Kristen Ng

The EB-5 Investment Coalition, co-chaired by Managing Shareholder Laura Foote Reiff, joined forces with key members of the EB-5 industry to advocate the reauthorization of the program before the September 30, 2015 expiration date.

On August 5, 2015, an EB-5 Stakeholder Letter was hand-delivered to key Members of Congress of the Senate and House leadership and chairmen and ranking members of the Senate and House Judiciary Committees. A copy of the letter was widely circulated to various staff members in Congress, as well as staff of both the Senate and House Judiciary Committees.

The EB-5 Stakeholder Letter encouraged these key leaders to continue the dialogue on extending or making permanent the EB-5 program, and in coming to a consensus on the necessary reforms and changes needed for the program as the program gains even more momentum and use. With the September 30, 2015 expiration date looming, the letter brings attention to the benefits of the EB-5 program by highlighting the key projects and industries it assists through foreign capital investment. The letter also highlights the economic impact the program has had on the U.S. economy, both in terms of job growth and capital investment. Finally, the letter commends Senators and Representatives for their leadership so far and encourages continued bipartisan cooperation to achieve the program’s timely reauthorization.
Continue Reading Key EB-5 Industry Leaders Encourage Congress to Reauthorize the EB-5 Program

The National Association of Counties (NACo) hosted its 80th Annual Meeting where it discussed various proposed policy resolutions and platform changes. One such resolution was one supporting the EB-5 resolution
Continue Reading The National Association of Counties (NACo) Adopts Resolution Supporting Permanent Authorization of the EB-5 Program

The White House has just released a new report titled “Modernizing & Streamlining our Legal Immigration System for the 21st Century,” which builds on the President’s executive actions of Nov. 21, 2014. This report provides for plans to improve the immigration system to modernize and streamline the processes for certain visa categories and to address security issues. The report also calls for plans to strengthen the United States’ humanitarian system by providing benefits for certain individuals.

The report specifically addresses the EB-5 program in important ways. The White House acknowledges that the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has undergone significant changes in an effort to enhance the program’s processes and to improve its integrity, including the creation of a new team with expertise in economic analysis and specific EB-5 components, as well as the issuance of updated policy guidance to provide better clarity as to program requirements.

The White House recognizes that there is a need for additional enhancements and improvements to address the integrity and impact of the EB-5 program. Specifically, the White House recommends additional measures including enhancements to avoid fraud, abuse, and criminal activity; measures to ensure that the program is reaching its full potential in terms of job creation and economic growth; and recommendations to streamline the program to make it efficient and stable for participants in the program, including petitioners and Regional Centers.
Continue Reading White House Releases ‘Modernizing & Streamlining Our Legal Immigration System for the 21st Century’

The American Job Creation and Investment Promotion Reform Act, S. 1501, was introduced in the Senate by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles Grassley (R- IA) and Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking
Continue Reading Section by Section review of The American Job Creation and Investment Promotion Reform Act, S. 1501 – EB-5 Reform Legislation