Immigration law continues to evolve at a rapid pace, with new legislation and court decisions reshaping how immigrants interact with the legal system. One of the most important developments on the horizon is the impact of recent legislative changes—such as the 2025 Laken Reilly Act—and how they intersect with criminal law in what is often referred to as “crimmigration.”
At the FBA Immigration Law Conference 2026, attorney Benjamin L. Simpson, Partner at Cohen Forman Barone, will provide critical insight into these evolving issues and their real-world implications for immigrants and practitioners.
Understanding the Laken Reilly Act and Its Immigration Impact
The 2025 Laken Reilly Act represents a significant shift in immigration-related law, with provisions that may affect:
- How immigration authorities interpret certain criminal charges
- The treatment of arrests and convictions in immigration proceedings
- The scope of consequences beyond removal (deportation) cases
While the full impact is still developing, these changes align with broader enforcement trends overseen by agencies such as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, making it essential for practitioners to stay current on evolving policy and enforcement priorities.
Focus on “Crimmigration”: When Criminal and Immigration Law Collide
A major theme of the panel will be “crimmigration,” the intersection of criminal law and immigration enforcement. This area is widely discussed by leading organizations such as the American Immigration Lawyers Association, which emphasizes how criminal charges can carry severe immigration consequences.
Attorney Benjamin L. Simpson will focus specifically on:
- How arrests and convictions—even those outside of removal proceedings—can affect immigration status
- The long-term consequences of criminal charges for non-citizens
- Strategic considerations for federal practitioners representing clients with criminal histories
These issues are particularly relevant in light of how immigration enforcement operates in coordination with the U.S. Department of Justice, especially through immigration courts and related proceedings.
Lau v. Bondi: A Pending Supreme Court Case
A key highlight of the discussion will be the pending case Lau v. Bondi, which is scheduled for oral argument before the Supreme Court of the United States on April 22, 2026.
This case, which has been closely followed by legal analysts and covered by SCOTUSblog, raises important questions related to crimmigration and may have significant implications for how criminal convictions are treated in immigration contexts.
Attorney Benjamin L. Simpson will discuss the background of this case, its connection to prior litigation strategies, and what its potential outcome could mean for practitioners navigating similar issues.
For more details on the case, visit:
https://www.scotusblog.com/cases/case-files/bondi-v-lau/
Why This Matters for Federal Practitioners
For immigration attorneys, criminal defense lawyers, and federal practitioners, this panel offers valuable insights into:
- Emerging legal trends affecting immigrants
- How to navigate complex intersections of criminal and immigration law
- The practical implications of new statutes and Supreme Court rulings
- Strategies for advising clients facing immigration consequences tied to criminal charges
Legal professionals frequently rely on resources such as the American Bar Association and Federal Bar Association to stay informed on evolving legal standards—and this panel provides another opportunity to deepen that knowledge.
Additional Resources
To explore the broader legal framework and deepen your understanding of these issues, you can review:
- Migration Policy Institute for research and policy analysis
- Justia for case law and legal resources
For more information about attorney Benjamin L. Simpson and his work in immigration law, visit his profile here:
https://www.cfblaw.com/about/benjamin-l-s-impson/
As immigration law continues to evolve, particularly at the intersection of criminal enforcement and federal litigation, staying informed is critical. This panel provides a timely and in-depth look at the issues shaping the future of immigration law and advocacy.
