The Immies 2026The winners have been announced — meet the inaugural award recipients. View the winners

The Immies 2026 · The Build Fellowship

Jonathan Wasden

Jonathan Wasden

Nominated for:Breakthrough
1nomination

Nominated for

Why Jonathan Wasden deserves it

Nominated for

The Breakthrough Award for Advancing Immigration Law Through Advocacy and Action

Presented to an attorney who has moved the needle — through policy advocacy, landmark cases, or courageous action that created real change in immigration law. This award recognizes those who don’t just practice the law, they push it forward.

A former DOJ and DHS attorney, he's used his inside knowledge of the system to challenge it when it gets it wrong. From overturning unlawful H-1B restrictions in ITServe v. Cissna, to eliminating the EAD requirement for L-2 spouses in Shergill v. Mayorkas, to restoring concurrent processing in Eddakuni v. Mayorkas , Jonathan has taken on bad policy and won, moving the field forward.

Nominated by Anonymous

People's Choice · Voting closed

Jonathan Wasden for People’s Choice

People's Choice voting has ended. The winner will be announced at the AILA National Conference in San Diego on June 17.

Voting closed

Thank you for voting

People's Choice voting has ended. The winner will be announced at the AILA National Conference in San Diego on June 17.

View all nominations · Campaign home

Share

Share this nomination

Each award category has its own branded share card. Use the tabs to preview each card, then download or open to share — the QR code sends people straight to the ballot.