A Canadian family, the Freezes, are currently stranded in Ottawa after being denied re-entry to the United States. The situation arose after a weekend ski trip to Quebec in March, when Michael Freeze’s TN visa renewal was unexpectedly rejected.

Unexpected Denial at the Border

The denial has left Michael, his wife, and their three children in a difficult position, separated from their home and life in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. They are currently staying with friends in Kanata while they explore their options.

A Four-Year Life in the U.S.

The Freeze family initially moved to Martha’s Vineyard four years ago after Michael secured a job with a luxury home builder. He initially obtained a one-year visa, followed by a TN visa, allowing him to work in the U.S. They established a life on the island, welcoming their youngest son, Luca.

Dispute Over Job Classification

The recent visa denial stemmed from a disagreement over Michael’s job classification. Border officers interpreted his role as a construction consultant, while he believes it qualifies for a TN visa. A subsequent attempt to rectify the situation at a different border crossing also proved unsuccessful.

Financial and Emotional Strain

The family has been in Ottawa for over a month, facing financial strain from continuing to pay for their U.S. home while residing in Canada. They also experience uncertainty regarding Michael’s employment and the emotional toll of being separated from their community.

TN Visas and Border Discretion

Immigration lawyer Jeremy Richards explained that TN visas are available to Canadian citizens in specific professional occupations. He noted that border officers have discretion in these cases, but that this discretion has reportedly decreased in recent years.

Community Support and Hope for Return

The Martha’s Vineyard community has rallied around the Freeze family, initiating fundraising efforts to provide financial assistance. The family expressed their desire to return to their island community and remain hopeful for a resolution, emphasizing their sense of belonging in the United States. CTV News has reached out to U.S. authorities for comment but has not yet received a response.