AILA Presents Allen Orr and Yasmin Blackburn with the 2026 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Recognition Award

WASHINGTON, DC - The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) recognizes Allen Orr and Yasmin Blackburn with the 2026 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Recognition Award for outstanding efforts in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion excellence in the immigration legal profession.

Nominators shared their knowledge of Mr. Orr's efforts and their witness of his consistent commitment to equity in immigration law, writing "what distinguishes Allen in the context of DEI is his willingness to speak publicly and, on the record, as both an advocate and a lawyer…over the years, he has written and spoken extensively about various issues - including how certain vulnerable groups of immigrants are overrepresented in removal proceedings, underserved by the legal system, and too often overlooked in our advocacy conversations." His lived experience was also highlighted by nominators, who noted he served as "the first African American and LGBTQIA+ president" of AILA, which has "broken significant barriers and set a powerful example for the legal community and beyond." His efforts "have not only advanced equitable treatment for immigrant populations but have also inspired countless attorneys and advocates to prioritize diversity and inclusion in their work."

Ms. Blackburn was described as "a transformative leader and a first-generation Afro-Latina with over 20 years of experience in business immigration law" who has "demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion" within AILA. Ms. Blackburn serves as the chair of AILA's Equity and Belonging Committee and was lauded by her nominators for her commitment to transparency and integrity, her focus on empathy and professionalism, and her work to lead the committee in a way that was described as transformative, establishing a blueprint for the entire organization. Finally, through her work to empower diverse voices, in particular "AILA Chapter DEI Liaisons and law student scholarship recipients, she has successfully cultivated a new generation of leaders who have since transitioned into roles as panelists, national committee members, and chapter chairs." She has worked to foster a genuine culture of belonging and her nominators note that "her advocacy for those lacking traditional access and her ability to build lasting institutional frameworks make her uniquely deserving of this recognition."