In this episode of the Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer, Evelyn Ackah podcast, Evelyn Ackah discusses a question she is hearing more frequently from clients and travellers: what is actually happening at the U.S. border right now? While the immigration rules themselves have not dramatically changed, the way those rules are being applied has shifted. Many travellers are experiencing more questioning, more secondary inspections and sometimes even refusals of entry.

Evelyn highlights several key developments affecting Canadian travellers, including significant U.S. visa interview delays for Canadian permanent residents who require visas, as well as increased scrutiny of social media activity during visa applications. These factors can lead to additional questions, longer processing times and unexpected travel complications.

She also explains why business travel is receiving closer attention at the border. Travellers must clearly understand the difference between entering the United States as a business visitor and performing work without authorization. In addition, strategies such as flagpoling at land borders are becoming less reliable, with officers often directing applicants to apply online or through consulates instead.

Whether you travel occasionally for meetings or regularly move between Canada and the United States for business, understanding the current border environment is more important than ever. In this episode, Evelyn shares practical insight to help travellers prepare properly, avoid common mistakes and approach cross-border travel with greater clarity and confidence.

In this episode of Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer, Evelyn Ackah speaks with Steve Fretzin, President and Founder of Fretzin, Inc. and host of the Be That Lawyer podcast, about business development for lawyers and why relationship-building remains at the heart of sustainable professional growth. Drawing on more than 20 years of coaching experience, Steve shares how he helps lawyers move away from outdated, sales-driven tactics and adopt a more authentic, consultative approach to networking, client development and long-term practice growth.

The conversation explores why many lawyers struggle with sales and business development, despite the fact that building a book of business is essential for long-term career security and independence. Steve explains his “sales-free selling” philosophy, which reframes business development as problem-solving rather than pitching. He discusses the importance of asking better questions, listening actively, following up consistently and creating genuine relationships that lead to trust, loyalty and referrals over time. He also shares practical insight on client retention, effective networking, time management, delegation and how lawyers can use systems and automation to stay focused on high-value work.

Whether you are a solo practitioner, a lawyer in a large firm, or a business owner looking to strengthen client relationships and grow strategically, this episode offers practical guidance on developing business in a way that feels natural, ethical and effective. It is a thoughtful discussion on how professionals can protect their future, adapt to change and build a practice rooted in trust, value and consistency.

In this episode of Ask Canada Immigration Lawyer, Evelyn Ackah speaks with Tom Hanson of Channel Architect LLC, a global trade strategist and Principal Advisor, about the deep connection between international business expansion, cross-border mobility and the systems that make global commerce work. With more than 30 years of experience across the private sector and as a former U.S. Foreign Commercial Service commercial officer, Tom shares practical insight into how companies and governments build market entry strategies, form strategic partnerships and navigate complex international procurement and investment environments.

The conversation explores what it really takes for a business to expand internationally, from assessing commercial viability and scalability to building trust-based partnerships that can withstand uncertainty. Tom breaks down how he supports small to mid-sized companies through phased engagements, why due diligence in partner selection is critical, and how cultural awareness and ethical decision-making shape long-term success across different regions and industries.

Whether you advise corporate clients on cross-border immigration, support global entrepreneurs or work with employers managing international growth, this episode offers valuable perspective on planning for change, protecting reputation and building partnerships that help businesses thrive in an unpredictable trade environment.