Chetcuti Cauchi maintains a longstanding professional relationship with the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), particularly through its Global Migration Section. Senior Partner Dr Jean-Philippe Chetcuti has represented Malta as an AILA International Associate since 2014, contributing to professional conferences and publications addressing international migration. His involvement includes membership of the Global Migration Section Publications Subcommittee, subsequently joined by Partner Dr Antoine Saliba Haig. The firm's participation encompasses citizenship and residence planning, investment migration and the practical legal considerations affecting individuals, families and businesses moving between jurisdictions.
Key Legal Points
- AILA is a leading professional association for lawyers practising US immigration and nationality law.
- AILA's Global Migration Section brings together immigration practitioners advising on international mobility across jurisdictions.
- Dr Jean-Philippe Chetcuti has served as an AILA International Associate representing Malta since 2014.
- Dr Chetcuti and Dr Antoine Saliba Haig have contributed to the Global Migration Section's Publications Subcommittee.
- The firm's professional engagement includes AILA conferences, panel discussions and contributions to the Global Migration Digest.
- Its AILA involvement complements Chetcuti Cauchi's expertise in Maltese and European immigration, citizenship, residence and private client taxation.
About the American Immigration Lawyers Association
The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) is a professional association of immigration lawyers established in the United States in 1946.
AILA brings together more than 18,000 members practising and teaching immigration and nationality law, together with an international community of legal practitioners and other professionals.
Its activities include professional education, legal research, advocacy, conferences and the exchange of technical knowledge concerning immigration law and policy.
AILA's members advise a broad range of clients, including individuals seeking residence or citizenship, families pursuing reunification, businesses employing international personnel, students, investors and other internationally mobile persons.
The organisation promotes professional standards in immigration practice and provides opportunities for practitioners to examine legislative, regulatory and judicial developments affecting immigration law.
AILA's Global Migration Section
AILA's Global Migration Section (GMS) brings together practitioners involved in immigration matters extending beyond the United States.
The section provides opportunities for international immigration lawyers to exchange information on legal developments, contribute to professional publications and participate in conferences examining global mobility.
AILA also provides an International Associate category for eligible legal practitioners residing and practising outside the United States.
International Associates participate in the association's international professional community while maintaining their qualifications and practice in their respective jurisdictions.
The Global Migration Section is particularly relevant to lawyers advising multinational businesses, internationally active families and individuals whose immigration requirements involve several countries.
Chetcuti Cauchi and AILA
Chetcuti Cauchi's relationship with AILA dates to 2014, when Senior Partner Dr Jean-Philippe Chetcuti became an International Associate representing Malta.
His involvement has included participation in AILA's Global Migration Section, international conferences, professional publications and discussions concerning the development of immigration practice across jurisdictions.
The firm's participation has subsequently expanded through the involvement of other immigration lawyers, including Partner Dr Antoine Saliba Haig.
Both lawyers have contributed to the Global Migration Section's Publications Subcommittee, reflecting the firm's engagement with the exchange of technical knowledge among international immigration practitioners.
Chetcuti Cauchi's relationship with AILA is closely connected to the firm's work advising international families, entrepreneurs, investors and businesses on Maltese and European residence and citizenship matters.
For practitioners advising clients with legal interests in the United States and Europe, the firm's experience provides a Maltese and European perspective on immigration planning, nationality law and the relationship between residence, taxation and wider private client considerations.
AILA Malta Members
Senior Partner Dr Jean-Philippe Chetcuti, who heads the Malta Immigration and Private Client Tax practices at Chetcuti Cauchi Advocates, is the international associate member for Malta at AILA since 2014. Dr Chetcuti has spoken at a number of AILA conferences in London, Rome, Boston, Washington and San Diego and writes extensively in the AILA's journal, the Global Migration Digest. Chetcuti joined the Publications Subcommittee of the Global Migration Section of AILA in 2024.
Partner Dr Antoine Saliba Haig has been an integral part of our Malta Immigration practice since joining in 2014. Specialising in immigration law, particularly residency and citizenship law, he has advised some of our firm's most prominent international clients on different immigration routes by descent and by investment. In his doctoral studies, Antoine wrote his thesis on modes of acquisition of citizenship under Maltese citizenship law. Throughout his career, Antoine has addressed international fora and contributed extensively to industry publications on investment migration. Antoine joined the Publications Subcommittee of the Global Migration Section of AILA in 2025.
Director Marina Magri has been with the firm’s Immigration and Global Mobility practice since 2015, advising prominent business families and executives on global mobility, residency, and citizenship matters. In 2024, she was appointed co-head of the firm’s immigration and global mobility arm, where she has played a pivotal role in risk management, compliance and immigration. Marina is a well-regarded speaker at international conferences, representing the firm on a global stage.
Our Contribution to AILA
Chetcuti Cauchi's contribution to AILA encompasses professional committee participation, international conference speaking engagements and specialist legal publications.
Global Migration Section and Publications Subcommittee
Dr Jean-Philippe Chetcuti has participated in the AILA Global Migration Section since becoming an International Associate in 2014.
He joined the Global Migration Section Publications Subcommittee in 2024, contributing to the professional exchange of information and analysis concerning international immigration law.
Partner Dr Antoine Saliba Haig joined the same Publications Subcommittee in 2025, extending the firm's involvement in the section's publication activities.
Their participation reflects the firm's longstanding interest in the technical development of immigration practice and the importance of comparative legal analysis.
In particular, Maltese immigration and nationality law raises questions relevant to practitioners advising globally mobile clients, including the acquisition of residence and citizenship, eligibility requirements, family inclusion, due diligence and the relationship between domestic nationality legislation and European Union law.
Contributions to Global Migration Digest
Chetcuti Cauchi's lawyers have contributed to AILA's Global Migration Digest, a professional publication serving the international immigration law community.
The firm's contributions address developments relevant to immigration practitioners advising clients whose personal, family or commercial interests extend across jurisdictions.
Its experience in Maltese residence and citizenship law provides a basis for explaining the practical implications of European immigration developments to an international legal audience.
These publications complement the firm's wider legal research on citizenship, residence, investment migration and the interaction between immigration and private client taxation.
The firm's participation in the Publications Subcommittee reinforces its involvement in professional knowledge-sharing within AILA's international network.
International Immigration Conferences
Dr Jean-Philippe Chetcuti has represented Chetcuti Cauchi at AILA conferences and professional forums in Europe and the United States.
His conference contributions have examined investment migration, residence planning, international mobility and the legal challenges facing advisers whose clients have interests in multiple jurisdictions.
These discussions are particularly relevant where immigration advisers must coordinate legal requirements involving different residence systems, nationality rules, tax regimes and family circumstances.
Through these engagements, the firm contributes Maltese and European perspectives to the wider international immigration profession.
Our Members and Professional Leaders
Dr Jean-Philippe Chetcuti, Senior Partner – Citizenship, Residency, Private Client Tax, has represented Malta as an AILA International Associate since 2014.
He participates in the AILA Global Migration Section and joined its Publications Subcommittee in 2024.
His professional involvement includes speaking at international AILA conferences, contributing to the Global Migration Digest and participating in professional discussions on international immigration law.
Dr Chetcuti advises HNW and UHNW individuals, international families and entrepreneurs on Maltese citizenship and residence, European nationality law, international mobility and private client taxation.
His work includes the relationship between citizenship and residence rights, international tax considerations and the legal arrangements required by globally mobile families.
Dr Antoine Saliba Haig, Partner – Immigration and Citizenship Law, joined the AILA Global Migration Section Publications Subcommittee in 2025.
He advises international clients on Maltese citizenship and residence law, including citizenship by descent, naturalisation and immigration routes available under Maltese legislation.
His doctoral research examined the modes of acquisition of citizenship under Maltese nationality law.
His professional work combines immigration advisory with legal research and contributions to discussions concerning investment migration and the development of citizenship law.
Marina Magri, Director – Immigration and Global Mobility, has worked within the firm's immigration practice since 2015.
She advises international families, entrepreneurs and business executives on residence, citizenship and global mobility matters.
Her work includes immigration compliance, risk management, application procedures and the coordination of immigration requirements affecting internationally mobile clients.
She has also represented the firm at international immigration conferences and professional events.
Publications and Thought Leadership
Chetcuti Cauchi's engagement with AILA includes contributions to the Global Migration Section's professional publications and participation in discussions concerning the international development of immigration law.
Its wider research addresses issues particularly relevant to the global immigration profession, including European citizenship law, investment migration, residence planning and the treatment of internationally mobile families.
AILA Global Migration Digest
Contributors: Dr Jean-Philippe Chetcuti and the firm's immigration lawyers
Professional publication: AILA Global Migration Digest
Professional involvement: AILA Global Migration Section Publications Subcommittee
Chetcuti Cauchi has contributed analysis to the Global Migration Digest, bringing developments in Maltese and European immigration law to the attention of international practitioners.
The firm's professional experience encompasses the legal requirements for residence and citizenship, the treatment of family members, immigration due diligence and the relationship between immigration law and private client taxation.
These subjects are particularly relevant to US immigration lawyers advising clients who require coordinated advice on residence or citizenship outside the United States.
The firm's participation also reflects the importance of comparing national immigration frameworks and understanding how legal developments in one jurisdiction may affect planning elsewhere.
AILA Member Focus Interview – Jean-Philippe Chetcuti (2026)
Featured professional: Dr Jean-Philippe Chetcuti
Professional initiative: AILA Global Migration Section Member Focus
Chetcuti Cauchi publication: AILA Member Focus Interview: Jean-Philippe Chetcuti – The Human Behind the Lawyer
In January 2026, Dr Jean-Philippe Chetcuti participated in AILA's Global Migration Section Member Focus series.
Interviewed by US immigration lawyer Flavia Santos Lloyd, he discussed his professional approach to international immigration practice, the importance of understanding clients' personal circumstances and the relationship between immigration advice and wider private client planning.
The interview also addressed professional practice management, legal technology, fee transparency and the evolving requirements of internationally mobile clients.
His contribution provided an opportunity for AILA's international professional community to understand the firm's experience advising individuals and families on Maltese and European residence, citizenship and tax matters.
Malta's Immigration and Citizenship Framework
Professional focus: Maltese residence, European nationality law and international mobility
Chetcuti Cauchi's wider legal research addresses the Maltese residence and citizenship frameworks and their application to international families, entrepreneurs and investors.
The firm's Immigration Law practice examines the legal requirements governing residence, family migration and mobility, while its Global Mobility Lawyers advise on the practical coordination of international immigration matters.
This work complements the firm's AILA participation by providing the substantive Maltese and European legal expertise relevant to cross-border immigration practitioners.
For American individuals and families, immigration planning may also require consideration of US citizenship and tax obligations, European residence requirements and the legal consequences of relocating family members or business activities internationally.
Where US immigration law or US tax law advice is required, the relevant issues must be addressed by appropriately qualified US professionals.
Conferences and Professional Engagement
Chetcuti Cauchi's lawyers have participated in AILA conferences and professional forums in Europe and the United States, contributing to discussions on international mobility, investment migration and immigration practice.
Notable engagements include:
- AILA Global Migration Section European Conference, Vienna (March 2023): Dr Jean-Philippe Chetcuti participated in the fourth European conference, contributing to discussions on global mobility, technological developments and immigration strategies in an increasingly uncertain international environment. Chetcuti Cauchi Conference Report.
- AILA Global Migration Section Conference, San Diego (June 2020): Dr Chetcuti participated in an international panel examining investment migration, immigration services for HNW individuals and the challenges facing lawyers advising globally mobile investors. Chetcuti Cauchi Conference Report.
- Other AILA conferences – London, Rome, Boston and Washington: Dr Chetcuti has represented the firm at international AILA professional events, contributing to discussions concerning citizenship, residence and global immigration practice.
The firm's participation reflects its continuing professional engagement with the international immigration law community and its contribution of Maltese and European legal perspectives to matters affecting internationally mobile individuals, families and businesses.
Related Legal Expertise
Chetcuti Cauchi's involvement with AILA complements its immigration and private client advisory work for international individuals, families, entrepreneurs and businesses.
The firm's relevant areas of practice include:
- Immigration Law – Maltese immigration requirements, residence rights, family migration and immigration compliance.
- Citizenship Law – nationality, naturalisation, citizenship by descent and the acquisition and recognition of citizenship.
- Global Mobility – international relocation, mobility planning and the coordination of immigration requirements across jurisdictions.
- European Residency – residence options for internationally mobile individuals and families.
- Private Clients – integrated legal and tax advisory for internationally active individuals and families.
The firm's Global Mobility Lawyers advise on immigration and residence matters involving internationally connected clients.
For US-based clients considering Malta or Europe, immigration requirements frequently intersect with taxation, business ownership, succession and family circumstances.
US citizens generally remain subject to US federal income tax obligations based on citizenship, even when residing abroad. Maltese residence or citizenship therefore requires appropriate coordination with US tax planning rather than being treated as a substitute for it.
The firm's international immigration practice seeks to address these interrelated considerations within the scope of Maltese and European law, working with advisers in other jurisdictions where necessary.
AILA FAQs
[question]What is the American Immigration Lawyers Association?[/question]
[answer]The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) is a professional association established in 1946 for lawyers practising immigration and nationality law. Its activities include professional education, legal research, advocacy, conferences and the exchange of expertise among immigration practitioners.[/answer]
[question]What is Chetcuti Cauchi's relationship with AILA?[/question]
[answer]Chetcuti Cauchi participates in AILA through its lawyers' involvement in the Global Migration Section, professional publications, conferences and committee activities. Dr Jean-Philippe Chetcuti has been an AILA International Associate representing Malta since 2014.[/answer]
[question]Which Chetcuti Cauchi lawyers participate in AILA?[/question]
[answer]Dr Jean-Philippe Chetcuti has represented Malta as an AILA International Associate since 2014 and joined the Global Migration Section Publications Subcommittee in 2024. Partner Dr Antoine Saliba Haig joined the same subcommittee in 2025. The firm's wider immigration team also participates in international immigration conferences and professional activities.[/answer]
[question]What has Chetcuti Cauchi contributed to AILA?[/question]
[answer]The firm's professional contributions include AILA Global Migration Section participation, Publications Subcommittee involvement, contributions to Global Migration Digest and international conference presentations on investment migration, citizenship, residence and global mobility.[/answer]
[question]How does AILA's Global Migration Section relate to US immigration lawyers?[/question]
[answer]The Global Migration Section provides a professional forum for lawyers dealing with immigration matters involving jurisdictions outside the United States. It supports the exchange of information and professional cooperation on international immigration law and cross-border mobility.[/answer]
[question]Can Chetcuti Cauchi assist American clients moving to Malta?[/question]
[answer]Yes. Chetcuti Cauchi advises American individuals, families and businesses on Maltese immigration and residence requirements, citizenship law and related private client matters. US immigration and US tax advice must be provided by appropriately qualified professionals in those jurisdictions.[/answer]
[question]Does AILA affiliation mean that Chetcuti Cauchi is authorised to practise US immigration law?[/question]
[answer]No. AILA International Associate status does not itself confer admission to a US state bar or authorisation to practise US law. Chetcuti Cauchi's lawyers advise within their applicable professional qualifications and coordinate with appropriately qualified US legal professionals where necessary.[/answer]
[question]Does AILA endorse or accredit affiliated law firms?[/question]
[answer]AILA is a professional association. Membership or International Associate participation does not, by itself, constitute institutional accreditation or endorsement of a law firm.[/answer]
