News & Resources
EB-5 Visa Regional Center Program Extended Through September 2017
On May 5, 2017 President Trump approved the bipartisan Congressional spending bill that will continue to fund the U.S. government through September 30, 2017. Despite concerns over a potential termination or amendment of the popular EB-5 Visa Regional Center Program, Congress has agreed to extend the program cleanly through the conclusion of the 2017 fiscal year. Despite significant opposition from prominent Republican and Democratic legislators, Congress agreed to extend the program without any changes through September though challenges still remain for the EB-5 visa program even during that period.
Following Indications that Courthouse Immigration Raids will Continue, State Chief Justices Speak Out
Most observers expected a more aggressive approach to immigration enforcement from the Drumpf administration. However, many immigrants and observers have been nevertheless been shocked by some of these tactics. One of the more controversial gambits employed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are courthouse raids on undocumented immigrants. In many instances, the undocumented immigrants are coming to the courthouse for ICE-mandated check-ins or other unrelated proceedings.
As Uncertainty Surrounds H-1B Visas, Businesses and Individuals May Consider L-1 or EB-5 Visas, Respectively
The H-1B visa has developed into one of the high-profile immigration solutions employed by businesses. In essence, the H-1B visa permits greater labor flexibility since companies can seek workers from abroad to fill certain job roles when an American is unable to perform the job. An array of rules and regulations surround this process and interested companies will typically need to seek labor certification from the Department of Labor.
“Final” Temporary EB-5 Extension Expected as April Reauthorization Deadline Approaches
The EB-5 Visa and the regional center visa program have experienced some turbulent times over the past several years. Despite attracting little attention for the first two decades of its existence, the EB-5 visa program exploded onto the scene following the Great Recession. The rapid growth of the program was made possible due to two converging trends. First, real estate developers doing business in the United States sought an alternate source of capital as traditional investment and funding sources dried up. Second, foreign nationals sought a relatively safe place they could store their money while also providing greater opportunities for their children.
Detained DREAMer Released After Being Held for 6 Weeks
Six weeks ago, DREAMer Daniel Ramirez Media was taken into custody by ICE despite his protected status. The arrest and detainment of this DREAMer set off panic among many immigrants and family members who had relied on their protected status under DACA and taken steps to build a life in the United States. While there are still serious questions regarding ICE’s actions and approach to immigrants and protected status, there is at least one piece of good news for DREAMers and their family members. That is, arrested DREAMer, Daniel Ramirez Medina, was ordered to be released by an immigration judge.
