Sisu Legal

04/11/2026

04/01/2026

Trump v Barbara is being heard by the Supreme Court. The position of the Trump administration is that children of undocumented immigrants or parents on temporary visas do not qualify for automatic citizenship. The other side argues that position contradicts 125+ years of settled law, especially the 1989 Wong Kim Ark decision, which has governed this question even since. Roughly 255000 children born in the U.S. each year could be affected. A birth certificate alone would no longer be proof of citizenship. Parents would have to show documentation of their own legal status.

01/31/2026

What is it like to be an immigration lawyer right now?

It is much harder than it used to be. There is a lot of disappointment in the system and the policies that are being implemented. There is also real sadness for the loss of life, for families caught in limbo, and for the growing division in values across the country.

I speak to people on an almost daily basis that feel overwhelmed or hopeless and are looking to me for answers, options, or simply reassurance that there is a path forward.

I feel determined to stay hopeful and grounded. I choose to keep believing that most people are good, and that the sense of stability will return.

I have also learned that doomscrolling or spending too much time in the news or social media is not helpful.
I feel privileged to be able to offer clients options by practicing immigration law in both Canada and the United States. I am grateful for my decision to limit the amount of files I take on, to be able to have more bandwidth per client and ensure they feel supported and cared for.
In times like these, there is less need to “sell” or convince clients about the value of working with an experienced immigration lawyer.

I find taking action is the best way to keep stress in check. When things feel overwhelming, I try to focus on the next helpful thing I can do.

And, rest matters too. As does exercise, time offline, and time spent with people who care for you.

01/20/2026

I am speaking to First Generation Pre-Law Students at the tomorrow.

The panel discussion will focus around the journey of navigating law school admissions and career.

To my lawyer colleagues, what advice did you find most helpful to navigate law school admissions and career? Feel free to DM, if you prefer.

01/14/2026

“My grandfather was a Canadian citizen, do I qualify for citizenship too?” 🇨🇦

The answer is, “it depends”...

It sounds simple, but Canadian citizenship by descent is anything but...

Over the past century, Canadian citizenship law has changed multiple times:

➡️ We didn’t even have “Canadian citizens” until 1947
➡️ Dual citizenship wasn’t recognized until 1977
➡️ Some people lost citizenship by simply failing to apply to retain it
➡️ And now, thanks to the 2025 Bill C-3 amendments, many “Lost Canadians” and their descendants may finally qualify, but only if the lineage and legal details are carefully analyzed.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you (or your kids) might be eligible for Canadian citizenship through a parent, grandparent, or even great-grandparent, this is the time to explore it.

📣 I’ll be joining Channon Russette Mondoux from Canadians of Michigan and professional genealogist Janine Cotugno for a free webinar to walk you through:
🔹 How the law has changed over time
🔹 Who qualifies now under the 2025 updates
🔹 What records you need to get started
🔹 How to trace your family line and apply for proof of citizenship

🗓️ Date: February 2, 2026 at 6pm EST.
📍 Sign up link: https://lnkd.in/gnpe7PNw

Whether you’re reclaiming a lost status or starting a new journey, we hope to help you simplify the process.

01/14/2026

The 4 changes to marriage green cards I am expecting in 2026, but longer and with more nuanced explanations.

01/05/2026

Marriage green card changes in 2026

12/10/2025

Can you work during the marriage immigration process in Canada or the U.S.?
The answer depends entirely on where you’re applying.

🇺🇸 U.S. Marriage Green Card:
You can apply for a work permit (EAD) after filing your I-485.
But processing can take months, so plan ahead.

🇨🇦 Canada Spousal Sponsorship:
If you’re applying inland, you can qualify for the Spousal Open Work Permit, even if you’re already in Canada as a visitor (as long as your status is valid).
Outland applicants can also work if they hold valid work authorization but must apply from within Canada.

12/05/2025

Recent stories show USCIS and ICE coordinating more closely during marriage-based AOS interviews. This is a major change from past practice and has led to some detentions.

It’s not a national policy, but it’s something immigration lawyers are monitoring. Filing while still in valid status remains the safest approach in this fast-moving climate.

12/04/2025

Heading to the U.S.? ✈️🚗 As an immigration lawyer practicing on both sides of the border, I see Canadians caught off guard at U.S. ports of entry all the time.

🚨 Here’s what you NEED to know about searches, inspections, and your rights at the border. Yes, officers can search your phone.
Yes, they can look through your car. Border officers have broad search powers. Keep your politics out of your border crossings for smoother sailing. Things on your phone, including things friends send you or deleted items are accessible.

12/02/2025

Before you hire an immigration lawyer, make sure they:
👉 Understand your family goals
👉 Explain the process clearly
👉 Support you through the stressful moments
👉 Use systems that keep you organized
👉 Have real experience with cross-border cases (especially Canada–U.S.)