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Navigating USCIS audits: How EB-5 regional centers can prepare efficientlyOctober 2024 Visa Bulletin: significant progress for legacy Chinese and Indian investorsFor the second year in a row, DOS issues all unreserved visasHow to choose the right EB-5 lawyerU.S. permanent residency by investmentFY 2024 Q1 data: strong EB-5 processing continuesWhen Should EB-5 Investors Be Notified of a Potential Problem?Investor group meets a second time with CIS Ombudsman’s Office to discuss more fair EB-5 policies and processingThe top EB-5 stories in 2024 could include processing, increased FOIA requests, and more denials and suspensionsBipartisan bill aims to create regional center committee to advise USCIS on how to improve the EB-5 programMarch 2024 Visa Bulletin: no EB-5 movementThe US is considering giving India treaty-country status, which would enable Indians to pursue E-2 visasAfter serving prison term, former Jay Peak president is helping the receiver try to sell the propertyQ4 FY 2023 EB-5 data is good news for the industry: new filings and processing totals continue to riseUSCIS is hiking up EB-5 filing fees on April 1, 2024Consular processing improves globally 23.6% in FY 2023; no unreserved EB-5 visas wastedJanuary 2024 Visa Bulletin: India's EB-5 unreserved date advances 2 years, China advances 2 monthsI-829 petition denial: why it happens and what to doU.S. national unemployment rate falls; EB-5 TEA threshold drops to 5%Hotel developers face higher interest rates in 2024, look to EB-5 as a cheaper funding sourceSEC charges NY businessman with fraud and unregistered sales of EB-5 investment; veteran immigration lawyer also chargedThe State of Texas wants to take over a 5,000-acre park purchased with EB-5 moneyChinese EB-5 investors in Florida project settle claims with developer Mastroianni night before trialDeveloper of Brooklyn’s Pacific Park defaults; auction set for JanuaryFlorida hotel developer who defrauded EB-5 investors starts prison sentenceAfrican EB-5 interest is growingE-2 visa to Green Card: EB-5 is the answerUSCIS issues vital guidance: what it means for regional centers and investorsProjecting the number of EB-5 reserved visas over the next 3 yearsIndian EB-5 investor accuses Florida immigration attorney of malpractice and acting as unregistered securities broker$57 million EB-5 lawsuit by Chinese investors dismissed; judge says lack of English skills no excuse for not understanding subscription agreementsVermont’s Kingdom Con fraud settlement sounds like a con too: lawyers get $5.5 million, many EB-5 investors to get only $1,000 eachOctober Visa Bulletin: India’s unreserved final action date jumps forward 20 months; Date for Filing chart now usedUSCIS is failing to properly implement the RIA, IIUSA tells ombudsman; group wants regular meetings with the agencyUSCIS clarifies policy update that can protect many more derivative children applicants from ‘aging out’Regional center challenges USCIS requirement to reapply for designation in order to sponsor new projectsQ2 FY 2023 EB-5 data: I-526E filings continue to increase, processing efficiency up 83%USCIS approves multiple rural EB-5 I-526E petitions in under 3 monthsIndia to postpone tax that will impact EB-5 investorsFund administration adds peace of mind for EB-5 investorsUSCIS introduces an online tool to reschedule biometric appointmentsAugust 2023 Visa Bulletin remains the sameChinese investors try a second time to get some of their capital back from EB-5 developerMore efficient EB-5 processing introduced for pre-RIA I-526 petitions as of July 2023EB-5 can bolster post-COVID economic recovery — but more visas are neededOppenheim explains recent Indian retrogression, hopeful for positive change in OctoberState of Vermont makes a final settlement with all 850 defrauded EB-5 investors — for pennies on the dollarEase of doing business in countries like the U.S. drives the migration of Indian millionairesFlorida draws South Africans thanks to a familiar climate and business opportunities, including farmingWill more Turks leave their unstable homeland for the U.S.?Supreme court declines to challenge records exemption that allows Vermont to hide state involvement in Jay Peak fraudHow EB-5 investors should prepare for a visa interviewQ1 FY 2023 processing stats: I-526 filings surge, processing totals dip slightlyUSCIS job postings inspire hope of better EB-5 processing, guidance, and serviceInjunction filed on Florida foreign land ownership law that may have EB-5 implicationsMultiple options allow F-1 students to stay in the U.S. after graduation, including EB-5The State of Vermont settles with 8 EB-5 investors, avoids testimony of former Governor; settlement with hundreds of investors may comeFlorida golf resort, funded in part by EB-5, approved for bankruptcy saleAn economist’s perspective on job creation and TEAs after the RIAJuly visa bulletin remains the sameJudge denies pre-RIA investors hoping to qualify for reserved visasDeveloper files for bankruptcy protection the day before the auction of the Chicago propertyDeveloper defaults on $157 million EB-5 loan for LA mega-projectWashington waterfront EB-5 project put in receivershipBurke Mountain resort receives offer; receiver hopes to hold an auction for the fraud-mired propertyEB-5 infrastructure projects hold great promise — but also great uncertainty right nowGAO report summary part 3: USCIS data collection on EB-5 fraud and national security must evolveChinese EB-5 activity may be at a five-year peak thanks to the end of lockdowns and the Reform ActSenator: New Florida law restricting foreign ownership of real estate not meant to impact EB-5IIUSA holds industry conference, shares the latest goals for the programFor hotel developers, EB-5 is both ‘quiet’ and ‘slow’ moneyWashington developer must pay $11.5 million in interest to EB-5 investors for a 2013 loanAfter years of lawsuits, the site of failed Chicago project will go to auctionEB-5 lawsuit over ski project moved to federal court; investor alleges kickbacks to immigration lawyersGAO report summary, part 2: EB-5 fraud and national security concernsCan a pre-RIA regional center wind down and not pay any USCIS fees? India retrogresses 14 months in June 2023 Visa BulletinDespite hotel demand returning to 2019 levels, funding is still a challenge — EB-5 can helpFlorida immigration lawyer disbarred after failing to refund EB-5 investors for double-paid feesMiami’s immigration building sells for $23 million; defrauded EB-5 investors to get back some of their $50 million Judge says ex-Jay Peak president's $250,000 restitution will stand; Stenger appealsSupreme Court declines disgorgement challenge by EB-5 fraudsters Oppenheim sees reserved categories staying ‘current’ on Visa Bulletin till mid-2024, talks Vietnam and pre-RIA rural projectsNew 2022 data shows national unemployment rate decrease; EB-5 TEA threshold drops to 5.48% Concurrent filing may offer EB-5 applicants in-state tuition rates in some but not all statesDefrauded Jay Peak investors to receive 22% of their EB-5 lossesOpen letter to USCIS official blasts lack of I-526E receipt data and ‘ignorant and dangerous’ comment about Visa BulletinHouston moving towards adaptive reuse of old buildings; creative financing, like EB-5, is needed Yahoo refuses to give up fraudster’s emails in EB-5 lawsuitTrial of American accused of EB-5 fraud in Nigeria delayed due to lawyer’s car troublesGAO report summary, part 1: EB-5 filing, adjudication, and regional center trendsHow to address EB-5 adjudication delays: a guide to mandamus reliefThe EB-5 ‘engagement’ that wasn’t: ignoring sustainment question is a ‘failure by USCIS’ EB-5 can help rebuild a territory devastated by disaster, like Puerto RicoIndians studying abroad at a 6-year high; EB-5 offers many benefits for studentsWealthy Filipinos are thinking more about their children’s education and investors visas May 2023 Visa Bulletin: China advances 2 months Critics say DeSantis bill on Chinese land ownership in Florida is ‘discriminatory’ and will prohibit EB-5 investmentEB-5 and cannabis: despite ‘illegal’ federal classification, it can workInvestor group files 2nd FOIA lawsuit against USCIS over Vietnamese denials American Immigration Council: U.S. immigration agencies have a ‘problem with transparency’EB-5 developer's attorney may face sanctions for not properly vetting investor-settlement loan EB-5 project involving former immigration building in Miami becomes an immigration disasterCOVID sinks plans for 17-acre Seattle lakefront project funded with $100 million of EB-5 moneyEB-5 fraudsters want Supreme Court to recalculate disgorgement sum; SEC disagreesEx-Jay Peak president says new evidence shows state is to blame for EB-5 fraud, wants relief from $250,000 restitution orderOptions abound for laid-off H-1B visa workers, including EB-5 and switching lead-applicant status to spouseEB-5 investor group files amicus brief to help investor mandamus lawsuits; court outcome could be critical precedentEB-5 investors fail to post $100 million bond to block foreclosure on giant LA projectCreators of Summit Series celebrity conferences tried to build utopia in the mountains with EB-5 money — but the plan ends in failure and lawsuitsFraud battle over Chicago EB-5 project drags on; investor legal team claims tens of millions diverted to hidden accountsThe state of EB-5 in Taiwan in 2023: cause for cautious optimismBanking failures and EB-5: the way forward in 2023The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act: where we are one year later in 2023DHS argues against investor lawsuit that demands reserved visas for pre-RIA investorsCan a new direct investor join a pre-RIA project that already has investors?USCIS publishes new I-956, I-526 and I-526E forms; removes biometrics requirement for new investorsEB-5 funding in the restoration of historic U.S. buildings can benefit developers and investorsFY 2022 Visa Office report: EB-5 consular processing suffered, petitioners adjusting status benefitedAn examination of the Vietnamese EB-5 market: excitement and challengesUSCIS now collecting EB-5 regional center fees for Integrity FundWhich EB-5 regional centers must pay the Integrity Fund fee? Tech layoffs hit Indian H-1B holders hard: ‘absolutely harrowing’EB-5 investor group: USCIS proposed fee increase are a ‘disconnect with reality’EB-5 Investor suing lawyer for conflict of interest and malpractice has claims dismissed for being too lateDeveloper of West Palm Beach resort files for Chapter 11 same day as $95 million foreclosure judgmentCannabis company using EB-5 for $500 capital raise denies fraud allegationsSignature Bank, EB-5’s largest escrow agent, shuts down; government takes over and guarantees depositsUSCIS March Visa Bulletin reveals 16-month retrogression for Indian EB-5 investorsIssuers and investors clash over changes to the EB-5 sustainment period — and the need for redeployment New data increases number of high-unemployment TEAsUSCIS extends permanent residency 48 months past I-829 expirationFormer Jay Peak president says state ‘covered up’ $200 million fraud and lied about ‘auditor’ role in projectsIndian budget has 20% advance tax for EB-5 investments — but can be refunded laterInvestors in foreclosed Hawaii EB-5 project forced to dismiss suit and go to arbitration Judge says ’enough’ in Chicago EB-5 Carillon Tower lawsuitNew USCIS policy may prevent EB-5 children from ‘aging out’An examination of the Chinese EB-5 market: old challenges and new opportunitiesWhat are the requirements for regional centers that are no longer raising capital?As interest rates rise, developers will turn to EB-5 and build rural projects near major citiesUSCIS to hold EB-5 stakeholder engagement, March 20, 2023Charlie Oppenheim speaks on EB-5 visa numbers and expects USCIS to switch to final action dates soonUSCIS offers guidance to nonimmigrant workers with terminated employment; EB-5 and adjustment of status is one solutionUSCIS releases new form for EB-5 promotersAs South Africa faces economic and political instability, second residency in U.S. is attractive to manyPre-Reform Act Chinese investors launch lawsuit arguing they should qualify for reserved visasOakland businessman sentenced to 16 months in prison for EB-5 fraud with multiple projectsRegional center says EB-5 investors who claimed they didn’t know what they were signing are ‘lying’2 Miami properties paid for with EB-5 capital to be auctioned offQ4 FY 2022 EB-5 processing numbers continue to improve; investor petition denials higher than approvalsUSCIS proposes much higher EB-5 filing fees to pay for more staff and to spend significantly more time per applicationFeds seek 4 years in prison for California EB-5 con artistDisbarred lawyer hit with new investor EB-5 fraud lawsuitNew regulations and global uncertainty spur interest in EB-53 choices for developers who need an EB-5 regional centerQuestions and answers about post-RIA EB-5 formsUSCIS undecided on what will happen to pre-RIA EB-5 projects and regional centers that don’t file an I-956Indian and Middle Eastern EB-5 source of funds: an immigration lawyer speaks to the challenges and solutionsH-1B visa holder and recently laid off? EB-5 may be the answer.Indian EB-5 investors and the Reform and Integrity Act: an immigration lawyer’s perspectiveWho should be seen as an EB-5 ‘promoter’ and what are their requirements?RIA makes ‘momentous change’ to requirement for time needed to keep EB-5 capital at risk EB-5 FY 2022 Q3 processing data: I-526 numbers continue to improve but still a long way off from 2020 highsEB-5 Reform and Integrity Act compliance for regional centersTop EB-5 lawyers discuss I-526e processing times: standard, priority, and expedited'Comments from Robert C. Divine for USCIS EB-5 Forms' & 'Supplementary Comments of Robert Divine for I-956G and I-956K, as well as I-526E'Did USCIS use all available employment-based visas for FY 2022?USCIS publishes draft of EB-5 promoter registration form; responsibilities and questions aboundJay Peak, site of biggest EB-5 fraud ever, finally sold — for $76 millionTexas businessman accused of defrauding EB-5 investors argues there is no proofDevelopers of Chicago tower project agree to pay $27.5 million to EB-5 investorsBiden commission recommends improved Green Card processing, says USCIS will hire 200 to 500 new officersOppenheim says country caps apply to set-asides — far fewer reserved visas will go to those who need themCompliance with the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022: Requirements and ConsiderationsEB-5 rural investment project, Western Energy Checklist of contents of regional center compliance policies and procedures manual under EB-5 Reform and Integrity ActCalifornia lawyer disbarred after EB-5 scam, must forfeit 7 properties worth over $20 millionDeveloper who misappropriated investors funds permanently barred from EB-5Visa Bulletin: India no longer ‘current’ in unreserved category and China regresses 9 monthsFor the first time in years, USCIS announces EB-5 stakeholder engagement with live Q&AUSCIS invites public comment on new EB-5 forms, offers estimated applicants and hours of work for each form100s of Chinese investors file suit to force government to stop wastage of EB-5 visasEB-5 lawsuit settlement: previously approved regional centers back in business, new investors can file nowI didn’t want EB-5 reauthorization in January — but now I’m glad2022 EB-5: rural advantages help businesses and investorsFund administration or annual audits — both satisfy EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act compliance requirements, but are they equal? As Vietnam’s economy and number of millionaires grow, so does its need for global migration — and EB-5 Spending bill adds provision to rollover unused visas — including EB-5USCIS removes references to 'repealed' EB-5 regional centers in Q&A — a sign that the fight is over?New York pair defrauded EB-5 investors, promised access to politicians, and used investor money to make illegal political donationsWill increased RIA compliance costs price smaller EB-5 projects out of the market?State drops charges against 4th man involved in $93 million Vermont EB-5 fraudMega developer Mastroianni settles claims, avoids class action suit from 199 EB-5 investors New York developer accused of using investor money to buy 3 mansionsHearing held to consider restraining order on EB-5 recertification requirement4 members of Congress request that USCIS forego recertification of past regional centersJune Visa Bulletin: China no longer ‘current’ in unreserved direct EB-5 categoryDid Chicago developer know a loan to pay settlement to EB-5 investors was a scam?Jay Peak’s Stenger starts prison term, says he regrets not paying more attention to EB-5 fraud2022 trends for the migration of the wealthyWhat the RIA legislation requires of EB-5 promotersLeaked USCIS data: EB-5 processing progresses but still way behindPreliminary injunction puts EB-5 regional centers back in businessWhat’s going on with EB-5 in 2022? What’s the future?New EB-5 regional center application I-956 is far more open-ended, will likely result in RFEs for all applicantsQuiros, Jay Peak EB-5 fraud mastermind, sentenced to 5 years for biomedical ‘ghost’ projectIndia has 10-year EB-5 backlog in 2022Concurrent filing: EB-5 investors can enjoy Green Card benefits before getting a Green CardNew USCIS Q&A: All existing EB-5 regional centers have become decommissioned; new regional center designation now requires approval of new form I-956Answers to reauthorization questions5 goals on the political agenda for EB-5 in 2022 and beyondNew EB-5 legislation is a big win for rural businesses, communities & investorsEB-5 investor requirementsThe U.S. green card by investment processNigerian EB-5 investors & the travel ban: solutions & optimismCongress approves spending bill with five-year EB-5 reauthorization and major program changesWhat would a Biden or Trump win mean for EB-5?Navigating The New World Of Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs)An introduction to E-2 visas: the fast-track in to the U.S.Wired for success: are investments in tech companies suitable for EB-5?USCIS loses appeal of landmark decision: EB-5 investors can use unsecured loans as investment capitalThe South African EB-5 market and its unique perspectiveCould Chinese EB-5 waits now be as short as 6-8 years?Oppenheim speech: EB-5 could lose then gain visas; India is ‘current’ and may not face retrogression ‘in the foreseeable future’Do jobs need to be sustained for two years to satisfy EB-5 program requirements?Construction stops after California residential and retail EB-5 project hit with bankruptcy and lawsuitsUSCIS ‘illegal’ I-829 processing times, combined with COVID-19 issues, can leave some families without evidence of lawful statusI-526 FY 2019 Q2 stats: filings, approvals & processing way, way downExpedited requests: show USCIS objective evidence — and pull on their heart stringsCharlie Oppenheim: employment-based visa total will be at an all-time high in FY 2022Current version of EB–5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022: some key elements Round 3: response to lawyers’ critique of article saying the Regional Center Program should stay expired 3 Top Lawyers Talk Expedited EB-5 Processing in 2022Grandfathering and regional center reauthorization are separate issues; big-city developers are ‘dominating’ the EB-5 discussion with CongressImmigration lawyers discuss the issue of grandfathering past EB-5 investorsEB-5 investor group meets with Congressional staff, sees 'no urgency for reauthorization'6 immigration lawyers reflect on 2021 — and predict 2022 and beyond for EB-5Developer, beset by EB-5 fraud lawsuit, hopes to sell equity in Hawaii project for $50 millionContinuing resolution keeps EB-5 reauthorization at bay until at least late FebruaryEB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2020: IIUSA believes it’s positive and a stepping stone to more visasDHS drops appeal of Behring lawsuit — $500,000 EB-5 investments will stick around2021 sees ‘dramatic increase’ in EB-5 investment from United Arab EmiratesIs “Ghost Hotel” In A New York State Village Just A Scam To Lure EB-5 Investors?Just 32% of available FY 2020 EB-5 visas used; COVID-19 largely to blameWill ambitious industry-consensus reauthorization text be attached to a December appropriations bill?The EB-5 Regional Center Program should stay expired as a better alternative already existsEB-5 direct investing is alive and well at $500,000: Watch webinar and read panelist Q&AUSCIS avoids August 30 furlough of 70% of staff — but at a priceWhite House seeks reauthorization of EB-5 Regional Center ProgramAILA opposes revised fairness for High Skilled Immigrants Act, supports RELIEF Act as the answer for removing country capsNew EB-5 priority date retention explained & who it helps mostHong Kong is a top EB-5 market — with one in three residents looking to emigrateUSCIS consolidates discretionary analysis policy — how it applies to EB-5EB-5 market trends thus far in 2020 — and what’s on the horizonWhen patience is no longer a virtue: mandamus filing as a solution for pending EB-5 applicationsUSCIS EB-5 processing times define ‘abnormal and delayed processing’Can cryptocurrency be approved as a source of funds?USCIS updates expedite request policy – what it means for EB-5Key considerations when an EB-5 investor files an I-485 to adjust status in the U.S.25 top immigration lawyers comment on the future of EB-5: the market will adjust as investors & projects diversifyFiling an I-526 petition for your EB-5 investor VisaQ3 2020 EB-5 numbers: I-526 receipts remain extremely low; I-526 denials leap to 37%Don’t be afraid of filing a mandamus — and know who your EB-5 lawyer is working forAct that would eliminate EB-5 country caps passes Senate‘Smart’ tax planning for EB-5 investors begins long before a Green CardEthical and practical considerations in EB-5 representationBrazil is producing more millionaires — and more interest in acquiring a ‘priceless’ future in the U.S. via EB-5To stimulate economy, Trump is reportedly considering EB-5 changes — increasing visa numbers & decreasing investment amountsFormer TV host Bill O’Reilly does radio ad for EB-5 developer — offering a ’10% monthly payout’As EB-5 is set to expire in less than 6 months, IIUSA says ‘crisis becomes an opportunity’East Asian investors accuse Chinese family of running EB-5 scamTrump Executive Order to end separate treatment of Hong Kong — making it subject to China’s EB-5 backlogIIUSA answers FAQ on EB-5 reauthorizationChicago lawyer who sold EB-5 investments denied in bid to dismiss SEC fraud lawsuit200 Asian investors victims of California's largest EB-5 fraud ever?Investors still owed their EB-5 capital for Colorado condos seek to remove regional center and take control of loanTop EB-5 economists discuss trends and the future of the program23 Jay Peak EB-5 investors agree to $8 million settlement with former immigration attorneys — but will only receive $350,000 in total USCIS policy guidance: good news for some individuals with terminated CPR statusLights out for massive government-backed solar energy project built with $170 million of EB-5 moneyFormer Regional Center director sues mega developer for $65 million8 Regional Centers and 22 NCEs sue government over 2020 redeployment policy guidance$1.8 billion LA project, backed by $450 million of EB-5 money, faces huge questions due to pandemicFY 2019 Q4 processing: high I-526 denials continue; I-829 numbers much more positiveFederal appeals court overturns USCIS decision on EB-5 guaranteed redemption, establishes new definition of ‘at risk’EB-5 extended only till June 30 — we may now have a few months to ensure long-term survival and stability‘It all comes down to greed’: ex-White House aide and partner guilty of EB-5 fraud in post-Katrina New OrleansChinese man implicated in EB-5 fraud claims he is the victim of impersonation, & says SEC has no jurisdiction over himI-526 data: 5-year lows for filing, processing & approvalsBiden immigration bill would have massive impact on employment-based visas, including clearing EB-5 backlogsCalifornia Lawyer Settles $23 Million Fraud Suit For Just $45,000Factors impacting EB-5 timing in 2020; is USCIS inflating published processing times? You’ve got a 'friend' request from the Department of State: form DS-260 now requires social media disclosureHouse passes bill that would remove country caps for immigrant visas, including EB-5Florida judge allows EB-5 investor lawsuit against Harbourside developer Mastroianni to go forwardCould prioritizing adjustment of status for Indian investors be key to managing the EB-5 backlog?Former EB -5 investor alleges regional center paid secret kickbacks to Chinese firm that sold ‘due diligence’ to investorsRuling in Mandamus lawsuit a big win for EB-5 — published processing times should not define unreasonable delaysPandemic puts investors at different stages in the EB-5 process at riskJapan may be the land of the rising EB-5 interestNigerian businessman testifies how he lost his money to a serial regional center fraudsterHudson Yards, most expensive U.S. real-estate project ever, damned for using EB-5 money meant for distressed areasHouse Rep: it’s ‘clear’ China’s EB-5 investors ‘may be abusing the program’ to steal intellectual property and state secretsQuiros could face up to 8 years in jail for biomedical facility fraud; Stenger’s lawyers want to cross-examine developerWith the Coronavirus impact on the economy, should investors worry about filing their I-829?Lawyer for Palm House developer faces up to 230 years in prison for his role in EB-5 fraudUSCIS posts 234 months as outer limit of EB-5 I-829 processing; what’s really ‘normal'In two separate mandamus lawsuits, judges reject USCIS ‘average processing times’ as defense for lengthy EB-5 waitsNew fiscal year, new EB-5 visa count — almost double last year’s number: potentially great news for India, Vietnam, & ChinaLatest visa office EB-5 stats published; South American activity growing & second-biggest region after AsiaJapanese investor claims he was victim of fraud in a Hawaii EB-5 projectAmerican EB-5 fraudster, a fugitive living in Nigeria, is behind crime syndicate trying to sell stolen crude oilDeveloper says investors’ lawsuit should be dismissed after approving additional loans with top repayment priorityFlorida bank & EB-5 hotel developer deny role in $21-million investor fraudBank accused of conspiring with Florida fraudster settles with EB-5 investors USCIS Posts Huge Drop In I-526 Processing Time: From 19.8 To 12.6 MonthsInvestors in Palm Beach hotel scam awarded $37 millionContrary to defendant’s wish, judge says fraudulent developer needs receivership supervisionIIUSA urges USCIS to continue to hold pending EB-5 petitions in abeyance in 2022EB-5 legislation is the problem and solution for regional center reauthorizationBreezLyte Q&A with senior managementCreating jobs? Your business could raise low-cost, non-dilutive, equity capital with EB-5 The role of due diligence in EB-5 in 2021Could direct EB-5 processing times be less than a year?Indian students enter U.S. in record numbers — EB-5 is one of their best routesInvestors suing Vermont blocked from recordsBiden lifting travel ban is good news for EB-5California developer pleads guilty to defrauding investors, using over $2 million for personal expensesQ&A with Chairman of 12-15 Molecular DiagnosticsQ&A with Robert Easter (President) and Chuck Dockery (CEO) of American Industrial BrandsAmerican Industrial Brands raises capital for expansion through the direct EB-5 investment programA new breed of Direct EB-5 investments compares favourably with Regional Center investmentsUnsealed records: Vermont State knew of rampant EB-5 fraud one year before stopping Jay Peak and other projectsThe EB-5 migration of HNWI from Chile and other Latin American countries into the U.S.Former Jay Peak president alleges state of Vermont complicit in Jay Peak fraud, asks judge to release sealed recordsHow direct EB-5 investments help the U.S. economy (in ways that regional center investments do not)Biden’s pick Ur Jaddou confirmed to lead USCIS; improved EB-5 processing is a priorityAugust Visa Bulletin: Vietnam is now ‘current’ in non-regional center EB-5 programFormer Acting Director of USCIS: make a direct EB-5 investment at $500,000 ‘until new regs come out'Zhang vs. USCIS: the profound impact of loans as a source of funds for investorsFormer White House military aide and business partner sentenced 8.5 Years in prison for EB-5 fraud in New OrleansAppeals court rules that EB-5 investor family members do count against 10,000 annual visa quotaThe $500,000 EB-5 ruling: two top immigration lawyers answer questions, explain investor impactUSCIS is unlikely to increase the $500,000 minimum EB-5 investment amount until the Regional Center Program returnsUSCIS appeals June 22 court decision, challenges return of $500,000 EB-5 investment amountEB-5 Integrity Act 2021: Capitol Hill reauthorization updateFY 2021 Q1 published for EB-5 I-526 & I-829 processingBipartisan support for Integrity Act in the House of Representatives — EB-5 viewed as vital for economic growthAn overview of the groundbreaking EB-5 case ‘Zhang V. USCIS’USCIS makes EB-5 history, approves Zhang I-526 petition with unsecured loan as source of fundsWhat are the practical impacts if EB-5 is not reauthorized by June 30?House and Senate EB-5 reauthorization bills pick up more co-sponsors — from both partiesWill EB-5 I-526 processing waits be just a year in the near future?EB-5 to expire after June 30th – but bills still alive in Congress and reauthorization can still happen‘Until further notice’ USCIS will not accept new EB-5 regional center I-526 petitions during lapseDoctor must pay $3.5 million for role in EB-5 nursing home scamVietnamese EB-5 investors allege their investment in hotel outside Disney World was improperly returned — after program changes raised minimum amountsEB-5 investors agree to drop lawsuit against former bank employee in exchange for evidence against other defendants in Miami Beach hotel Fraud CaseMayorkas confirms EB-5 Final Rule — and shuts down speculation of decrease to $500,000 investment levelEB-5 reauthorization support grows with national realtor and hotel associations joining coalition Couple ordered to pay $1.6 million to EB-5 investor who spent $1.5 millionUSCIS reverses decision to shut down Vermont EB-5 Regional Center — Green Card hopes for defrauded Jay Peak investors?Former EB-5 investor pleads guilty to illegally exporting U.S. technology to China, money laundering, visa fraudMastroianni’s regional center sues EB-5 project lender in effort to stop Manhattan project foreclosureWatch now: IIUSA EB-5 webinar on South AfricaSEC wants EB-5 fraudster Liu to pay back almost $21 million in disgorgementWhy EB-5 needs permanent reauthorizationJay Peak receiver settles for $1.75 million with bank accused of aiding historic EB-5 fraudResidential housing should be a long-term home for EB-5EB-5 reauthorization 2021: hotel industry needs EB-5 more than everWhat Biden’s recent executive order means for EB-5 adjudicationsCourt orders two California EB-5 fraudsters to disgorge $20.8 Million, disallows claim of $7.5M in salariesUnpublished blueprint draft shows Biden wants to expand legal immigration, reduce EB-5 backlogsJay Peak CEO Stenger claims aide for former Governor Shumlin could be EB-5 fraud ‘co-conspirator’2021 EB-5 News: Biden’s nominee for USCIS Director aims to ‘resolve dramatically increasing processing times and backlog’Judge certifies class in $100-million lawsuit against mega-developer MastroianniJuly Visa Bulletin: Vietnam Makes Record 717-Day EB-5 AdvancementUSCIS is unlikely to increase the EB-5 $500,000 minimum investment amount until the Regional Center Program returnsEB-5 stakeholder group submits reform proposal to judiciary committees: increased investment amounts, expedited TEA processing & eliminating family members from quota countNovember EB-5 Visa Bulletin: slight advancement for VietnamLawyer’s advice on EB-5 redeployment: issuer’s notice to investors is critical; start process earlyDoes the world’s biggest country have big EB-5 potential? Da!Former Vermont governor & officials resist deposition in Jay Peak lawsuit; investors’ lawyer says the state is hiding the truthEB-5 trade association sends memo to USCIS about redeployment: claims no legal requirement — and if required, any investment should qualifyContrary to recent IPO promise of even faster I-526 & I-829 processing, FY 2019 Q1 productivity plummets 36%3 out of 5 Chinese investors would walk away rather than redeploy; almost 1 in 3 don’t fully understand the policyInvestor’s $1 million not “at risk” due to sell option — petition denied even after attempt to remove optionLatin America EB-5 interest growsChinese EB-5 investors turn to WeChat to correct “information imbalance” — and group together to sueTrump’s merit-based immigration plan: what it’s about and what it could mean for EB-5 & reactionsExpert tells USCIS that Bitcoin should qualify as an EB-5 source of fundsInvestor sues developer of stalled Brooklyn megaproject that can’t be approved by USCIS or cityUSCIS quietly publishes redeployment Q&AIIUSA launches coalition to save and create jobs to support EB-5 reauthorizationEB-5 investors in U.S. need to evaluate tax-filing strategyApril 2021 EB-5 Visa bulletin: big increase for VietnamCalifornia Regional center says USCIS denial of Hawaii EB-5 project is discriminatory as it precludes mainland oversightJudge denies request by Quiros adviser Kelly to sever EB-5 fraud trial from CEO StengerVermont, home of EB-5’s largest fraud ever, welcomes new reform billBiden’s ‘complete change of tone’ about immigration represents a philosophical paradigm shift for America and EB-5How the EB-5 reform and integrity Act of 2021 differs from the 2020 versionWhy Regional Center Job Creation Can’t Count In Direct Investments: 2 Different Definitions Of ‘Direct’USCIS quietly responds to some EB-5 industry questions with new releaseThe silent dog barks! – why corporate governance matters so much to EB-5 funds right now.The advantages broker/dealers bring to issuers & investors in EB-5What the new EB-5 regulations mean for securities disclosuresRedeployment considerations for EB-5 investorsDon’t look to just the visa bulletin when estimating EB-5 wait timesWhy EB-5 goes wrong for some investors: an immigration lawyer shares insightMay EB-5 Visa Bulletin: Vietnam advances 68 daysBob Kraft re-elected as President of IIUSAQuirios’ legal team, accused of aiding Jay Peak EB-5 fraud, agrees to $32.5 million settlement with receiverKelly, key advisor to developer Quiros, agrees to 3-year prison deal for his role in massive EB-5 medical facility fraudPerforming due diligence on economic impact studiesOur EB-5 Due Diligence ProcessThe Role of the Broker Dealer in EB-5How should investors conduct due diligence?Is Jay Peak worth a fraction of the $282 million of EB-5 capital it raised?State official says Quiros’ guilt ‘beyond doubt’ in EB-5 biomedical fraudZhang v. USCIS: the profound impact of loans as a source of funds for investorsWhy USCIS ‘clarification’ that redeployment must occur in a regional center’s geographic area is wrongUSCIS set to furlough 67% of employees on August 30Lawyer sentenced to almost 4 years in prison and ordered to repay $5.9 million for faking job creation in EB-5 fraudUSCIS made mistake with investor denials, contradicted its ‘at risk’ definition: Federal appeals courtAILA & IIUSA oppose USCIS redeployment ‘clarification’USCIS continues to extend response time for certain EB-5 notices and requestsLaw firm and ex-partner sued by regional center for helping company officer launch rival businessAuditor of Quiros EB-5 fraud: State of Vermont was in conflict from the startWhat the SEC’s broadened definition of ‘accredited investor’ means for EB-5Ukrainian EB-5 investor withdraws petition, sues New Hampshire ski resort for return of capitalEB-5 investors allege Syracuse developer of payment default, shielding assets to avoid repaymentDefrauded Chinese EB-5 investors can’t sue bank that held their capitalSome Miami developers still looking to build hotels with EB-5 capital, including Mexican ‘flight money’Is Jay Peak audit at best ‘a whitewash', and ‘at worst a cover-up?’Default judgement against Miami developer accused of fraud who missed last 3 depositionsNew York grocery store company wants EB-5 investor suit thrown outMiami EB-5 hotel ownership, led by regional center managers, sues architect over alleged defects and delayed OpeningSEC Seeks Restoration Of $15.5 Million Disgorgement Judgement Against Couple Who Committed “Brazen And Intentional” EB-5 FraudIIUSA EB-5 processing & redeployment questions for IPO Chief Sarah Kendall to address at November Industry ForumRegional center to foreclose on Cleveland hotel built with EB-5 moneyHigh-profile Montana Senate race has Republicans call out Democratic support of Chinese EB-5 investment — despite their own Chinese ties3 significant ways EB-5 has changed so far in 2020 News organization, Cornell Law School & ACLU take state of Vermont to court over blocked EB-5 recordsReceiver agrees to $7 million settlement in California EB-5 fraud suitImmigration lawyer’s Crystal Ball sees losing recent rule as well as country capsKendal At IIUSA 2020 virtual forum: I-526 & I-829 processing numbers up substantially this yearWealthy Republican donors support Mayorkas to lead immigration & EB-5: ‘an effective leader with deep professionalism and integrity’Chinese Investors To Get Back $49 Million From Undeveloped Chicago Condo-Hotel EB-5 Project199 EB-5 investors seek class certification in lawsuit against mega developerCalifornia man who conned investors out of $147 million, and offered EB-5 visas to some, faces 10 years in prisonJudges in appeals court consider argument that spouses and children shouldn’t count towards EB-5 capGovernment Accountability Office Agrees To Investigate USCIS BacklogHow EB-5 Projects & Opportunity Zones Are SimilarIs The New York Wheel Rolling Again?Deadwood Grand Settles With EB-5 Investors — Lawsuits Over Failure To Repay Loans Expected To Be DismissedEB-5 Investors Sue Developers Of Foreclosed Vegas Casino — Green Card Possibility Still Alive?Gulf EB-5 Investors Expected To Flood In Before Program ChangesAdvice To EB-5 Issuers After ClosingRetrogression Q&A: Why A Priority Date Is Important & MoreOppenheim Delivers Visa Forecasts: Indian Wait Times To Increase SubstantiallyJay Peak Developers Finally Face Criminal Charges Over Biotech Project Funded By EB-5Chicago Immigration Lawyer Who Sold EB-5 Investments Faces Renewed Lawsuit Alleging FraudProfessional South Africans leaving their homeland at record pace — why some are choosing EB-5 & the U.S.Bill Introduced To Set Aside 100 EB-5 Visas For Major Disaster AreasImmigration Attorney Who Defrauded About 150 EB-5 Investors Now Fully Barred From The Securities IndustryFebruary visa bulletin: Vietnam advances 16 daysHow to avoid unintentional abandonment of Green Card status while waiting for I-829 approvalCalifornia attorney who never wanted to practice law is sentenced for defrauding 100 EB-5 investorsMayorkas draws closer to leading DHS — ‘the best news’ for EB-5 processing productivityRegional Center Seeks To Collect Debt From Investors Of Development CompanyEB-5 I-526 filing trending up in Q4 FY2020; adjudications up 23% since Q3Courts begin to answer disgorgement questions left by supreme court EB-5 rulingChinese investors launch lawsuit, claim LA project mired in troubles and halted for two yearsFlorida bank settles with second group of EB-5 investors who claim the bank enabled fraudster to steal their moneyFlorida developer who abandoned EB-5 project — and defense of fraud accusations — is ordered to pay $26.5 million to investorsFY 2020 I-829 full year stats now available: highest adjudications ever for EB-53 lawyers present the case for optimism in EB-5: new leadership and economic need means the program is ‘too important to expire’Who benefits from the new EB-5 regulations, and who doesn’tUSA investment Visa – top 7 reasons to move to the USAHow regional centers should maintain proper oversight for annual certificationRestructuring your NCE operating documents for redeploymentHow is COVID-19 impacting TEA’s?EB-5 tax implications for Canadian investorsEB-5 expert discusses how fund managers can avoid investor challenges from redeployment decisionsImmigration lawyers face ‘securities minefields’ when helping clients pick EB-5 projects

Fundamentals

Checklist for Regional Center Compliance ManualMigration AgentsMatter of HoDefinition of Rural in EB-5EB-5 Reform & Integrity Act of 2022EB-5 Sustainment Period (Pre-RIA)Invest in Equity or a LoanUse of a Loan for InvestmentForm I-956FWhat is EB-5?E-2 Treaty CountriesU.S. ResidencyGuarantees of SuccessJay Peak FraudTax PlanningEB-5 Compliant Business planInvestment AmountsFINRASecurities and Exchange Commission (SEC)Bridge Capital FinancingRaising EB-5 CapitalCommissionsConstruction JobsParticipation in ManagementDS-260 & Consular ProcessingInvestor MarketsConflicts of InterestSite VisitCollateralRisk MitigationEscrowOffering PackageExit StrategyAdministration FeeTroubled BusinessEB-5 FraudEB-5 Visa Backlog ReliefRetrogressionEB-5 StatisticsIIUSAExemplar ApprovalE-2 Visa: Potential Bridge to EB-5Modernization Rule of 2019Program RequirementsImpermissible Loan AgreementEB-5 GrandfatheringHow Long Jobs Must LastTenant OccupancyConsular ProcessingRegional Center Annual StatementsUSCIS: The AgencyForm I-924Form I-485Immigration AgentsCurrency ExchangersEB-5 Adjudication Process'At Risk’ RequirementCommon Reasons For DenialBehring LawsuitsRedeploymentRegional CentersImmigration Lawyers (EB-5)Job Creation RequirementsEB-5 Filing ProcessU.S. Immigration-by-Investment ProgramConcurrent FilingPriority Date and Visa BulletinDue DiligenceJob Creating Entity (JCE)New Commercial Enterprise (NCE)Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs)Form I-829I-526 Processing TimesForm I-526E & I-526The EB-5 Process in 2023Source of Funds