Against this colourful backdrop, Victoria immigration lawyer Ash Forghani and Ciara McLean set up their “Ask an Immigration Lawyer” booth with a simple goal: make reliable Canadian immigration information accessible to anyone with questions. Throughout the day, they welcomed individuals and families seeking general guidance on a wide range of immigration topics, including permanent residence pathways, work permits, study permits, visitor status, family sponsorship, citizenship, and the Canadian immigration process.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the event was the opportunity to meet people from all over the world. Although Festival Mexicano celebrates Mexican heritage, the event attracts a remarkably diverse audience. Visitors stopped by from many different countries, each with unique immigration journeys and questions about building a future in Canada. Conversations ranged from newcomers hoping to establish themselves in British Columbia to long-time residents seeking information for family members abroad.

Community outreach events such as Festival Mexicano provide an important opportunity to bridge the gap between legal professionals and the public. Immigration law can often seem overwhelming, with constantly evolving policies, application requirements, and procedural rules. Many people simply do not know where to begin or whether the information they have found online is accurate. By offering free general information in a welcoming community setting, Ash and Ciara were able to help attendees better understand their options while encouraging them to seek professional advice when their circumstances required individualized legal guidance.