Navigating the tumultuous landscape of immigration law during the Trump administration has been akin to riding a roller coaster. The emotional toll of advocating for clients against a backdrop of xenophobic policies—like family separations and increasingly harsh regulations—has been immense. Yet, there’s a profound force that I had not anticipated: motherhood. Embracing my role as a mother has redefined my approach to the ongoing immigration crisis.
The arrival of my daughter, Mia, now ten, ignited an intense love within me that transformed my perspective. This newfound affection expanded my empathy, turning me into a more sensitive and compassionate person. I found myself unable to tolerate portrayals of violence against children on television or even the tearful advertisements for orphanages. I became more accepting of the chaos that comes with raising a child, including the messy hair and sleepless nights.
As an immigration lawyer, this deepened empathy allows me to connect with my clients on a more profound level. I now better understand the struggles of a CEO whose child is about to age out of eligibility for a visa, or a parent grappling with the sudden realization that their adopted child is undocumented due to outdated laws. A memorable meeting involved a client’s newborn crying uncontrollably, yet I remained oblivious to the discomfort it caused my receptionist; my focus was solely on the family’s plight.
The challenges of defending immigrants during an anti-immigrant administration have become my guiding principle. The chaos unleashed by Trump’s inauguration—marked by an executive order barring immigrants from several Muslim-majority countries—was particularly heart-wrenching. Co-founding Airport Lawyer to connect lawyers with distressed travelers was driven by my concern for families facing separation.
My commitment intensified as I led efforts to provide free legal consultation across King County, Washington, motivated by the thought of preventing families from being torn apart. News of fathers arrested while dropping their children at school pierced my heart. The elimination of the “sensitive areas” policy by the Department of Homeland Security only exacerbated my fears, allowing ICE to operate in previously safe spaces like schools and churches.
As I grappled with these realities, vivid nightmares haunted me—children in peril, mothers in distress. I felt an urgency to advocate for those unable to defend themselves, which compelled me to prepare for the challenges ahead. When DACA was rescinded in September 2017, I was relieved that litigation kept it alive, but the anxiety remained as the Supreme Court prepared to rule on its fate.
Then came the reports from the Southern border of children being separated from their parents, reigniting my nightmares. I could hardly distinguish between the news and my subconscious fears. These vivid dreams spurred me to develop a plan to provide legal representation to vulnerable immigrants, ultimately leading to the creation of the Washington Immigrant Defense Network (WIDEN) in June 2018. This non-profit trains non-immigration lawyers to assist in immigration court, ensuring that those without representation receive the help they need.
At the same time, the changes in immigration policies continued to add chaos to my law practice. Parents caught in the lengthy green card process faced visa denials, often having to uproot their U.S. citizen children from their lives. The implementation of the public charge rule further instilled fear, causing families to withdraw from essential programs like school lunches and medical assistance, worried that seeking help would jeopardize their immigration status.
My experience as an immigration lawyer and mother is not isolated. Many legal professionals have been inspired to take action. For instance, my colleague Clara Monroe volunteers at refugee camps and has organized fundraising efforts alongside other mothers, raising awareness and resources for detained immigrant children. Additionally, notable attorney Fiona Harrison authored a children’s book, “Our American Dream,” to share her experiences, while Traci Lee, founder of Lawyers for Good Government, leads a vast network of lawyers assisting families seeking asylum.
The emotional weight of these policies is unbearable for parents, as we inevitably see our children in every affected child. We share in the heartache of every parent striving for a safer life for their family. Immigration lawyers, particularly those of us who are mothers, endure secondary trauma from these harsh realities. Even amidst the need to shield ourselves from distressing headlines, our hearts remain open, unable to turn away from the suffering around us.
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Summary
Motherhood has profoundly impacted my work as an immigration lawyer, enhancing my empathy and commitment to defending families affected by harsh policies. My experiences have driven me to establish organizations that provide legal support to vulnerable immigrants, and I share this journey with many other dedicated professionals who are motivated by their roles as mothers.
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