Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Crews.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I began my work in immigration in Washington, D.C., where I served as a case manager for international adoptions from Russia and Kazakhstan. When Russia later prohibited U.S. adoptions in response to American sanctions, I learned the hard way how quickly political decisions can limit immigration pathways and alter lives. After becoming an attorney in 2007, I remained committed to immigration law as a way to help foreign nationals come to the United States legally and build stable, productive lives for themselves and their families.
Over the past 17 years, my practice has increasingly focused on supporting public and charter schools that rely on international educators to fill critical staffing gaps. While this work may appear different from my early experience in international adoption, the underlying principle is the same: immigration strengthens communities by fostering connection, opportunity, and mutual understanding across borders. Diversity is not incidental to our success as a nation; it is foundational to it.
I am the founder and managing attorney of Sivaraman Immigration Law in Carrboro, North Carolina. As we approach our firm’s 10th anniversary in 2026, we have helped hundreds of teachers and school districts nationwide navigate the immigration process so they can focus on what matters most—educating students and helping them succeed.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Immigrating to the United States is a demanding process that is not for the faint of heart. It often involves years of uncertainty, shifting policies, and unpredictable government priorities, with rules and interpretations that can change from one day to the next. While the path to a green card or U.S. citizenship has never been quick or straightforward, the volatility of the immigration landscape in 2025 has placed an unprecedented mental strain on immigrants navigating the system. A lot of my clients experience burnout, chronic anxiety, and a deep sense of uncertainty about their futures, even when they have complied fully with the law and done everything correctly. As a small firm, we work closely with our clients on a personal level. We know their families, their histories, and the stakes involved in each case. This proximity brings both responsibility and emotional weight. Compassion fatigue is a real and growing challenge for immigration attorneys, particularly in a climate where legal compliance does not always lead to predictable or just outcomes. Our staff support each other, and the greater immigration law community is focused on keeping us focused on our successes. But, it’s not an easy job.
As you know, we’re big fans of Sivaraman Immigration Law. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Sivaraman Immigration Law is known for working with highly skilled professionals and mission-driven organizations that address critical workforce shortages in the United States. We represent businesses, school districts with a particular focus on placing teachers in underserved public and charter schools, as well as supporting other specialized industries where qualified U.S. workers are in short supply. We also assist individuals with family reunification, and the creation of new families through the U.S. immigration process. What sets our firm apart is our deliberately focused practice model and our commitment to personal, attorney-level service. Immigration law is complex and constantly evolving, and we provide clients with clear, thorough legal analysis tailored to their specific goals and circumstances, along with proactive and strategic solutions. Because we are a small firm, our clients have direct access to their attorney and receive a level of attention that is rare in larger practices. We take pride in truly knowing our clients and institutional partners, working closely with school districts and HR teams to ensure compliance, and supporting individuals not only legally but as people navigating life far from their home culture. Our brand is defined by deep subject-matter expertise, trusted relationships, and a belief that diversity strengthens our institutions and our country. Another thing that distinguishes us is that we have our dogs in the office with us – it helps keep things in perspective.
What does success mean to you?
Personally, I define success as being able to make a living doing work you love, for a purpose you truly believe in, while being surrounded by people you genuinely care about and respect. With dogs in the office (which we have).
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sivisalaw.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sivisalaw/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sivisalaw/
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/sivaramanimmigrationlaw/
