The Vermont Department of Regulation has reached a settlement with Raymond James and Associates, Inc., in connection with the EB-5 scandal in the Northeast Kingdom.
Price for a Green Card: $500,000 Stadium Stake
For years, sports teams have tried to defray the multimillion-dollar costs of their new stadiums by asking fans to pay thousands for personal seat licenses that entitle them to buy season tickets.
Flávio Augusto da Silva is taking the concept further. In what may be the first deal of its kind, Mr. da Silva, the majority owner of Orlando City of Major League Soccer, is asking investors from Brazil, China and elsewhere to pay $500,000 each for a stake in the stadium he is building near downtown Orlando. In return, the foreign investors receive annual dividends, two season tickets and something even more valuable: a green card that allows them, their spouses and sometimes even their children to live and work in the United States.
Visa Bulletin (May 2016)
This bulletin summarizes the availability of immigrant visa numbers during May 2016 for: “Application Final Action Dates” and “Dates for Filing Applications,” indicating when immigrant visa applicants should be notified to assemble and submit required documentation to the National Visa Center.
DHS Launches Known Employer Pilot Program
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced the launch of a Known Employer pilot to assess a new process for employers seeking to hire certain workers through employment-based visa categories.
Lawmakers Take ‘Fix It or Nix It’ Stance on EB-5
A popular senior housing finance program that was previously under fire received a short term reprieve—but lawmakers continue to discuss dismantling or reforming it.
The EB-5 financing program has been extended exactly as is until September 30, 2016, but calls to reform the program with stricter regulations have remained. The provision to extend the program without major changes was approved within the federal funding Omnibus Bill by Congress on December 15. But in early February, the program was back up for debate.
Visa Bulletin for February 2016
This Visa Bulletin summarizes the availability of Immigrant Visa numbers during February 2016 for: “Application Final Action Dates” (consistent with prior Visa Bulletins) and “Dates for Filing Applications,” indicating when immigrant visa applicants should be notified to assemble and submit required documentation to the National Visa Center.
DHS Proposed Rule to Amend Its Regulations Related to Skilled Workers
DHS proposed rule to amend its regulations related to Skilled Workers (EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 immigrant and non-immigrant) visa programs. Comments are due by 2/29/16. (80 FR 81900, 12/31/15)
EB-5 Provision Extended
A joint resolution in Congress has temporarily extended the EB-5 provision governing Regional Centers by granting funding of the program until December 16, 2015.
Visa Bulletin for January 2016
This VISA BULLETIN (issued by the Department of State) summarizes the availability of immigrant numbers as of JANUARY 2016 for: “Application Final Action Dates” (consistent with prior Visa Bulletins) and “Dates for Filing Applications,” indicating when immigrant visa applicants should be notified to assemble and submit required documentation to the National Visa Center.
EB-5 Debate Heats Up in Washington
Congressional debate on EB-5 immigration program which allows foreign nationals who invest in job-creating projects through Regional Centers to get green cards is heating up in Washington as program expiration date nears on December 11, 2015.