FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 8, 2011

Don Lyster Tapped to Be Director of NILC’s DC Office

WASHINGTON, DC – Don Lyster, a seasoned Hill veteran, has joined the National Immigration Law Center as director of its Washington, DC, office. In that capacity, he will provide strategic support to advance NILC’s policy agenda. Lyster has served members of Congress in various capacities, including recently as chief of staff to then Rep. Hilda Solis (D-CA), who is now the U.S. secretary of labor.

“Don’s unique mix of Hill policy and politics expertise and direct knowledge of an immigrant-rich state like California makes him an indispensible addition to our DC office,” said Marielena Hincapié, executive director of the National Immigration Law Center. “We’re excited to add his inside-the-Beltway strategies to our office of experts and advocates who are already working to defend and advance the rights of all those living in the United States, regardless of where they were born.”

In his new role, Lyster will work in conjunction with Tyler Moran, the National Immigration Law Center’s policy director, to develop an overall vision for NILC’s policy agenda. Prior to joining the National Immigration Law Center, Lyster was a congressional aide for ten years, serving in various capacities for Sen. Paul Sarbanes, Sen. Edward Kennedy at the Senate Subcommittee on Immigration, and Rep. Solis, for whom he was legislative counsel and, later, chief of staff. He also worked at the American Immigration Law Foundation and a government relations consulting firm.

“We’re thrilled that Don, who brings a combination of extensive experience on Capitol Hill and passionate commitment to immigrants’ rights, will lead our Washington office. Don will help legislators and others understand the importance of immigrant inclusion in the policy arena,” added Tyler Moran, policy director of the National Immigration Law Center.

Mr. Lyster holds a juris doctor from The Catholic University of America and a bachelor of arts from Loyola University in Maryland. He is the son and grandson of Irish immigrants.

Founded in 1979, the National Immigration Law Center envisions a society in which all people—regardless of race, gender, income level, or immigration status—have the opportunity to live freely, work safely, and thrive in society. The organization’s advocates and attorneys use a variety of tools, including policy analysis, litigation, education and advocacy, to achieve this vision.

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