The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) would like to remind stakeholders that “EB-5 regional centers” and related commercial enterprises should not contain the words “United States,” “U.S.,” “US” and “Federal” in their names. Using these words in the name of a regional center or enterprise may imply a false relationship between the entity (using the name) and the U.S. government and its’ federal agencies. Please read the USCIS message, “News: USCIS Message on EB-5 Regional Centers Naming Conventions” for further details and regulations.
On Monday, August 17th, USCIS also reminded stakeholders that no one, including EB-5 regional centers, may use the official U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) seal or the DHS seal coupled with the USCIS signature without first obtaining express written approval from the Secretary of DHS. Please read the USCIS message, “News: USCIS Message: Unauthorized Use of the DHS Seal” for further details and regulations.
Background:
In 1990, Congress created the EB-5 Program to help stimulate the U.S. economy through job creation and capital investment by approved immigrant investors. Under this program, entrepreneurs (and their spouses and unmarried children under 21) are eligible to apply for a green card (permanent residence) under specific conditions. Congress placed a 10,000 annual limit on the number of visas available for the EB-5 program. In 1992 Congress set aside 3,000 of the EB-5 visa total for the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, also known as the Regional Center Program. These set aside EB-5 visas are for participants who invest in commercial enterprises associated with regional centers which are approved by USCIS.
USCIS warns that potential investors should always do their own research and consult with a financial professional before making any investment decisions.
Source of Information:
ILW.com (The Immigration Portal), 8/12/15, USCIS message:
News: USCIS Message on EB-5 Regional Centers Naming Conventions
USCIS.gov, 8/10/15, Web Page:
Immigrant Investor Regional Centers
ILW.com (The Immigration Portal), 8/17/15, USCIS message:
News: USCIS Message: Unauthorized Use of the DHS Seal