EB5 Investors Magazine Volume 2 Issue 1 | Page 55

Staff: What are some reforms you would like to see in the EB-5 program? Staff: Talking about moving forward, what do you see as the future of EB-5? Rosenfeld: First, I think it is only fair to acknowledge the important changes that USCIS has made to enhance the predictability and integrity of the EB-5 program. In particular, I think the issuance in May 2013 of the EB-5 policy guidelines was a significant turning point. This is a thoughtful document that protects the integrity of the EB-5 program in a manner that is realistic about business practices and investment risks. It will also help ensure that petitions are adjudicated in a consistent manner. Adjudication delays continue to have an adverse impact. To its credit, the agency has repeatedly acknowledged that these delays are a serious problem and that one of its top priorities is to substantially reduce the current adjudication timeframes. My understanding is that there are currently 80 professionals assigned to the EB-5 headquarters unit. That is a significant commitment of resources to administering the program and evidences a sincere desire to reduce the very problematic delays. Rosenfeld: The key factor that will ensure the future growth of the program is an increase in the visa numbers. An increase will mitigate deba