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Sometimes we hear certain words and phrases, quotes, and cliches so frequently that we often dont hear them anymore. But when you suddenly do hear one of those words, phrases, or quotes, you cannot unhear them and cannot help but internalize them. Thats what happened to me with one of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.s quotes last year. He said, Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.

Only love can do that.

I started wondering: how do I incorporate that into my work?

The pandemic allowed me time that I didnt have before. While my working hours didnt reduce, (in fact, just the opposite), my reclaimed time from not having to commute into town allowed me an opportunity for contemplation. I thought about many things. One of those thoughts was about how to accomplish the changes Ive been advocating for, particularly in immigration law. I kept searching for an answer. There are many advocates for immigration reform who have worked hard for decades: What is missing? Why have we not seen reform?

But it is not just immigration reform. Whatever issue concerns you, whether its universal healthcare, education, criminal justice reform, or climate change, you likely feel the same frustration.

Since starting my immigration law practice 16 years ago, Ive become a vocal champion for immigration reform. Most immigration lawyers will tell you that you cant help but advocate because all your clients need it. You become their voice. The law is broken no matter which specific area of immigration law you practice. As a business immigration attorney, there are many reforms I would like to see in legal immigration, including, for example, recapturing unused green card numbers.

There have been moments of success, and weve been able to affect policy changes in the past. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) is one such example. But as far as laws go, weve not seen statutory changes through Congress.

What I spent a lot of time thinking about was the why. I cant claim to have all the answers. I am not an academic, nor a political, psychology, or sociology expert. I am a practicing lawyer and a grassroots advocate. I can only see things through my own lens.

A realization dawned on me; we need more love in the world. With this understanding, Dr. Kings words truly echoed in my ears. I was compelled to research his quotes and found that there are so very many about love. He embodied love. He lived the principles of love. And he tried to impart his love of love to us. Here are some of those teachings:

Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.

I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.

Without love, there is no reason to know anyone, for love will, in the end, connect us to our neighbors, our children, and our hearts.

I think I finally get it. If we want to change society, if we want to see changes big or small, we need to have more love. But within that notion of love, I have come to realize that love for self is the starting point. If people loved themselves more, they cannot help but love others. They cannot help but want everyone to live well.

So, now, I am an even bigger fan of Dr. King. I am even more inspired by him.

Yet, we cannot change people. We can only change ourselves. We can be mirrors so others can learn from us.

As lawyers, we are looked upon as leaders in our communities, in good times as well as in crises. The past two years of the COVID-19 pandemic have caused much trauma to humanity as a whole. We have seen it in our own lives, in our clients lives, and everywhere around us.

To generate more love in the world, the actions must start with each of us. I do not suggest you go out and quote Dr. King but instead, aspire to live his lessons, intentionally, and every day.

I suggest we express more love and kindness to everyone. But most importantly, to ourselves. Make time on the calendar for yourself, honor yourself, your health, and your well-being.

As leaders in our communities, I believe we must be the living breathing example of such love, not just on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, but every day, so that we can be part of the change we want to see.

Tahmina Watsonis the founding attorney ofWatson Immigration Lawin Seattle, where she practices US immigration law focusing on business immigration. She has been blogging about immigration law since 2008 and has written numerous articles in many publications. She is the author ofLegal Heroes in the Trump Era: Be Inspired. Expand Your Impact. Changethe WorldandThe Startup Visa: Key to Job Growth and Economic Prosperity in America.She is also the founder of The Washington Immigrant Defense Network (WIDEN), which funds and facilitates legal representation in the immigration courtroom, and co-founder ofAirport Lawyers, which provided critical services during the early travel bans. Tahmina is regularly quoted in the media and is the host of the podcastTahmina Talks Immigration. She is a Puget Sound Business Journal 2020 Women of Influence honoree. Business Insiderrecently named her as one of the top immigration attorneys in the U.S. that help tech startups. You can reach her by email attahmina@watsonimmigrationlaw.com, connect with her on LinkedInor follow her on Twitter at @tahminawatson.

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MLK Day, Advocacy, And The Power Of Love - Above the Law