Illegal Border Crossings Today:

Cherry Blossoms
Jen Harris
Jen Harris
Chief Financial Officer
Bob Smith
Bob Smith
Senior Planned Giving Officer
Billie
Billie McCain
Direct Response Manager
Luke Hanson
Luke Hanson
Director of Video Production and Digital Marketing
Devin Mendelson
Devin Mendelson
Video and Digital Content Associate
Hemant
Hemant Sharma
Controller
Brenda Burroughs
Brenda Burroughs
Receptionist/Office Administrator
Katy Rowe
Katy Rowe
Director of Human Resources and Administration
Gwen IT
Gwen Girlie
Director of Information Technology
  • Dan Stein
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    Daniel Stein

    President

    Dan Stein is an attorney who has worked for more than 35 years in the field of immigration law and law reform. He has been in his present position as President since January 2003.

    Prior to leading FAIR, Mr. Stein was the Executive Director of the Immigration Reform Law Institute, a public interest litigation group that has represented a variety of organizations in immigration and administrative law matters.

    Mr. Stein has also been in private law practice in real estate, federal agency litigation, criminal law and tax-exempt corporate law.

    A native of Washington, D.C., Mr. Stein’s interest in immigration began as a professional staff member of the U. S. House of Representatives’ Select Committee on Narcotics Abuse and Control, where he studied U.S./Mexico border issues and international crop substitution efforts.

    Mr. Stein has published hundreds of articles on immigration policy, and through the years has appeared on national television thousands of times on just about every significant news program in America, has spoken to major groups across America, and has been asked to testify before Congress on related issues over 50 times.

    Mr. Stein is a graduate of Indiana University and the Catholic University School of Law.

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  • Julie Kirchner
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    Julie Kirchner

    Executive Director

    As Executive Director, Ms. Kirchner manages all operations of the organization, including policy development and implementation, and reports directly to FAIR’s Board.

    Ms. Kirchner has a proven record of success at FAIR, having worked for the organization between 2005 and 2015, first in government relations and then for eight years as Executive Director. During that time, she led FAIR through the fierce legislative battles of 2006, 2007, and 2013, beating back attempts by amnesty advocates to dismantle our immigration system and decimate the rule of law. She knows and understands FAIR well, and offers FAIR (and the movement it helped create) a sophisticated knowledge of immigration law and policy combined with management experience and leadership ability.  

    Ms. Kirchner also brings to FAIR a wealth of knowledge obtained through years of hands-on work in our nation’s immigration agencies. After her initial tenure at FAIR, Ms. Kirchner served four years as an official at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) where she fought to improve our immigration system. Her first role was Senior Advisor to the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), where she guided various border security efforts, including the implementation of tactical infrastructure at the southern border, development of border security metrics, and coordination of outreach initiatives to the public.

    Between 2017 and 2019, Ms. Kirchner served as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Ombudsman. As Ombudsman, she led an independent office within DHS headquarters dedicated to helping immigration benefits seekers and visa applicants navigate USCIS procedures and resolve problems.

    In January 2020, Ms. Kirchner was appointed to serve as Senior Advisor at the Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman (OIDO), a new and independent agency within DHS created by Congress. As Senior Advisor, Ms. Kirchner was the executive responsible for building a new agency from scratch by establishing the necessary administrative infrastructure, financial operations, information technology, and reporting functions, and developing the Office’s core programs.

    Ms. Kirchner earned her B.A. at Yale University and her law degree, with high distinction, at the University of Iowa College of Law. As a young lawyer, Ms. Kirchner worked as a private litigator, a criminal prosecutor, and as counsel at the Minnesota House of Representatives.

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  • Jen Harris
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    Jen Harris

    Chief Financial Officer

    Jen joined FAIR in 2011. She has 25 years’ experience in non-profit accounting and several years’ experience in government and private accounting. Jen is responsible for strategic day-to-day financial activities; she serves as the senior financial leader who ensures the smooth and efficient operation of FAIR and Affiliates at the business and administrative level. Major responsibilities include: Financial reporting and control; business administration; accuracy and security of FAIR’s business and administrative records; governmental reporting; development of accounting, administrative, and personnel policies and managing the Information Technology of FAIR and affiliates.

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  • Mark Morgan
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    Mark Morgan

    Senior Fellow

    Mark Morgan, the former Acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has joined the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), the nation’s oldest and largest immigration watchdog organization. Morgan will serve as a Senior Fellow and as an additional spokesperson for FAIR. Morgan brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to the immigration policy debate and, in his new capacity at FAIR, he will continue to be an important voice in the ongoing debate about immigration enforcement and border security.

    “Mark’s experience and unwavering commitment to enforce our nation’s laws has made him one of America’s most respected experts on immigration. His expertise and ‘tell it like it really is’ approach is needed now more than ever as the Biden administration is whittling away interior and perimeter controls at breakneck speed. As Mark has done so many times during his decorated career, he once again answers the call to serve his nation as Senior Fellow at FAIR. Quite simply, Mark is the right guy, at the right time, in the right place,” commented Bob Dane, executive director of FAIR.

    Morgan’s entire professional career has been dedicated to service to his country. Prior to leading ICE, Morgan served in the United States Marine Corps, had a long and distinguished career with the FBI, and was appointed to lead the Border Patrol by President Barack Obama. In addition, he holds a law degree from the University of Missouri.

    In assuming his new role at FAIR, Morgan stated, “I’m honored to serve as a senior fellow with FAIR, which is dedicated to engaging in meaningful dialogue to influence, formulate and promote responsible immigration policies for the 21st Century and beyond. I am delighted to be part of the effort to seek out solutions to mitigate the tremendous burden and negative impact of uncontrolled immigration on our country’s national security and economic prosperity.”

    “There are very few people with as much front-line knowledge of immigration policy as Mark,” noted Dan Stein, president of FAIR. “As we reckon with an administration that appears to be bent on dismantling immigration enforcement and exercising executive power to maximize immigration even during a period of crisis and high unemployment, and efforts in Congress to grant mass amnesty to tens of millions of illegal aliens, Mark is uniquely qualified to assess the impact of those policies.”

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  • Joe Chatham
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    Joe Chatham

    Senior Government Relations Manager

    Joe Chatham joined FAIR in 2022, bringing significant congressional, campaign, and nonprofit experience to the organization. As part of FAIR’s influential government relations team, he helps manage Capitol Hill outreach and policy, advocating for a secure border and a just, equitable legal immigration system.

    Before joining FAIR, Joe worked with a large range of organizations, from congressional offices and political campaigns, to intergovernmental organizations and think tanks. Most recently, he served as counsel to Rep. Ken Buck (R-CO), where he handled the representative’s immigration portfolio for the House Committee on the Judiciary.

    He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan, a Master in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School, and a Juris Doctor from Yale Law School.

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  • https://www.fairus.org/legislation/state-immigration-legislation-policies/border-security/grand-jury-finds-biden-policies
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    Ira Mehlman

    Media Director

    Ira joined FAIR in 1986 with experience as a journalist, professor of journalism, special assistant to Gov. Richard Lamm (Colorado), and press secretary of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. His columns have appeared in National Review, LA Times, NY Times, Washington Post, Newsweek, and more. He is an experienced TV and radio commentator.

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  • Ron Kovach
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    Ron Kovach

    Press Secretary

    Ron Kovach joined FAIR in July 2022, bringing with him an array of Capitol Hill and campaign communications experience.

    As FAIR’s Press Secretary, Ron serves as the primary contact for all media inquiries, while helping drive FAIR’s message through the editing, writing, and distribution of social media posts, press releases, opinion pieces, and blogs.

    Before joining FAIR, Ron worked on Capitol Hill as an aide to a North Carolina Republican. Before that, he served a handful of lawmakers in varying roles across five different states, giving him a critical understanding of how mass immigration affects American communities.

    He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Indiana University.

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  • Shari
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    Shari Rendall

    State and Local Engagement Director

    Shari Rendall brings to FAIR over 15 years of experience in government relations and grassroots advocacy. In her former position Shari led the legislation department in coordinating lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill and briefing congressional and administration staff on a wide range of issues. She has also been responsible for grassroots communications and helping state associations devise their legislative strategies. She began her time in D.C. working on Capitol Hill in the office of former Sen. Bob Smith (R-New Hampshire) as a Legislative Aide.

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  • Susan
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    Susan Tully

    Sr Field Representative / Special Projects & Law Enforcement Relations Manager

    Susan joined the FAIR staff in 2002. She is a former business owner, manager for municipal code enforcement, immigration coordinator for the Coalition of Government Officials (southern California), and president of Citizens Committee for Immigration Policy. Susan manages FAIR’s extensive and national Field Program. She develops members and activist support and educates the media and public on immigration issues.

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  • Bob Smith
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    Bob Smith

    Senior Planned Giving Officer

    Bob joined FAIR in 2016 as the Development Director. He oversees the fundraising and donor relations efforts for FAIR. Bob has over 25 years of experience in the field of development that has included working for national, international and local non-profit organizations. He has worked for private Christian schools, institutions of higher education and national non-profit organizations that support our U.S. military veterans. Bob joined the FAIR staff after starting and running a successful fundraising consulting business. Bob and his family reside in northern Virginia.

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  • Billie
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    Billie McCain

    Direct Response Manager

    Billie joined FAIR in 2015. She uses analytics and innovative industry trends to guide decision-making on the best methods to grow and monetize FAIR’s membership base. Billie holds a B.A. in Communications and a M.A. in Publications Design. She brings to FAIR her marketing and communications experience which she obtained from working in higher education.

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  • Luke Hanson
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    Luke Hanson

    Director of Video Production and Digital Marketing

    Luke joined FAIR in December 2019 and oversees video production and digital marketing content. With a background in writing, editing, teaching, and video production, he gives FAIR the in-house ability to edit and develop videos and digital media to clearly convey our message. Luke holds a Bachelors in English and a minor in Film Studies from the University of Virginia.

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  • Devin Mendelson
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    Devin Mendelson

    Video and Digital Content Associate

    Devin joined FAIR in June 2022. His primary responsibilities include video editing, video production, and the creation of other digital content. With years of video and digital editing experience, he enables FAIR to consistently release educational content across its social media accounts. Devin holds a Bachelor of Arts from Hamilton College, where he double majored in Creative Writing and Cinema and Media Studies.

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  • Picture of Pawel Styrna
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    Pawel Styrna

    Senior Researcher

    Pawel Styrna was born in Poland but has lived in the United States most of his life. He has MAs in history from the University of Illinois at Chicago and in international affairs from the Institute of World Politics in Washington, DC. He is currently a PhD student in Russian and European history at American University in DC. Having gone through the immigration process himself, he believes in common sense immigration policies and the right of sovereign nations to control their borders. He has written several op-eds on immigration issues.  

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  • Michael Capuano
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    Michael Capuano

    Researcher/Staff Writer

    Michael Capuano joined FAIR in 2022. As a researcher and staff writer, he contributes to the work behind FAIR’s long-form research publications as well as topical content responding to immigration-related issues as they happen.

    Before joining FAIR, Michael worked in the Enforcement and Removal Operations Law Division at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during law school at George Washington University and then as an immigration attorney at a Spanish-speaking law firm. Having grown up in Southern California and with experience on both sides of the issue, he is acutely conscious of the importance of the immigration issue to everyday life and the necessity of FAIR’s vision for reform.

    Michael’s background before law school was in Urban Studies/Planning at the University of California, San Diego, informing a deep concern for the environment and good urban design, two issues very relevant to the current immigration crisis.

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  • Hemant
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    Hemant Sharma

    Controller

    Hemant joined FAIR in 2016. He is responsible for assisting the Chief Financial Officer, handling human resource matters, general office administration, accounts payable processing and general ledger reconciliation. Hemant holds a BS in Finance from University of Maryland University College. He brings to FAIR four years of accounting experience.

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  • Brenda Burroughs
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    Brenda Burroughs

    Receptionist/Office Administrator

    Brenda joined FAIR in 2018 as the Receptionist/Office Administrator. Brenda greets visitors, processes outgoing mail, answers incoming calls, assists Human Resources with leave tracking and monitors building security. She also supports the Finance and Administration Department by updating shared files and FAIR’s policy and procedures manuals. Brenda brings over 20 years’ experience supporting executive staff in the areas of medical billing, collections, accounting and office management.

    Brenda belongs to the Piscataway-Conoy Tribe, one of two only state-recognized Native American Tribe in the State of Maryland.

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  • Katy Rowe
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    Katy Rowe

    Director of Human Resources and Administration

    Katy has been employed at FAIR since 2018. She has a Master’s in Management: Human Resources and a Bachelor’s in Accounting & Business Administration and is certified as a professional in payroll, non-profit accounting, and administration. Katy supports FAIR and Affiliates’ staff in many ways, including training and development, benefits administration, payroll processing, and other employee-related concerns. In charge of recruiting, Katy ensures that the best talent is acquired and retained. Katy is also fully trained in all aspects of accounting and is the backup to FAIR’s Controller.

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  • Gwen IT
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    Gwen Girlie

    Director of Information Technology

    Gwen joined FAIR in 1992. She serves as the primary administrator of the technical network and security infrastructure. As technology changes, Gwen maintains all data and voice networks while updating applications and hardware. Gwen’s knowledge and certifications in Windows, Microsoft, and CompTIA Security keeps the FAIR network running with the latest technology and allows FAIR employees access to necessary tools needed in today’s computer age.

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