CIS Ombudsman EB-5 Engagement (Oct. 30)

In more good news for future EB-5 process improvements, the CIS Ombudsman has focused attention on the EB-5 program. The CIS Ombudsman’s mission is to “assist individuals and employers in resolving problems experienced when seeking immigration benefits from USCIS; identify trends and areas in which individuals and employers have problems dealing with USCIS; and recommend changes in USCIS’ administrative practices to mitigate problems and enhance processes.” Having recently met with IIUSA, AILA, and AIIA about EB-5, the CIS Ombudsman now invites all EB-5 stakeholders to The CIS Ombudsman’s Webinar Series: Engagement with USCIS on the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program on Monday, October 30, 2023, from 2 to 3 p.m. Eastern Time.

UPDATE: Here is my recording of the CIS Ombusdman webinar, featuring Ombudsman Chief of Staff Gary Merson asking questions of IPO Chief Alissa Emmel. The discussion covered treatment of pre-RIA investors following regional center termination, policy for the investment sustainment period, and a variety of questions and filing tips. The discussion seemed to show that Mr. Merson had listened intelligently to stakeholder concerns, and that Ms. Emmel was making good faith attempt to engage with and not just deflect the questions. The Ombudsman will be publishing remarks and Q&A from the call, and I’ll link those documents here as soon as I see them.