, and to AILA's Executive Committee - are almost too numerous to mention. Jeremy has served as Chair of the Carolinas Chapter, as a member of the Amicus Committee, Chair of the ICE Committee, Chair of the EOIR Committees, Chair of the Membership Committee, Chair of the Legal Representation Taskforce, a Director on the Board of Governors, and in every position on the Executive Committee including president. To every role, Jeremy brings passion, ceaseless energy, and an unwavering commitment to advancing both the organization and the broader practice of immigration law. Over many years, he has consistently demonstrated leadership, integrity, and a deep dedication to serving AILA's members and mission."

His dedication to key issues was mentioned, including leadership on AILA's advocacy efforts to establish a truly independent immigration court system, as he led by "helping to shape AILA's position, drafting enabling legislation, and supplying Congressional testimony as AILA's immediate past president." He has also worked on major restructuring efforts for AILA organizationally, "applying the collaborative collegiality and bridge-building skills that are his hallmark" on the way to passing "a governance update that will strengthen the readiness and effectiveness of our organization as we rise to meet the challenges and opportunities of our present moment, and beyond."

Both within and beyond the AILA membership, he has worked collaboratively and embodied "the very best of AILA's values: dedication to justice, commitment to excellence, and a deep sense of community." For all these reasons and his continued dedication to serving AILA and its mission, he is recognized with the 2026 Susan D. Quarles AILA Service Excellence Award.