cynthia-l.-shearn

Partner

Cynthia Shearn

cynthia-l.-shearn
cynthia-l.-shearn
  • People

Partner

Cynthia Shearn

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 312 499 2818

F:+1 312 346 1970

Chicago

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

333 W Wacker Dr 15th Floor

Chicago IL 60606

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 312 499 2818

F:+1 312 346 1970

Chicago

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

333 W Wacker Dr 15th Floor

Chicago IL 60606

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 312 499 2818

F:+1 312 346 1970

Chicago

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

333 W Wacker Dr 15th Floor

Chicago IL 60606

United States

Connect via Linkedin
  • PrintPrint
  • SaveSave

With nearly 30 years of dedicated immigration law experience, Cindy understands the positive impact listening can have on both clients and colleagues alike. Using this skill, she strikes the delicate balance of helping clients achieve their business goals while successfully creating and organizing their effective immigration programs, representing multinational corporate clients in a range of industries, including management and technology consulting, logistics and supply chain, transportation, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.

Since being appointed Managing Partner of Fragomen’s Midwest practice at the beginning of 2023, Cindy has also taken on a managerial role in overseeing both the region’s practice and client relationships—successfully listening to and advocating for her colleagues and employees. In each of these capacities—both as an immigration lawyer and as a people manager—Cindy serves as a trusted advisor and true partner by recognizing that it is her responsibility to understand their needs and provide the space to communicate them.

Cindy has always been innately focused on helping others—in fact, this focus is what propelled her into a career in immigration law. As an international relations major in college, she knew she was interested in human rights and global issues. During her first year of law school, she was granted an opportunity to blend these passions by helping an individual and her family with an asylum application. She filed the application, attended their interviews and eventually celebrated when they were granted asylum—realizing she found her calling to pursue a career an immigration law.

Passionate about inclusivity, Cindy previously served as Chair and currently serves as Co-Chair of Fragomen’s U.S./Canada DEI Group, helping to lead its expansion across the entire region. She is an active Fragomen and community volunteer, including through her pro bono work conducting Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and naturalization clinics and providing services to immigrant families at the detention center in Dilley, Texas. She also is a founding member of Nexus49, a Canada-U.S. business council in Chicago, and serves as a board member of the British-American Business Council’s Chicago Chapter.

Passionate about inclusivity, Cindy previously served as Chair and currently serves as Co-Chair of Fragomen’s U.S./Canada DEI Group, helping to lead its expansion across the entire region. She is an active Fragomen and community volunteer, including through her pro bono work conducting Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and naturalization clinics and providing services to immigrant families at the detention center in Dilley, Texas. She also is a founding member of Nexus49, a Canada-U.S. business council in Chicago, and serves as a board member of the British-American Business Council’s Chicago Chapter.

Education

  • American University, Washington College of Law, J.D., 1996
  • Boston University, B.A., 1991

More from Cynthia

Admissions

Bar Admissions: Illinois

Practice Limited to Federal Immigration & Nationality Law

Awards

Listed in Chambers USA, 2024 to 2026

Listed in The American Lawyers’ Midwest Trailblazers, 2022

Listed among Crain’s 2026 Notable Women in Law

Listed among Crain’s 2020 Notable Women Executives Over 50

Phi Beta Kappa, 1991

Harold C. Case Scholar, 1991

Professional accomplishments

Founding Member, Nexus49

Member, Board of Directors for the British-American Business Council, Chicago

Member, American Immigration Lawyers Association, Chicago Chapter

Member, Chicago Bar Association

Experience

Manages high volume U.S. immigration practice for global consulting, technology and outsourcing company to facilitate the transfer of professional employees from around the world to the United States.

Publications and lectures

Speaker, “Humanitarian Pathways & Workforce Strategy: Adapting to Evolving U.S. Immigration Policy.” Fragomen, Webinar, 5 August 2025.

Speaker, “Navigating the Path to U.S. Citizenship: What You Need to Know.” Fragomen, Webinar, 16 July 2025.

Speaker, “Navigating Automotive Industry Headwinds: Impacts on Global Immigration Strategies.” Fragomen, Webinar, 4 February 2025.

Speaker, immigration related topics during conferences presented by the Council for Global Immigration and the American Immigration Lawyers Association.

Speaker, “Has The Mobility Industry Opened Pandora's Suitcase? Part II - Business Travel Immigration Compliance.” Minnesota Employee Relocation Council, St. Paul, Minnesota, 13 July 2021.

Featured, “People on the Move.” Crain's Chicago Business, 5 August 2019.

Featured, “Shearn takes reigns of Fragomen office in Chicago.” Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, 1 August 2019.

“Off the “Fast” Track? The Effect of Corporate Downsizing on Labor Certification Strategy and Procedure,” 4th Annual AILA New York Chapter Immigration Law Symposium Conference Handbook, 2001.

Cynthia’s insights

October 27, 2026 — October 30, 2026 | Conference

WERC Global 26Read more

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

August 5, 2025 | Meeting

Humanitarian Pathways & Workforce Strategy: Adapting to Evolving U.S. Immigration PolicyRead more
More related insights

Cynthia’s insights

October 27, 2026 — October 30, 2026 | Conference

WERC Global 26Read more

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

August 5, 2025 | Meeting

Humanitarian Pathways & Workforce Strategy: Adapting to Evolving U.S. Immigration PolicyRead more
More related insights

Cynthia’s insights

October 27, 2026 — October 30, 2026 | Conference

WERC Global 26Read more

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

August 5, 2025 | Meeting

Humanitarian Pathways & Workforce Strategy: Adapting to Evolving U.S. Immigration PolicyRead more
More related insights

Country / Territory

  • United StatesUnited States

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 312 499 2818

F:+1 312 346 1970

Chicago

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

333 W Wacker Dr 15th Floor

Chicago IL 60606

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Cynthia’s insights

October 27, 2026 — October 30, 2026 | Conference

WERC Global 26Read more

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

August 5, 2025 | Meeting

Humanitarian Pathways & Workforce Strategy: Adapting to Evolving U.S. Immigration PolicyRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 312 499 2818

F:+1 312 346 1970

Chicago

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

333 W Wacker Dr 15th Floor

Chicago IL 60606

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Cynthia’s insights

October 27, 2026 — October 30, 2026 | Conference

WERC Global 26Read more

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

August 5, 2025 | Meeting

Humanitarian Pathways & Workforce Strategy: Adapting to Evolving U.S. Immigration PolicyRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+1 312 499 2818

F:+1 312 346 1970

Chicago

Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP

333 W Wacker Dr 15th Floor

Chicago IL 60606

United States

Connect via Linkedin

Cynthia’s insights

October 27, 2026 — October 30, 2026 | Conference

WERC Global 26Read more

June 5, 2026 | Fragomen news

Fragomen Earns Top Rankings in Chambers USA 2026Read more

August 5, 2025 | Meeting

Humanitarian Pathways & Workforce Strategy: Adapting to Evolving U.S. Immigration PolicyRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Blog post

Argentina Announces New Citizenship by Investment Programme: What Investors Need to Know

In a new blog, Manager Sophie Jo Wasson and Country Manager María Inés Menvielle explore what is known so far, the potential mobility benefits of Argentine citizenship and what prospective applicants should consider as implementation develops.

Learn more

Media mentions

Conexão Ásia: Além da China, profissionais das Filipinas, Índia, Japão e Bangladesh se destacam na imigração laboral asiática para o Brasil

Managing Director Diogo Kloper examines how immigration trends reveal the diverse economic ties between Brazil and Asia and the role of international mobility in supporting business growth.

Learn more

Media mentions

AILA Law Journal: Administrative Proxies in Immigration Adjudication

Partner David Grunblatt examines how USCIS uses administrative proxies in immigration adjudication and explains why these tools must support, rather than replace, statutory standards and individualized legal analysis.

Learn more

Blog post

International Talent in the Netherlands: Building a Talent Pipeline Without Losing Sight of Compliance

Manager Cherida Hooijer and Immigration Assistant Manager Kaatje Droesbeke examine how employers in the Netherlands can build an international student-to-graduate talent pipeline while managing the immigration and employment compliance requirements that apply at each stage.

Learn more

Video

Moving to Costa Rica? Visa and Residency Options Explained

Senior Immigration Program Manager Ana Carro explains Costa Rica's immigration pathways for digital nomads, retirees, individuals with stable income and investors, highlighting key eligibility requirements and considerations for choosing the appropriate option.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Insider: The Winners and Losers of the New H-1B Era

Partner Catherine Macris discusses how evolving H-1B policies are shaping employers’ ability to recruit foreign talent, particularly in highly specialized fields.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Professionals and Employee Network Shortlisted for 2027 TLC Lions Human Awards Europe

Two Fragomen professionals and our BeYou@Fragomen employee network have been shortlisted for the 2027 TLC Lions Human Awards Europe, recognising their contributions to inclusive leadership and a people-centred workplace culture.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen’s Worldwide Immigration Trends Report 2026 Wins at the FEM EMEA EMMAs

Fragomen is honored with the 2026 FEM EMEA EMMA in the "Thought Leadership - Best Survey or Research Study of the Year" category for its 2026 Worldwide Immigration Trends Report. 

Learn more

Media mentions

Law360: How A New Case Redefines The Birthright Citizenship Battle

Partner Daniel Pierce and Senior Associate Daniel D. Schaeffer examine US birthright citizenship challenges and the implications of recent court rulings for nationwide relief in immigration litigation.

Learn more

Video

What Is ESTA? Five Common Mistakes to Avoid When Traveling to the US

Los Angeles Partner Emily Allen explains what ESTA is, who may be eligible under the US Visa Waiver Program and five common mistakes travelers should avoid when visiting the United States for business or tourism.

Learn more
Generic Insights

Fragomen news

Case Study: Securing a Positive Outcome in a Complex Adult Dependent Relative Appeal

Fragomen supported an Adult Dependent Relative applicant through a complex appeal, using coordinated medical and social care evidence to demonstrate his holistic care needs before the Home Office withdrew its refusal and indicated that the application would be granted.

Learn more

Blog post

Moving Talent, Moving Families: Navigating Family Reunification in Europe

Senior Manager Andreia Ghimis and Senior Immigration Consultant Louise Farren explore how family reunification rules across Europe can affect international moves and why employers should assess family eligibility, immigration requirements and likely timelines alongside an employee’s work authorization.

Learn more

Blog post

Argentina Announces New Citizenship by Investment Programme: What Investors Need to Know

In a new blog, Manager Sophie Jo Wasson and Country Manager María Inés Menvielle explore what is known so far, the potential mobility benefits of Argentine citizenship and what prospective applicants should consider as implementation develops.

Learn more

Media mentions

Conexão Ásia: Além da China, profissionais das Filipinas, Índia, Japão e Bangladesh se destacam na imigração laboral asiática para o Brasil

Managing Director Diogo Kloper examines how immigration trends reveal the diverse economic ties between Brazil and Asia and the role of international mobility in supporting business growth.

Learn more

Media mentions

AILA Law Journal: Administrative Proxies in Immigration Adjudication

Partner David Grunblatt examines how USCIS uses administrative proxies in immigration adjudication and explains why these tools must support, rather than replace, statutory standards and individualized legal analysis.

Learn more

Blog post

International Talent in the Netherlands: Building a Talent Pipeline Without Losing Sight of Compliance

Manager Cherida Hooijer and Immigration Assistant Manager Kaatje Droesbeke examine how employers in the Netherlands can build an international student-to-graduate talent pipeline while managing the immigration and employment compliance requirements that apply at each stage.

Learn more

Video

Moving to Costa Rica? Visa and Residency Options Explained

Senior Immigration Program Manager Ana Carro explains Costa Rica's immigration pathways for digital nomads, retirees, individuals with stable income and investors, highlighting key eligibility requirements and considerations for choosing the appropriate option.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Insider: The Winners and Losers of the New H-1B Era

Partner Catherine Macris discusses how evolving H-1B policies are shaping employers’ ability to recruit foreign talent, particularly in highly specialized fields.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Professionals and Employee Network Shortlisted for 2027 TLC Lions Human Awards Europe

Two Fragomen professionals and our BeYou@Fragomen employee network have been shortlisted for the 2027 TLC Lions Human Awards Europe, recognising their contributions to inclusive leadership and a people-centred workplace culture.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen’s Worldwide Immigration Trends Report 2026 Wins at the FEM EMEA EMMAs

Fragomen is honored with the 2026 FEM EMEA EMMA in the "Thought Leadership - Best Survey or Research Study of the Year" category for its 2026 Worldwide Immigration Trends Report. 

Learn more

Media mentions

Law360: How A New Case Redefines The Birthright Citizenship Battle

Partner Daniel Pierce and Senior Associate Daniel D. Schaeffer examine US birthright citizenship challenges and the implications of recent court rulings for nationwide relief in immigration litigation.

Learn more

Video

What Is ESTA? Five Common Mistakes to Avoid When Traveling to the US

Los Angeles Partner Emily Allen explains what ESTA is, who may be eligible under the US Visa Waiver Program and five common mistakes travelers should avoid when visiting the United States for business or tourism.

Learn more
Generic Insights

Fragomen news

Case Study: Securing a Positive Outcome in a Complex Adult Dependent Relative Appeal

Fragomen supported an Adult Dependent Relative applicant through a complex appeal, using coordinated medical and social care evidence to demonstrate his holistic care needs before the Home Office withdrew its refusal and indicated that the application would be granted.

Learn more

Blog post

Moving Talent, Moving Families: Navigating Family Reunification in Europe

Senior Manager Andreia Ghimis and Senior Immigration Consultant Louise Farren explore how family reunification rules across Europe can affect international moves and why employers should assess family eligibility, immigration requirements and likely timelines alongside an employee’s work authorization.

Learn more
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Travel and Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastNavigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapCenter for Strategy and Applied InsightsView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Travel and Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Center for Strategy and Applied Insights
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Important Updates
Important Updates
October 21, 2026 | AustraliaAustralia: Student Visa Application and Family Inclusion Rules Tightened
October 22, 2026 | NetherlandsNetherlands: New Measures for Addressing Notification Non-Compliance
October 22, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: November 2026 Visa Bulletin – Employment-Based Final Action Dates Advance and Dates for Filing Hold Steady for Most Countries; USCIS to Honor Dates for Filing for Employment-Based Categories
October 22, 2026 | 🌐Worldwide: Temporary Government Website Outages Result from Fixes for Internet Security Vulnerability Issue
October 21, 2026 | AustraliaAustralia: Character Considerations for Visa Decisions Strengthened
October 21, 2026 | AustraliaAustralia: Student Visa Application and Family Inclusion Rules Tightened
October 22, 2026 | NetherlandsNetherlands: New Measures for Addressing Notification Non-Compliance
October 22, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: November 2026 Visa Bulletin – Employment-Based Final Action Dates Advance and Dates for Filing Hold Steady for Most Countries; USCIS to Honor Dates for Filing for Employment-Based Categories
October 22, 2026 | 🌐Worldwide: Temporary Government Website Outages Result from Fixes for Internet Security Vulnerability Issue
October 21, 2026 | AustraliaAustralia: Character Considerations for Visa Decisions Strengthened
October 21, 2026 | AustraliaAustralia: Student Visa Application and Family Inclusion Rules Tightened
Subscribe

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • AI Transparency Statement
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • AI Transparency Statement
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • TikTok
  • Twitter

© 2026 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.