NILC Announces New Deputy Director Tom Kam

Mar 21, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 21, 2017

CONTACT
Juan Gastelum, [email protected], 213-375-3149

NILC Announces New Deputy Director Tom Kam

WASHINGTON — The National Immigration Law Center (NILC) is excited to welcome Tom Kam, who has dedicated the bulk of his career to serving immigrant and refugee communities, as its new Deputy Director, Development and Operations.

In this new role, Kam will oversee internal operations and special projects, as well as help lead the organization’s strategic fundraising efforts. He will also serve as a key member of NILC’s Senior Leadership Team.

“The current discussion on immigration will determine how our country welcomes and treats immigrants and refugees for generations to come,” Kam said. “At this critical moment in which our communities are under attack, the work of the National Immigration Law Center and others to defend and advance the rights of all aspiring and new Americans is critical. I am thrilled to join in these efforts.”

Kam brings to NILC more than 30 years of experience in the provision of human services, public policy, strategic planning, organizational development, and fundraising. In faith-based, nonprofit and public settings, he has led in the delivery of health and human services to immigrant and refugee communities from Central America, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and East Africa. From 1997 to 2006, he assumed a leadership role in directing the Washington Area Partnership for Immigrants, a funder’s collaborative that served and advocated on behalf of immigrant communities across the Washington, DC, metropolitan region.

“Tom’s dedication to immigrant and refugee rights and his extensive experience helping to grow and elevate organizations will be a great asset to NILC as the scope and pace of our work intensifies,” said NILC Executive Director Marielena Hincapié. “I am very proud to welcome Tom to NILC’s leadership. We are all excited and grateful to have him on our team.”

Kam is proud to be the son of an immigrant family from Panama. He was born in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and raised on more military bases than he cares to remember. He holds masters’ degrees in Divinity and in Social Work. Tom lives with his partner, mother, and two boxer pups in Washington, DC.

# # #

Related
Community Alert: Immigration Arrests at Airports

Community Alert: Immigration Arrests at Airports

Updated Jul 29, 2026 This resource provides travel safety tips and other resources for immigrants traveling through U.S. airports.

CHIRLA v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security

CHIRLA v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security

This lawsuit challenges a rule by the Trump administration, which requires millions of people to register with the federal government and carry proof of their registration with them at all times, or risk federal criminal...

Last update: Jul 27, 2026

Higher Education for Immigrant Students
Mother and father kissing graduating daughter during family celebration

Higher Education for Immigrant Students

Updated Jul 23, 2026 This toolkit provides resources for students, advocates, and legislators interested in...

Tell Your Representatives in Congress to Support the Dream and Promise Act Discharge Petition

Tell Your Representatives in Congress to Support the Dream and Promise Act Discharge Petition

Stephanie Olvido

Published Jul 23, 2026 Across the country, immigrants with TPS and DACA are losing the ability to work, drive, and ultimately continue their lives in the United States. Join us in urging your House representative to sign the Dream and Promise Act discharge petition...