EB5 Investors Magazine Volume 7, Issue 2 | Page 40

TOP IMMIGRATION AT TORNEYS BELMA DEMIROVIC CHINCHOY IY E R DEMIROVIC CHINCHOY LLP For more than eight years, Belma Demirovic Chinchoy has focused solely on representing high net worth in di v id uals , e n tre p re n e u r s and multinational companies in the EB-5, E-2, L-1 and EB -1 immigration categories. Chinchoy ’s clients are diverse across industry sectors (real estate, technology, fashion, and manufacturing) and countries of origin. She is frequently retained to counsel on investment-based cases in post-initial filing stages (RFE, NOID, denials) and in Federal court litigation. Chinchoy is licensed in California. She is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, Los Angeles County Bar Association and other EB-5 professional organizations. She is a frequent speaker and professional trainer on EB-5 topics. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE EB-5 MODERNIZATION CHANGES THAT TOOK EFFECT IN 2019 WITH THE INCREASED INVESTMENT AMOUNTS? Although anticipated, the November 2019 changes have had a shocking effect on the EB-5 industry, specifically on the EB-5 investors. As with every significant change, an adjustment period is needed and the EB-5 industry will adjust. For many foreign nationals, the EB-5 program remains the most secure and straightforward path toward U.S. residency. Sourcing investment funds will be more complicated for many investors due to the increased amount. In terms of substance, the changes left unaddressed many important issues in the EB-5 program, including the unreasonably long processing times, lack of proper oversight over regional center administration and fraud. WHAT NEW TRENDS ARE YOU SEEING IN THE EB-5 INDUSTRY? The USCIS adjudication trends are resulting in a lot of busy work for EB-5 attorneys. For example, an RFE on a project matter issued 30 months after I-526 submission asking for clarification of a business plan. At this stage, the project has been fully implemented and the issue raised is moot. However, acting in the best interest of our clients, we cannot dismiss the RFE and we spend the time responding. We are also seeing an increase in regional centers and investors seeking second opinions on matters of neglected regional center compliance and I-829 NOIDs. IGNACIO A. DONOSO DONOSO & PARTNERS, LLC Ignacio A. Donoso is the founder and managing partner of Donoso & Partners, LLC, an immigration law f ir m base d in Washing ton , D.C. Donoso is a renowned business immigration law yer for the U nited S tates and Canada. He has expertise working with investors, technology companies, academics and researchers. D o noso’s c are e r s pans ove r 20 year s as a law ye r, advising thousands of clients to successfully navigate th e U.S . visa p ro g r a ms fo r inves to r s. D o n oso is a frequent speaker and guest at national and international conferences on immigration law, and has frequently published on specific issues related to immigration matters. 40 EB5 INVESTORS M AGAZINE WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE EB-5 MODERNIZATION CHANGES THAT TOOK EFFECT IN 2019 WITH THE INCREASED INVESTMENT AMOUNTS? Answers not received WHAT NEW TRENDS ARE YOU SEEING IN THE EB-5 INDUSTRY? Answers not received