Boise, Idaho — Alycia Moss, a Boise-based attorney specializing in immigration law for over a decade, recently discussed the dynamic nature of her field and the particular challenges that businesses in Idaho face due to shifting immigration policies and visa limitations. With a career that took an unexpected turn into immigration law, Moss now finds herself at the heart of complex legal scenarios that impact both individuals and industries statewide.
Moss, who joined Hawley Troxell’s immigration practice group in 2023, has represented clients before various immigration agencies including the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Her career began with aspirations in international human rights, but personal and professional developments led her to immigration law—a field she describes as uniquely challenging and fulfilling.
Throughout her career, which began in 2012, Moss has witnessed significant changes in immigration law, each administration bringing its own policies and priorities. From the implementation of DACA during Obama’s presidency to intensified enforcement measures under Trump and shifting priorities under Biden, the landscape of immigration law has been anything but static. Despite these changes, Moss noted that comprehensive immigration reform has remained elusive since the last major overhaul in 1996.
The need for comprehensive reform is critical, according to Moss, who cited the political climate as a major barrier. She described immigration reform as a “political football,” with extremes on both sides preventing middle-ground progress. The result is a series of temporary fixes that fail to address the underlying issues, creating confusion and inefficiency in the system.
One of the major challenges highlighted by Moss pertains to Idaho’s industries, notably the dairy sector, which struggles with a lack of appropriate visas for workers. The state, which predominantly supports rule following and legal immigration, faces a paradox where many industries rely on undocumented workers due to insufficient legal pathways for employment. Moss advocates for the creation of new visa categories tailored to the state’s year-round industries, such as dairy farming, construction, and landscaping.
Businesses often find themselves navigating a complex and sometimes discouraging system when trying to hire foreign workers legally. Visa options are limited, and many are subject to lotteries that do not guarantee availability or success. Moss pointed out that the restrictive nature of temporary worker visas, such as H-2B and H-1B visas, does not align well with the ongoing needs of many employers.
To address these issues, Moss actively participates in lobbying efforts in Washington, D.C., meeting with representatives like Senator Jim Risch, Senator Mike Crapo, and Congressman Mike Simpson. She emphasizes the need for practical solutions that accommodate both the rule of law and the economic demands of Idaho businesses.
The intricacies and fluctuations of immigration law in the United States, particularly in states like Idaho, underscore a broader narrative of uncertainty and the urgent need for reform. As industries grapple with these challenges, attorneys like Alycia Moss will continue to play a critical role in navigating the convoluted landscape of immigration law, advocating for both their clients and broader systemic changes.
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