On March 7-8, 2015 Greenberg Traurig, LLP served as co-hosts of the third annual U.S. Investment Immigration Forum (USIIF) in Shenzhen, China.  The event brought together over 70 migration agents, regional centers and attorneys to discuss the latest updates in EB-5 including the issues in source of funds processing for Chinese nationals, status of the Regional Center Pilot Program reauthorization on Capitol Hill, as well as a report from migration agents regarding the Chinese investment climate.  Kate Kalmykov delivered a keynote address on the topic of EB-5 visa retrogression which discussed the impending backlog, the process for pending cases when retrogression is imposed, and alternative solutions for eligible Chinese applicants to process for their immigrant visa.  Immigration attorneys Laura Reiff, Jennifer Hermansky and Kate Kalmykov also served as panelists over the course of the two days on various panels related to hot topics in EB-5.  Securities attorney Batya Goodman participated on the securities law panels and discussed the importance of proper disclosure in the drafting of EB-5 project-related private placement memorandums, broker/ dealer issues, and due diligence concerns.  The event was co-hosted by the Shenzhen Cable TV company and was televised to millions of viewers across China.

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Greenberg Traurig attorneys Jennifer Hermansky, Batya Goodman and Kate Kalmykov at the USIIF 2015 Conference in Shenzhen. Hermansky, Goodman and Kalmykov presented on various EB-5 topics throughout the day.

Greenberg Traurig attorneys Kate Kalmykov, Laura Reiff and Jennifer Hermansky preparing to present to the USIIF guests. Kalmykov was a keynote speaker addressing Chinese retrogression, priority dates and I-526 petition approval notices
Greenberg Traurig attorneys Kate Kalmykov, Laura Reiff and Jennifer Hermansky preparing to present to the USIIF guests. Kalmykov was a keynote speaker addressing Chinese retrogression, priority dates and I-526 petition approval notices. See the related blog post here (Chinese version here).
Greenberg Traurig attorneys Jennifer Hermansky, Kate Kalmykov and Laura Reiff discuss the components of successful EB-5 petitions, lawful sources of funds standards and direct investment vs. regional center along with co-panelists David Hirson, Xuejie Wong and Bill Chen.
Greenberg Traurig attorneys Jennifer Hermansky (with microphone), Kate Kalmykov  (far right) and Laura Reiff (not pictured) discuss the components of successful EB-5 petitions, lawful sources of funds standards and direct investment vs. regional center along with co-panelists David Hirson, Xuejie Wong and Bill Chen.
Greenberg Traurig - USIIF Panel
Greenberg Traurig attorneys Batya Goodman (with microphone), Kate Kalmykov (far left) and Laura Reiff (far right) take the stage with co-presenters David Hirson and Ali Jahangiri as they discuss SEC regulations, recent actions and their impact on EB-5’s future development, impact of EB-5 investments of U.S. economy, American’s opinion about EB-5 investments, the direction of the U. S. Immigration Reform and trends they are seeing in the EB-5 industry.