AI in immigration law has been a topic of discussion among immigration attorneys recently. The recent surge of the capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) technology is generating mixed reactions among the population. Many people herald AI’s potential to improve our lives in general. Every day we can read of some new discovery that AI has made to combat disease or fight aging. While process automation has been with us for a long time, infusing it with AI can increase productivity, thus driving up profits. The mantra for advocates of AI is that it can produce results better, faster and cheaper than possible if the task was left purely up to humans.
Many others are worried, though. Their worries range from concerns over the impact that AI will have on the workforce (one cheap AI-enabled machine can displace the jobs of multiple people), to more serious fears about privacy violations by a surveillance state. The science fiction movies showing rogue AI agents wreaking havoc on the battlefield (which may be your own hometown) are not completely off-base either, apparently. AI machines do not have moral or ethical codes; they simply operate pragmatically, according to their “training.”
For better or for worse, however, AI is here to stay. While AI may assist in certain ways, immigration law is driven by statutory and regulatory law that regularly must be carefully scrutinized. Basic information such as biographic information, for example, may help expedite the completion of immigration applications but the nuances of immigration policies and procedures must be carefully monitored.” This article will further discuss these topics.
What is “Artificial Intelligence”?
Personal computers have been with us for many years. Their primary function has been to take the data that is input by the human user, process that data according to the user’s instructions, and then return to the user the information that they were seeking. In short, the user has been the true decision maker; the computer was just a tool.
Artificial intelligence has changed that relationship, at least to a significant degree. The human user is not as necessary. In what is called “machine learning,” AI-enabled computers are able to collect their own data from a wide range of sources (the volume and speed of which is sometimes called “big data”), correlate it and process it all together, and then make informed decisions based on those correlations. AI machines can analyze the results of their own decisions through machine learning and use that information to influence their next decision.
In other words, artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming an autonomous decision-making system; little wonder that many people are concerned about where it could go if left unfettered.
AI and the immigration system
Many of us are already interacting with AI-enabled machines in ways that we may not even realize. Biometric security procedures and identity verification have been in place at many international airports for some time. The idea behind using artificial intelligence for immigration procedures is to speed things up for the passengers (who doesn’t want to eliminate long lines at airports?) while ensuring their safety from the wrong (dangerous) people getting either onboard or into the country.
More recently, border agents have been deploying an array of towers and drones along our southern and northern borders that are equipped with cameras and other sensors that can detect motion, filter out motions specifically made by humans, and then send alerts of those motions to local patrols. Similarly, the government has also been using AI for “data scraping” purposes to track the locations and activities of undocumented immigrants for eventual detainment and removal.
AI in immigration law also plays a role in the non-enforcement side of system. Increasingly, it is being deployed in the process of visa processing. AI “robots” are able to digest the information supplied by petitioners and beneficiaries to quickly determine if all necessary data is present, highlight areas of concern for later review, or even detect the possibility of fraud. These steps naturally remove a significant paperwork burden from immigration officials, enabling them to process applications more rapidly and, ostensibly, help enact immigration decisions more accurately.
AI and the immigration lawyer
Computer programs have been a part of the legal industry for many years through programs such as case management software or online research databases. Lawyers can use technology in immigration law to potentially make themselves more efficient and effective for clients.
As these programs become increasingly AI-enabled, AI programs can support an experienced lawyer to create a symbiotic system to ensure multiple layers of accuracy and efficiency. This system allows for some tasks to be streamlined with the assurance of human oversight. For instance, AI can process information on client intake questionnaires and flag areas that may need further attention. If further research is necessary, AI can quickly find, read, and highlight the specific parts of case laws and precedents that are pertinent to the current situation. In summary, AI in immigration law can be a helpful tool for experienced immigration lawyers and assists with
- automation in completing forms,
- creating supplementary documents, and
- organizing the file for submission to the United States Immigration and Naturalization Services (USCIS).
Reach out to our Immigration Lawyers today
At the immigration law firm of Levin and Pangilinan PC, we provide top-notch services to our clients. To do so, we utilize cutting-edge technologies to assist our experienced lawyers by providing thorough and accurate forms and supplementary documents. Our decisions are made by our experienced attorneys, who take a holistic approach to your situation into account while utilizing artificial intelligence for immigration procedures that will not negatively impact a case.
A truly effective legal practice requires a human touch, someone who can work your case with the expert experience, personal attention, and empathy that you need and deserve. If you are facing any needs in immigration law, we encourage you to contact us today. One of our well-trained and experienced lawyers will work closely with you to ensure the best possible outcome. Fill out the form below to schedule a meeting with one of our immigration attorneys today.
