The US “Muslim ban”—an attempt to block immigrants from some Muslim-majority countries—had at least one unintended effect: It spurred attorneys Victoria Slatton and Michelle Stilwell to leave their jobs and become advocates for immigrants.

Slatton actually worked at the Department of Homeland Security until, she says, “I didn’t feel like my morals aligned with my job anymore. I realized how privileged I was and I could be doing more. We definitely jumped into a profession that is in direct response to the election.”

Slatton's jump included recruiting her best friend and law school classmate Michelle Stilwell who was working at a nonprofit firm advocating for civil liberties. Together, they started a law firm that helps people trying to get into the United States and stay here, living and working in peace.

Neither Slatton nor Stilwell had much of an idea about how to run a law firm, but in April of this year they took the leap – and received a storm of harassing and threatening emails.

They say that storm made them realize that they were doing the right thing.

“As white women,” says Stilwell, “you’re not used to that sort of hatred and animosity and racism just being flung at you. To think that our clients and other people, other immigrants in the world, are going through that on a daily basis, it was shocking.”

Stilwell & Slatton Immigration Law Firm focuses on family-based immigration (e.g., petitions for spouses and children), humanitarian relief (e.g., asylum, visa certifications), and services such as DACA applications, work authorizations, and naturalizations. They quickly signed up clients, some of them seeking asylum, others wanting to remain in the U.S. with loved ones, and one client who had been trafficked.

It hasn't been easy but, as Slatton says, “I just care more than I have about any job I’ve ever had. I’m just thinking -- I want you to succeed, and I want to figure out the best and creative way to get you some help.”

As for the criticism and the threats, Stilwell shrugs it all off: “I’m just going to do what I have to do despite what people say. Some people would probably say it’s part of being young and naive for wanting to change the world, but...I think there are just too many things going on to stand by.”