Chinese companies seek investment opportunities

Chinese investment companies are seeking business and acquisition opportunities in oil, gas, mining and other natural resources industries. If you are interested, please send a brief project summary to Mr. Brian Su directly at info@ArtisanBusinessGroup.com.

EB5NewsBlog.org announces News Release services

Attention! Promote Your EB-5 Business Worldwide!

EB-5 Regional Centers
EB-5 Service Providers
EB-5 Immigration Law Firms
EB-5 Business Consultants

Submit your EB-5 announcement on the most popular EB-5 blog in the world!
Announce your EB-5 new project and services within 24 hours!

EB5NewsBlog.org operated by Artisan Business Group, Inc., has a monthly of  average between 14,000 to 16,000 pageviews from all over the world including the U.S., China, Russia, the U.K., Taiwan, South Korea, and many other countries.  EB5NewsBlog.org is one of the most reputable EB-5 blogs in the industry. The blog audiences include EB-5 investors, agents, brokers, attorneys, project developers, business consultants and various service providers.  This is the most cost-effective way for you to announce your project or services! Bookmark the order link or place your News Release order now at http://eb5news.eventbrite.com!

Green Card Fund announces its Gold Sponsorship to The Invest in America 2013 (Shanghai) Summit and Exhibition

 Green Card Fund (also known as “Green Card Fund, LLC” and “Arizona EB-5 Regional Center”) announces its Gold Sponsorship to The Invest in America 2013 (Shanghai) Summit and Exhibition March 15-18, 2013. We are very excited to have Green Card Fund to be part of the largest EB-5 conference and trade show in China. 

Green Card Fund (also known as “Green Card Fund, LLC” and “Arizona EB-5 Regional Center”) is a federally approved United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) Regional Center with a focus on projects designed to bring improvements in education, healthcare, hospitality, municipal infrastructure and emerging ‘green’ technologies. For more information about Green Card Fund, log on http://www.greencardfund.com/

President Obama Addresses EB-5 Program in Announcement on Comprehensive Immigration Reform

(By Laura Reiff of Greenberg Traurig) Today President Obama announced his principles for Comprehensive Immigration Reform during a speech in Las Vegas, Nevada.  As part of his plan to overhaul the current broken immigration system, he noted the need to make permanent the EB-5 Regional Center Pilot Program.  Specifically, the President's principles state that he will work to expand opportunities for investor visas and U.S. economic development. President Obama's proposal will permanent reauthorize the EB-5 regional center program; it will provide incentives for visa applicants that investment in programs that support national priorities, these include economic development in economically depressed regions and rural areas add new measures to the program to combat fraud and national security threats; collect data and information on the economic impact of the program; and includes and introduced a brand new pilot program for state and local government officials to promote economic development.
We are working with the Administration and the Congress to make the EB-5 Regional Center Program permanent, in addition to making important legislative changes to help the program become more business friendly and efficient.

US Holdings Regional Center in South Carolina announces its Sponsorship to The Invest in America 2013 (Shanghai) Summit and Exhibition

US Holdings Regional Center in South Carolina announces its Gold Sponsorship to The Invest in America 2013 (Shanghai) Summit and Exhibition March 15-18, 2013. We are very excited to have US Holdings Regional Center to be part of the largest EB-5 conference and trade show in China.

US Holdings, Inc. is a holding company for four separate sub-corporations, with related but distinct products, services, markets and opportunities. The four sub-divisions of US Holdings offer high quality customer service, branded, well-accepted industrial products, and our own lines of specialty products and secondary services to complement each division's efforts. US Holdings is currently in operations, as a corporation under the laws of the state of South Carolina. US Holdings, Inc. corporate operations is located in Trenton, South Carolina, USA. This location is very close to the I-20, I-85, and I-95 corridors, providing excellent access to the entire east coast as well as the large ports the east coast has to offer. US Holdings's management acquired its roots in several key areas which include worldwide distribution, manufacturing, retail, renewable energy, recycling, corporate mergers and acquisitions, and many other important areas that make our team equipped to make US Holdings on of the fastest growing companies of the coming decade. Log on its website at http://www.usholdingssc.com.

The Chinese Immigration Industry Roundtable forum to meet with top-tier EB-5 experts from the U.S.

2012 Shanghai Summit - Roundtable Break

2012 Shanghai Summit - Exhibition 

2012 Shanghai Summit - Project Presentation Seminar

During the 4-day Invest in America 2013 (Shanghai) Summit and Exhibition March 15-18, 2013, "The Chinese Immigration Industry Roundtable" forum will be held for Chinese EB-5 emigration agents who are eager to discuss key issues and concerns with top-tier EB-5 experts Stephen Yale-Loehr,  Ron Klasko, David Hirson, Bernard Wolfsdorf, Joe McCarthy, Jor Law, Michael Homeier, Joseph Whalen from the U.S. The session is only open to licensed EB-5 brokers in China and the Summit exhibitors and sponsors. Economists Dr. Scott Barnhart and Kevin Wright will be answering questions concerning job creation issues and economic impact studies. The Summit Organizing Committee will invite Chinese emigration industry executives from all over the country to attend the event. The US Immigration Panel Discussion forum will be held for the general public and potential investors. Over 20 forums, discussions, project seminars will be offered during the Summit.

Topics to be discussed with Chinese EB-5 emigration brokers include: 

-        EB-5 quota retrogression

-        Chances of new EB-5 legislation

-        Chances that minimum investment amount will increase to $1million

-        How much time must an investor spend in the U.S. after obtaining conditional permanent residence?

-        Is it good to be one of the first investors in a project?  Is it good to be one of the last investors in a project?

-        How far back must an investor go to prove lawful source of funds?

-        When can an investor get his money back from an investment?

-        What if there are changes in the qualification of a geographical area as a TEA before conditions are removed?

-        What if there are changes in a project business plan before conditions are removed?

-        What if there are not enough jobs created at the time of condition removal?

To register your own exhibition booth at the largest All-American investment event in China and promote your services and business investment opportunities to Chinese investors and buyers, please log on http://www.InvestAmerica2013.org and download a copy of Exhibitor Manual now or call Tyler McKay at 217-899-6661 today for details. Nearly 50 booths have been taken, act now! 

The Event Platinum Sponsors: Fragomen, GreenTech Auto; Diamond Sponsors: USA Continental Regional Center, Texas Urban Triangle Regional Center; Gold Sponsors: Georgia Regional Center, Green Card Fund, US Holdings Regional Center

Artisan Business Group discusses EB-5 program with members of US Congress

Artisan Business Group team recently met with US Senator Dick Durbin (IL), Senator Lamar Alexander (TN), Senator Bob Corker (TN) and Congressman Rodney Davis (IL) to discuss the positive impact of the EB-5 Immigrant Investors Program. Mr. Brian Su discussed many of his past projects that were able to successfully raise capital through the EB-5 program. The Congress members all showed support for future projects located within their territory. Mr. Su serves as President of The EB-5 China Market Council. Artisan Business Group is a leading EB-5 business and market advisory that specializes in Chinese investors market. For more information about EB-5 program, contact us today at 217-899-6661.

ABG with Senator Dick Durbin

Tyler McKay with Senator Alexander and Senator Corker

Brian Su with Senator Bob Corker and client Jeff Carmichael

ABG with Congressman Rodney Davis

Palm Beach Regional Center has selected NES Financial’s platform to manage EB-5 funds

(Source:NES Financial) Palm Beach Regional Center has selected NES Financial’s state-of-the art platform to manage investor funds during their second phase of development, introducing VooDoo BBQ & Grill restaurants to South Florida.

Discover why Palm Beach Regional Center chose NES Financial.

Learn how NES Financial’s EB-5 Subscription Escrow Solution:

• Streamlines tasks and manages complex escrow accounts
• Delivers the highest levels of security, transparency, and compliance
• Seamlessly integrates with existing processes for rapid setup

Contact NES Financial today and find out how our EB-5 Escrow Administration Solutions can help you efficiently meet your business needs.

Quik Tip: how to select a reputable EB-5 broker in China

If you are raising EB-5 capital, most likely you will consider Chinese market since 80% of EB-5 investors are coming from the People's Republic of China. Even emigration agents in Taiwan and Hong Kong are actively developing the mainland Chinese market. There are over 600 licensed emigration consulting companies (brokers or agents) approved by the Ministry of Public Security in China, there are many more consulting companies that are not licensed at all, including those Americans or other westerners who are based in China and would like to have a piece of EB-5 pie. It often appears that everyone would tell you that they can raise EB-5 funding for your project or they have connections with Chinese officials or they have hundreds of investors waiting on the bench!  As an EB-5 project developer, you need to be very careful and cautious with such empty promises and false statements which may eventually lead you to a disastrous result or total waste of your time. Due diligence is a must prior to allowing someone in China to undertake your project, you do not want to risk your reputation and project with someone you really do not know at all!

Here are three quick and easy ways for you when conducting due diligence on Chinese emigration brokers or agents: 

• Just like any companies, they should demonstrate their track record! Request a list of EB-5 projects that they promoted in the past. Then make a call to these project RCs or developers to verify.
• Request a copy of their emigration service (exit & entry service) license issued by the Exit & Entry Administration of the Department of Public Security (Provincial Level).
• Monitor on Chinese social media and Internet media for a reputation check to see if there are any consumer complaints against the broker.    

You can also contact us for a quick background check on any licensed emigration agents in China. Our EB-5 China Marketing & Field Support Center has vast network of reputation emigration brokers and agents that have been promoting EB-5 projects throughout the country. Find out how you can minimize your project's risks, join us at our EB-5 Finance Seminar in Phoenix AZ March 3, 2013 or follow us by clicking to subscribe our EB-5 blog today.

Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman announces EB-5 stakeholder meeting

Wednesday, March 5, 2013

1:30 pm to 4:00 pm (Eastern)
Washington, D.C.

Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman Maria Odom will convene an EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program stakeholder meeting in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, March 5, 2013from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm (Eastern).

USCIS has been working to reform the EB-5 program and plans to soon establish a new EB-5 adjudication unit in Washington, D.C.  As the Ombudsman’s Office continues to track progress with the EB-5 program, this is an ideal time for stakeholders to discuss ongoing issues with policies, procedures, and other matters.

Opportunity to Submit Written Statements (Optional)

The Ombudsman’s Office encourages stakeholders to provide written statements on issues of concern in advance of the March 5th meeting.  This feedback will assist us in identifying and addressing existing program challenges.  Written statements may be provided independent of registration for the meeting. Written statements should be limited to 5 pages, and provided to the Ombudsman’s Office by emailing Cisombudsman.PublicAffairs@hq.dhs.gov.  Please reference “EB-5 Statement” in the subject line of the email message.  These statements are due no later than February 15th.  Written submissions will be considered confidential except as subject to applicable law, such as the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

Registration

This event will be limited to 100 in-person participants.  Please RSVP by sending one email per participant to Cisombudsman.PublicAffairs@hq.dhs.gov and reference “EB-5 Meeting” in the subject line. In the body of your email message, please provide the following information:

Name:
Organization:
Contact E-mail:

The Ombudsman’s Office will confirm your registration.  The final list of in-person attendees will close on February 15th.

Sincerely,

Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman

U.S. Department of Homeland Security
cisombudsman.publicaffairs@dhs.gov 
www.dhs.gov/cisombudsman

Meeting with Mr. Jeff Carr at Phoenix EB-5 Finance Seminar March 5

Economist Jeff Carr will shares his thoughts on EB-5 update in Phoenix Arizona March 5, 2013. Meet with Mr. Carr at the 2013 National EB-5 Finance Tour with Greenberg Traurig in Phoenix and discuss your project's job creation and business planning issues.

(Mr. Jeff Carr at Shanghai 2012 Summit)

Mr. Carr currently serves as President and Economist of Economic & Policy Resources, Inc. in Williston. For the past 22 years he has served in a number of capacities focusing on macro-economic analysis, economic forecasting, forensic economics, economic impact analysis, and fiscal policy analysis for federal, state, and local governments. For the past 13 years, he has served as the State Economist and Principal Revenues Analyst for the Vermont Agency of Administration over the past three gubernatorial administrations (including the Administrations of Governor James H. Douglas, Howard B. Dean, and the late Richard A. Snelling). He also has served as consulting economist to the Vermont Department of Economic Development since 1995, and a number of businesses, business-trade associations, and municipalities throughout the northern New England region.

Economic & Policy Resources, Inc. (EPR) has been providing consulting services to public and private sector clients since 1983. We deliver economic, economic-job impact assessment, strategic economic development, and financial, planning, and public policy analysis services to support our clients through critical decisions. The firm's staff of six economists and support personnel bring more than 50 years of collective experience in regional economics, and in the preparation of understandable reports related to highly technical issues and studies. For more information about EPR, please log on http://www.epreconomics.com

Report from China: Lucky's Farmers Market launches EB-5 capital raising campaign

Brian Su visits Lucky's Farmers Market Oct. 2012

Colorado based Lucky's Farmers Market is to launch its EB-5 capital raising campaign in Shanghai. A promotional seminar is hosted by Chinese emigration agency January 12, 2013, the chain's senior VP Jason Brown will be presenting the project to potential investors. The new direct EB-5 project will allow the chain to open more shops in other part of the country through EB-5 finance. Direct EB-5 investment opportunities are gaining popularity amongst Chinese investors. 

Artisan Business Group is working closely with Lucky's Farmers Market to explore funding opportunities in China and Korea. We are very proud of assisting Lucky's Farmers Market in securing the exclusive marketing agreement with a leading EB-5 emigration agency in China. Chinese investors are highly interested in unique EB-5 offerings. For more information about utilizing EB-5 program for financing service industry projects, please contact us at info@ArtisanBusinessGroup.com or call Tyler McKay at 217-899-6661.

Luckys - UNFI Fix FINAL 720p from Luckys Farmers Market on Vimeo.

Still time left to register an exhibition booth at the Shanghai Summit

2012 Shanghai Summit & Exhibition

So many things will be happening this year at the Invest in America 2013 (Shanghai) Summit and Exhibition! With 60 exhibition booths and 20 plus forums, seminars, and meetings will be held during the 4-day Summit, you can benefit from many forums and seminars and meetings with potential investors and Chinese emigration brokers!  Our Platinum Sponsors: Fragomen, GreenTech Auto; Diamond Sponsors: USA Continental Regional Center, Texas Urban Triangle Regional Center; Gold Sponsors: Georgia Regional Center, Green Card Fund, US Holdings Regional Center.

Booth Registration is still open for the Summit, so don't wait and register now by downloading an exhibitor manual at http://www.InvestAmerica2013.org!  Please call Tyler McKay at 217-899-6661 today or e-mail Mr. Brian Su at info@ArtisanBusinessGroup.com for more information.

Brian Su's EB-5 Wish List for 2013

    with US Congressman Lamar Smith

After reading Kate's Wish List for 2013, I come up with my very own list for the Year of Snake! There have been so much going on with Artisan Business Group and my team in 2012, I am glad to close the chapter of 2012 and get ready for the upcoming new year!  I want to wish everyone, my friends, clients and my working partners around the world a Merry Christmas and happy New Year!

1. Introducing more unique and viable EB-5 projects to Chinese market
In 2012, we have consulted with a large number of various proposed projects ranging from casino hotels, resorts, office towers, mixed-use properties, golf clubs, hospitals, assisted living and memory care centers, supermarkets, and restaurants. We introduced some of high profile large size projects to Chinese emigration brokers and successfully raised EB-5 capital. In last two months, we also secured major broker contracts for three new regional center and direct EB-5 projects: two projects are launched in December 2012 and one will be fully launched in January 2013. We hope to be exposed with more unique and reliable EB-5 projects and bring them to Chinese investors market in 2013.

2. Consulting with more proposed EB-5 projects
I traveled extensively around country to work with various project developers and EB-5 regional center executives in 2012. Some projects are very good candidates for EB-5 regional center program and a few are perfect for stand alone (direct) EB-5. However, it is very hard to get hold of a "Blockbuster" project. I hope in the upcoming new year, I will be able to consult with more new projects and select the best for the investor market.

3. Hosting major EB-5 seminars and conferences in both China and the U.S.
I successfully complete my 2012 Nationwide Tour with EB-5 seminars, workshops, conferences in major cities such as New York, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Austin, Miami, Orlando, Shanghai, etc. in 2012. I am kicking off 2013 National EB-5 Finance Seminar Tour with Greenberg Traurig in 8 cities with 9 events - the first stop will be Dallas Texas January 16. I am also co-hosting The 3rd Annual Invest in America 2013 (Shanghai) Summit and Exhibition March 15-18, 2013 which will be the largest EB-5 investment conference and trade show outside the U.S. I will be also  hosting the 3rd Annual EB-5 Dealmakers Conference and the 4th Annual EB-5 Boot Camp in the U.S. Bookmark this blog for announcement. Sponsorship opportunities are available for my events!

4. Organizing trade mission to China

with former President Bill Clinton

I led a 17-member EB-5 exploratory trade mission to Shanghai and Suzhou in last November, it was a great successful trip of meetings with major EB-5 emigration agents and Chinese investors and law firms and other business groups. I plan to host another trade mission to Beijing in 2013. If you are interested, contact me at artisanbusiness@yahoo.com.

5. Hosting more inbound trade missions from China
I received and hosted a number of inbound Chinese executive business groups and established extensive network and relationships throughout China. I will continue to host more inbound groups, including Chinese emigration brokers. In January we will host the first group of EB-5 brokers from China.

6. Collaborating with other EB-5 professionals
I am blessed this year, many businesses are from referrals and word of mouth by other EB-5 industry leaders, legal experts, economists, business plan writers and other consulting professionals. I am grateful for their recommendations and referrals. I am hoping to continue the good relationship with everyone in 2013. If you are interested in working with me, please contact us. I am always interested in new contacts.

To learn more about marketing and promoting EB-5 projects in Chinese and Korean investor market, please contact Mr. Tyler McKay today at 217-899-6661 and email us at: info@ArtisanBusinessGroup.com.

EB-5 China Market Council opens 2013 Membership registrations

The EB-5 China Market Council is an advisory body that provides a platform for many China based emigration consulting firms in learning EB-5 legislation, EB-5 business practices and immigration services.  The Council invites US EB-5 immigration experts to provide training to Chinese emigration executives in China. Mr. Brian Su serves as President of EB5 China Market Council. The Council has an open membership drive in 2013, anyone who is interested in promoting EB-5 regional center program and EB-5 investment projects in Chinese investors market is welcome to become a general member of the organization, register your FREE Membership, click here now!

Join us at The Accelerated EB-5 Process - Speaking to Brian Su (2-Day Hands-on Workshop)

(Source: Brian Su) The Accelerated EB-5 Capital Raising Process is a 2-day private and personalized hands-on workshop for EB-5 project developers only. There will be no outside speakers, I will personally assist you in your EB-5 project process.

Is Your EB-5 Capital Raising Drive Doing Alright?

Those attending will work directly with me.  I have limited the number of participants per event to no more than 7 participants. The small number allows me to personally work on each individual’s project needs. The process is efficient and compact, giving the opportunity to learn in 2 days what would normally require months. The goal is to help you supercharge your EB-5 capital raising efforts and campaign without wasting your time and resources!

I will help you create, develop and practice to implement an effective market entry strategy and capital raising plan for your current and upcoming EB-5 investment project.  Topics being addressed include, but are not limited to, the following: project marketability, fee structures, investor exit strategies, market mechanism, marketing campaign, negotiation with emigration agents, emigration agent's expectations, investor returns, risk management, developing killer PPTs and video and more.

Prior EB-5 knowledge and experience are not necessary.  I will be pleased to pass on my in-depth knowledge and real world practice to you if you desire to achieve financial goal and business growth.

My private workshop will take place within the confines of a luxurious hotel resort in California. Your fee includes lodging, local transportation, and meals (breakfast, luncheon, and dinner with me at some of the best restaurants in town). You shall be responsible for your own roundtrip flight expenses..

You are encouraged to enroll early, once enrolled, a check list of documents will be sent to you so that I may begin to work on your project prior to our workshop.
 

Meeting Format:

Group Learning Session;  Private One-on-One Project Session; Networking Luncheon; Group Strategy Session; Private Dinner Meeting

Registration: BrianSuSchool.com or email at info@ArtisanBusinessGroup.com

Quick tips: working with Chinese EB-5 brokers

If you are raising capital for direct EB-5 or regional center projects in China, most likely you will work with licensed emigration agents (brokers).  There are over 600 licensed emigration consulting companies (exit and entry service providers) in the country, only about 100 companies are promoting EB-5 projects, however the main market is controlled by a small group of key players.  One of the keys to open the broker's door is the project's risk factors, or their perception of the project's risk level.  A project's risks usually include: Business Risk, Immigration Risk and Investment Risk. To minimize the risks for investors is very important in order for EB-5 brokers to undertake your project. Find out how you can minimize your project's risks, join us at our EB-5 Finance Seminar in Phoenix AZ March 3, 2013.

Long Delays in I-924 Adjudications Continue

(Author: H. Ronald Klasko) The adjudication of I-924 applications for regional center designation, amendments of regional center designations for geography or industry code and exemplar I-526 (project pre-approval) has, for all practical purposes, ground to a halt. This is not news. Its roots can be traced to the months preceding the February 9, 2012 announcement by USCIS of the implementation of its new policy on “tenant occupancy methodology.” Many I-924 applications were pending for lengthy periods of time – sometimes one year or longer – at the time the new policy was announced. Those applications, as well as virtually all of the applications filed in the intervening months, have remained pending. One RFE on these applications is a minimum. Many have been the subject of two or three RFEs. Virtually all such applications have one thing in common – they remain pending. Approvals or denials are a rarity.

There are various speculations as to the reason that USCIS refuses to adjudicate these applications. Perhaps we will explore some of the possible theories in a future blog. Suffice for now to state that I believe the number one candidate is the failure of USCIS after nearly one year to formulate its policy on tenant occupancy coupled with the fact that most I-924 applications either have some element of tenant occupancy contained within them or the Service believes that its policy on tenant occupancy could ultimately affect its adjudication of the remaining petitions. This state of affairs raises two issues. First, what to do about it. Second, how it changes strategies for regional centers and project developers.

Regional centers and project developers have two choices:

• Be patient and hope that some action is imminent even though no signs presently point in that direction; or
• File a mandamus action in federal court.

For those unfamiliar with mandamus, it is the procedure established by Congress to empower federal courts to force government agencies to adjudicate – approve or deny – pending applications for which adjudication has been unreasonably delayed. The procedure is relatively straightforward and often results in prompt adjudication of the pending application. In almost all cases, USCIS adjudicates the petition prior to the court order because USCIS is responsible for paying the legal fees of the petitioner if the court grants the mandamus and determines that the USCIS inaction was not “substantially justified.”

The last time we experienced pervasive USCIS delays was when large number of applications for adjustment of status to permanent residence and applications for naturalization were held up pending indefinite delays in the FBI issuing security clearances. Many hundreds of mandamus actions were filed, resulting in USCIS not only taking action on the pending applications but also revising its procedures so as not to delay such applications in the future. So how has the USCIS inaction changed the strategy for developers with projects seeking EB-5 capital? Unless the developer is willing to wait an indeterminate amount of time – probably at least one year or longer – for approval of a new regional center application, an amendment or an exemplar I-526 petition, the strategy of choice is to find an existing regional center that is approved for the geographical area and the industry code of the project and negotiate an arrangement whereby that regional center will “host”, “sponsor” or “adopt” the project. Such an arrangement allows the developer to market the project immediately rather than waiting a year or more to begin marketing for investors. This strategy may be implemented in conjunction with filing of an I-924 application. The I-924 application could be based on a hypothetical project, which will enable the developer to market future projects under its own regional designation assuming that the I-924 is eventually approved.

Another option that we have advised developers to consider is a direct EB-5 proceeding concurrently with the adjudication of the I-924 application for regional center designation. If the project will have enough direct employees to raise sufficient capital to move the project forward, the project can be marketed to direct EB-5 investors with future investors relying on indirect and induced employment once the regional center is approved.

One of the indirect results of the I-924 stalemate is the realization by investors and investors’ agents that looking for projects that have been “pre-approved” is no longer an option. Since the project pre-approval requires the filing of an amended I-924, since the quoted processing time for amended I-924s is ten months and since all of these applications get at least one RFE, investors and their agents are coming to realize that investment opportunities being offered in the marketplace are likely not to be pre-reviewed or pre-approved by USCIS.

Finally, one last strategy being considered by developers is purchasing an existing regional center that has an approval for the desired geographical area and industry code. Unfortunately, this is not a complete solution to the problem. USCIS takes the position that a change of ownership requires an I-924 amendment filing. Although it is unclear whether the amendment filing is more in the nature of a notification or a request for approval, it is possible that USCIS will take the position that I-526 petitions filed while the amendment application is pending are not approvable and may even have to be refiled after the amendment is approved.

This entire scenario is indeed unfortunate. An exemplary government program that brings foreign direct investment to the U.S. and creates countless numbers of jobs is being thwarted by government inaction. The purpose of this article is to clarify that some options may be available to counteract this dilemma and hopefully to once again put the EB-5 program in motion, so that it can achieve its laudable goal.

USCIS approves new EB-5 regional centers

USCIS approved two new EB-5 regional centers in January! Congratulations to Mr. Stew Stone of Tri-Cities Regional Center, we met Mr. Stone to discuss EB-5 opportunities last year!  This must be very exciting for him and his team.  For more information about EB-5 program, call Tyler McKay at 217-899-6661, or email: info@ArtisanBusinessGroup.com.

Georgia & South Carolina
US Holdings Regional Center (www.usholdingssc.com)

Washington
Tri-Cities Investment District, LLC  (http://www.tricitiesid.com)Geographic Scope: Washington Counties of Benton and FranklinInvestment Focus: Loans and equity investments to 3rd party enterprises in the NAICS categories of residential building construction (2361), commercial building construction (2362), lessors of real estate (5311), room and boarding houses (7213), and hotels and motels (72111).

Artisan Business Group sponsors Illinois Presidential Celebration

Artisan Business Group proudly sponsored Illinois Senate Presidential Celebration at Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington DC. Mr. Brian Su hosted a small group of EB-5 emigration agents and business executives from China to the event. Over 1200 people from Illinois attended the celebration.  The Chinese guests from the US China Business Association, Wailian Overseas Group, Maslink Group and Join Consultancy Group were also invited to attend the Presidential Inauguration Ceremony.  For more information about EB-5 program, contact us today at 217-899-6661.

Brian McELroy, President, US China Business Association and Wailian Ms. Hong

ABG with Wailian Group Chairwoman Ms. He and Project Mgr Ms. Hong

ABG with John Cullerton, Illinois Senate President

ABG with Mattie Hunter, Illinois Senate Majority Caucus Whip

ABG with Roland Burris, former US Senator from Illinois

ABG with Join Consultancy Group from China

Georgia Regional Center announces Gold Sponsorship to The Shanghai Summit

Georgia Regional Center announces its Gold Sponsorship to The Invest in America 2013 (Shanghai) Summit and Exhibition March 15-18, 2013. Georgia Regional Center is a federally designated Eb-5 regional center in Georgia. For more information about exhibiting at the Summit, please contact Tyler McKay at 217-899-6661, or log on http://www.InvestAmerica2013.org. Cut off date for booth registration: January 30, 2013  

Only available booths to the public exhibitors (3mx3m standard):
C013, C014, C015, C016, C017, C020, C021, C022, C303, C304, C305, C307, C308, C310, C312, C313, C314.

Brian Su attended DGA party

Brian Su at DGA party

On January 19 at the Hamilton Hotel in Washington DC, the Democratic Governors Association (DGA) sponsored a fundraiser for Terry McAuliffe's campaign that featured a DJ set by will.i.am. Former Democratic National Committee chair Terry McAuliffe gave a wonderful speech. Mr. Brian Su was invited to attend the event along with Mr. Charles Wang, CEO of GTA, and Wailian Group project manager Ms. Hong Yu. If you are seeking Chinese EB-5 brokers to work on your project, contact us today at 217-899-6661 or email us at info@ArtisanBusinessGroup.com

A Way to Reduce the I-924 backlog and Streamline Processing

(Author: Joseph Whalen) What if USCIS started to deny more I-924s outright instead of always sending an RFE?  Such an action is well within long existing law and the pertinent regulations were promulgated through APA[1]notice and comment rulemaking years ago so, any lawsuit would quickly fail.  USCIS could institute such a measure for a short time and again as needed.

The anticipated effects would include mostly positivesas follows:
 

1. Quick Backlog Reduction of older forms I-924 across-the-board
2. Bring closure to long pending cases, one way or the other;
3. Quickly denying the clearly meritless, skeletal, or naive I-924s;
4. Allow time to be spent on approving all cases that could be approved with only minor corrections, they can get RFEs orfile Motions later;
5. Protecting EB-5 investors from fraud, especially if ALL Decisions are posted to the website immediately—like BALCA and BIA do;
6. Allow developers to “move on” and either break ground or seek funding “other
than” EB-5
7. Put applicants “on notice” of the deficiencies in their initial filings so that they could prepare better filings IF they chose to do so;
8. Clear the path for new filings for which greatly reduced processing time would ensue;
9. Suspend across-the-board implementation of this streamlining measure for new applicants who have been “put on notice” and only need a small amount of revision to become approvable; and
10. Retain limited implementation of this measure to ensure that meritless cases are dispensed with quickly so as to avoid a new backlog;

The negative consequences would be confined to those who:

1. Continue to submit meritless applications, or
2. Waste their time, money, and effort filing frivolous lawsuits against USCIS; and
3. USCIS & DOJ wasted expense of answering meritless lawsuits.

---

[1] Administrative Procedures Act codified as 5 USC, Part I, Chapter 5.