Navigating the landscape of immigration law during the Trump administration has been an emotional whirlwind. The relentless wave of xenophobia-inspired policies—such as the separation of families and the introduction of increasingly harsh regulations—has taken a toll not only on my clients but also on my own mental well-being. Yet, I discovered an unexpected strength through my journey into motherhood.
The arrival of my daughter, Lily, now ten, ignited an intense love within me, one that deepened my compassion for all humanity. This newfound empathy transformed me from a sympathetic observer to an incredibly sensitive advocate. Watching violent portrayals of children on television became unbearable, and I found myself more tolerant of the chaos that accompanies raising a young child, including the endless messiness of motherhood.
This emotional awakening has significantly enhanced my effectiveness as an immigration lawyer. I can relate to my clients on a profound level, whether they’re struggling with visa applications or facing the shock of their adopted child being classified as undocumented due to outdated laws. I vividly remember a meeting where a newborn’s cries echoed through the office—I was completely absorbed in the moment, oblivious to the distraction it caused.
As a mother, I have become a more patient and understanding advocate. In the face of an administration that has aggressively targeted immigrants, my resolve has only strengthened. The chaos that erupted following Trump’s inauguration, marked by an executive order barring immigrants from several Muslim-majority countries, compelled me to co-found a network aimed at connecting volunteer lawyers with individuals in crisis at the airport. My focus was always on families torn apart by these policies.
Leading pro-bono legal clinics throughout King County, Washington, my motivation stemmed from a deep-seated desire to prevent family separations. The heartbreaking stories of parents arrested by ICE while simply taking their children to school fueled my commitment to this cause. The elimination of protections for sensitive areas where ICE could not operate further exacerbated my fears, and I found myself plagued by nightmares of children in peril.
The culmination of these experiences pushed me to develop a plan for a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting vulnerable immigrants in detention. The Washington Immigrant Defense Network (WIDEN) was born out of this urgency to offer legal guidance. While I may have initiated this project, it blossomed thanks to the collaboration with other parent lawyers who shared my outrage over the injustices being inflicted.
As my immigration practice continued to face a barrage of policy changes affecting clients, I witnessed firsthand the devastating consequences. Parents caught in the green card backlog found their temporary visas denied, forcing them to uproot their U.S.-citizen children from their lives. The public charge rule, which penalizes immigrants for accessing essential services, created additional layers of fear and confusion among families.
My experience as a lawyer and a mother is far from isolated. Many other women in the legal field have been galvanized to act. For instance, my friend Sarah, an in-house attorney, has traveled to assist children in “Remain in Mexico” camps. Organizations like Lawyer Moms of America, co-founded by my peers, have mobilized efforts to raise funds for detained children.
The emotional toll of these immigration policies is profound. As parents, we inevitably see our own children in every child affected by these harsh realities; it’s impossible not to empathize with every parent striving for a better future for their kids. The secondary trauma experienced by immigration lawyers, particularly those who are mothers, is palpable. While we may sometimes have to turn away from the painful headlines, our hearts remain deeply connected to the struggles of these families.
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In summary, motherhood has not only transformed my perspective but has also supercharged my commitment to advocating for immigrants. The connection I share with my children amplifies my dedication to ensuring that families remain whole and supported in the face of adversity.