The American Immigration Lawyers Association has received reports of a new scam potentially victimizing aliens. According to one report, the individual will receive a call purporting to be from a USCIS officer, who will have certain correct information on the individual, including the individual’s name and address. The caller will state that there is some discrepancy… Continue Reading
Monthly Archives: July 2012
IRS Releases New FAQs for its Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program
Posted in Tax ConsiderationsWhile many EB-5 investors are aware of tax planning measures they should take in anticipation of becoming U.S. permanent residents, they are often unfamiliar with financial requirements that become effective once they receive their unconditional permanent residency and subsequent U.S. citizenship. On June 26, the IRS issued two News Releases and updated Frequently Asked Questions… Continue Reading
Executive Summary and Clarifications from May 1, 2012 EB-5 Stakeholders Meeting with USCIS
Posted in EB-5 Program, Econometric Report, Non-Regional Center, Regional Center, USCIS Public EngagementOn May 1, 2012, the USCIS held their quarterly stakeholders meeting at the California Service Center. Yesterday, the USCIS issued anUSCIS EB-5 May Summaryof that meeting, in which they attempt to address questions that were asked during the meeting but which could not be commented on during that time. The following is an overview of… Continue Reading
USCIS Announces Creation of New “EB-5 Program Office”
Posted in EB-5 Program, Inspector General, Non-Regional Center, Regional CenterIn the following message publicized today by the USCIS, Director Alejandro Mayorkas announced the creation of a new EB-5 Program office, as well as the implementation of a special review board this month to oversee pending cases that have been recommended for a denial. I am pleased to announce that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services… Continue Reading
EB-5 Regional Centers Will Need to Wait a Little Longer for Loosening of Restrictions on Advertising
Posted in EB-5 Program, Marketing, Securities LawLate last month, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chairwoman Mary Schapiro announced to the House Oversight and Government Reform Subcommitte that the SEC was not prepared to meet the July 4 deadline on issuing new rules pursuant to the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (“JOBS Act”). The JOBS Act provides for an ease in the stringent… Continue Reading
U.S. Department of State Expects Record Number of EB-5 Visas to be Issued in 2012
Posted in EB-5 Program, Non-Regional Center, Regional Center, UncategorizedOn July 11, 2012, Charlie Oppenheim, Chief of Visa Control at the U.S. Department of State issued data for EB-5 visa usage in fiscal year 2012. The data shows that the top five countries using the EB-5 visa are: China – 3,710 EB-5 visas South Korea -335 EB-5 visas Taiwan – 106 EB-5 visas Venezuela… Continue Reading
I-9s and EB-5s: What’s the Connection?
Posted in EB-5 Program, EB-5 Project, Non-Regional Center, Regional CenterFederal immigration laws require employers to verify the identity and work eligibility of their new hires by completing what is known as a Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, for every employee. Forms I-9 must be completed for every new hire within his/her three days of employment. During the I-9 process, employees must present to the individual completing… Continue Reading
Greenberg Traurig Attorneys to Speak at Southern California EB-5 Conference Featuring U.S. Congressman Lamar Smith
Posted in EB-5 Program, Regional Center, Speaking EngagementOn Monday, July 30, 2012, Genna Garver and I will speak at the Southern California EB-5 Conference featuring U.S. Congressman Lamar Smith. Congressman Smith currently serves as Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and will be addressing the progress of the EB-5 regional center pilot program reauthorization efforts in Congress at this one day event. The conference… Continue Reading