Investor Visa EB5
September 7th, 2010
Posted in The EB-5 visa is issued under the Immigration Act of 1990 for intending investors in the U.S.A. This visa may be construed as a means of acquiring a green card for foreign nationals wishing to invest capital in the United States. But the stiff condition is that to avail this visa, this person must invest an excess of $500,000 in some prescribed investments or regional centers having high unemployment figures which create or generate a minimum ten jobs.
Complex Paperwork
The purpose of this visa is to stimulate economic activity and contribute to job growth in the U.S., by providing eligible foreigners the opportunity to legally become permanent residents. As the pre-conditions are rather complex, it is prudent for an aspirant to hire the services of a competent investor visa attorney to file the documents.
Not Sponsored
Because they are designated by the government, the regional centers appear to have the government’s stamp of approval – although in reality, they do not. All regional centers are government designated, though only for the limited purposes of immigration investment.
A Right Hand Professional
The total time required for obtaining an EB5 visa is six to nine months and as such, you must grant your investor visa lawyer enough time to process your application.
For foreign investors wanting the freedom to reside and work in the United States, the EB-5 Visa is a boon as it offers a direct opportunity to obtain green cards. A green card means permanent residency status, not only for the applicant, but also his or her spouse and their children below the age of 21. This is where an investor visa attorney can fulfill a vital role, in facilitating this process.
Investors have Clout
The question often asked is which is the right time to apply for an EB-5 Investor Visa? This is difficult because of the vagaries of law and the political machine. It is to be noted that that the investor visa rules keep changing all the time. Besides, suitable visa programs are far too limited to meet the ever-growing demands – particularly from Japanese and Chinese investors and lately also Korean ones as well.
Proper Preparation
There are a number of reasons why an applicant should seek independent advice from an experienced investor visa lawyer before finally deciding to apply for an EB5 visa. This is to avoid problems at a later date as the investment requirements entail huge capital.
Stumble Upon
Del.icio.us
Buzz
Employment Visa
Every fiscal year (October 1st – September 30th), approximately 140,000 employment visas are made available to qualified applicants under the provisions of U.S. immigration law.
Companies that need qualified workers, but are unable to find enough U.S. workers to fill those positions, can use the labor certification process to sponsor workers from other countries. In most cases, these workers have specific medical skills, technical ability and bilingual experience and work in occupations like engineering, medicine, teaching, computer science or research.
There are many different types of employment visas that can be acquired in the United States.
1 US H1-B Visa
The USA H1B visa service allows an employer in the United States to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations for a period of up to six years.
2 US H2-A and H2-B Visa
The USA H-2A and H-2B visa service allows an employer in the United States to employ foreign workers in agricultural labor or services of a temporary or seasonal nature.
3 US L1 Visa
The USA L1 visa immigration service functions in a similar manner to a UK work permit application for an Intra Company Transfer (ICT) in that it allows a UK based company to transfer a specific worker to a branch office in the United States.
4 US E1 Treaty Trader Visa
US E1 visas are designed to facilitate trade between America and the countries in question and allow qualifying candidates to migrate to the USA based upon a businessperson’s trade with the USA.
5 US E2 Treaty Investor Visa
US E2 visas are designed to facilitate investment between America and the countries in question and allow qualifying candidates to migrate to the USA based upon a businessperson’s investments made into US Businesses.
6 US E3 Australian Special Occupation Visa
US E3 visas allow persons to enter the US solely to perform services in a “specialty occupation” in the US if the alien is a national of Australia.
7 US EB2 Visa
The US EB-2 visa is an employment based Green Card visa and caters for highly skilled migrants with international recognition in their field of expertise and requires evidence of a major international award or other criteria including published works – the most important thing about the EB2 visa is that ‘extraordinary’ is justified in all applications.
8 US EB3 Visa
The EB-3 Green Card visa for America encompasses a wide range of applicants who can be categorized as ‘professionals’, ‘skilled workers’ or ‘other workers’. Unlike the EB-2 US visa, all positions must pass labor market testing to justify employing an overseas national.
9 US EB5 Investment Green Card
The EB-5 visa for USA immigration is designed specifically for those wishing to immigrate to the USA by investing in the creation of a new commercial enterprise.
10 Employment-based Green Card
Although the US Government issues multiple classes of US Green Cards on the basis of employment, the vast majority of these applications are extremely timely (in excess of 3 years in many cases) and require extensive documentation from a US employer with regards to sponsorship.
11 US Intern Work and Travel Program
The Intern Work and Travel Program or IWT is an innovative youth exchange scheme exclusively for Irish post-secondary students and recent graduates to enter the US.
12 US Student Work and Travel Program
The Student Work and Travel Program, or SWTP visa, is a youth exchange scheme exclusively for Australian and New Zealand post-secondary students and recent graduates.
Arizona sheriff Joe Arpaio under investigation by U.S. government for discrimination
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Arizona sheriff Joe Arpaio is likely to be sued by the U.S. government for his alleged discrimination against illegal immigrants.
Arpaio, who is the sheriff in Maricopa County, has made several comments regarding implementing extremely strict and radical changes to the immigration laws in the area.
His controversial plans have sparked the interest of some and the disdain of others.
An investigation against Arpaio was opened in March 2009 after allegations surrounding discriminating against Hispanics.
In a letter to Arpaio on August 3, the Justice Department warned the sheriff that “We will not hesitate to commence litigation after August 17 if MCSO (Maricopa County Sheriff Office) continues to take the position that it need not cooperate with the Division’s investigation.”
The Justice Department also wants Arpaio to open his offices to investigators and allow them to examine his paperwork but his lawyers have requested to meet with federal agents again next week.
Arizona recently passed an illegal immigration reform law but many of its provisions were stopped by a judge. Those opposing strict anti-illegal immigration laws believe they lead to discrimination and violence. Those for the laws contend that illegal immigrants are stripping U.S. citizens and residents of much needed job opportunities and residencies.
Immigrants who move to the United States and do not have authorization to be here via employment visa, green card, student visa or other form of certification are considered to be illegal. It is extremely difficult for aliens to obtain residency in the United States but the process can be facilitated by an immigration lawyer.
If an illegal alien does not obtain legal status, they are subject to legal action and deportation. Those persons should procure legal help in order to obtain at least an employment visa in order to be allowed to stay in the country.
ICE cracks down on illegal immigrants; 63 arrests in three days
PHOENIX, Arizona –The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced the arrests of 63 illegal aliens.
A three-day operation was conducted by ICE officials and resulted in 63 people being taken into custody by Wednesday night. Out of the 63, 55 had previous criminal convictions and 16 were fugitives who had been ordered to leave the country but remained. Twenty five have already been deported.
The operation spanned out across Phoenix, Sedona, Mesa, Tucson, Tempe and Prescott.
About twelve of the illegal aliens are facing prosecution for coming back into the country after being deported because of their crimes.
Among those arrested were people from Latin America, the Middle East and Europe.
ICE Director, John Morton, commented on the situation saying that “Those who come to the United States to prey upon communities in Arizona will be prosecuted for their crimes and ultimately returned to their home countries. The results of this operation demonstrate ICE’s commitment to that principle.”
The agency is not wasting any time to enforce the new anti-illegal immigration laws that were passed in the state as of July 29.
While many agree with the laws that are cracking down on the number of illegal aliens, many believe the laws are leading to racial profiling and causing discrimination among the communities.
Any person residing in the United States without an employment visa, green card, student visa or other acceptable paperwork is considered to be an illegal alien. Without the proper legal status, illegal aliens are subject to face penalties, jail time and deportation.
If you are currently living in the country illegally or have a loved one who does not have legal papers, contact an immigration lawyer for help in obtaining residency, a green card or an employment visa as soon as possible.
5 Tips to Locate an Excellent Lawyer
The immigration process and acquiring your employment visa involves a lot of paperwork. There is a good chance you may feel overwhelmed when staring down all those forms that must be completed. You may also wonder about if you should hire an employment visa lawyer to assist you with this lengthy process.
Another Angle
However, if you think your case in straightforward, you may not need an attorney of this stripe and caliber. But if your immigration scenario is a little complicated or if you do not have enough time and confidence to handle every task by yourself, you might want to consider hiring some expert help in an employment visa attorney.
The Starting Five
Here are 5 important tips to keep in mind while hiring a lawyer to handle issues related to your employment visa:
- Use references: consult with your family, friends, or co-workers to get contacts of an employment visa lawyer.
- AILA: search for an employment visa attorney within the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). This way you can be sure that you are hiring the services of someone who is quite knowledgeable in this arena. Although membership to this association is not compulsory, it can serve as an indication of lawyer’s expertise and dedication.
- Interview: after short listing a few lawyers, set up an initial consultation; ask tough and pertinent questions. Enquire about their experience in handling cases similar to yours. Immigration law is a huge field. Hence, you need someone who can cater to your specific needs.
- Compare fee structures: Some lawyers bill their services on an hourly basis while some charge a flat fee. Also get to know if there are any additional costs to be covered like courier fees, long distance charges, etc.
- Credentials: after zeroing in on a lawyer, get into touch with your state bar to know if the lawyer is in good standing and is licensed. After this, all you have to do is sign a contract to take on his or her services.
The Clock is Ticking
This process is not without its pitfalls. Some lawyers are scandalous and others may try to take advantage of your situation. Do not sound desperate; make the lawyer know you have other options. Listen carefully, every minute during that initial conversation matters.
Obtaining an Employment Visa
Availing an employment visa in some people’s point of view is considered as one of the difficult areas in immigration law. The people who are in the midst of this situation need professional guidance and assistance through a multi-step process of acquiring an employment visa (also known as a Green Card) and various other legal visas like an investment visa, family petition, permanent residency, citizenship, religious visa, student visa, and so on.
The Next Step
There are several employment visa attorneys who offer free consultation and advice in obtaining a visa. These attorneys can be consulted through phone, e-mail, or in-person. They help you with the legal, ethical ways of seeking an employment visa.
Their Role
Employment visa lawyers assist you in preparing the various documentation and information required to enable your wish to become a reality.
Patience
If any problems arise in this arduous process regarding your employment visa, your employment visa attorney will be able to work with the U.S. Consulate to enable you to obtain your objectives.
Trading Purposes
They also assist you in obtaining a visa for trading purposes. If you are immigrating for the purpose of trading services or goods, it is better to consult them and forward your visa through an employment lawyer.
USCIS
In case of investors, it is safe to consult an attorney as the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) demands an extensive amount of documentation for people falling under this category. The USCIS asks these investors to recruit at least ten permanent U.S. workers.
Gratitude
If you are involved in any crime or illegal activity in your country, it is best to notify your attorney. You expect them to be open and honest with you, you should offer them the same courtesy.
Final Note
Therefore, to reduce the probability of having your visa rejected, it is better to consult an attorney and check with your documentation before applying. Whether it is a permanent or temporary visa, or a green card, an employment visa attorney is available to help you navigate through these bureaucratic layers.
Legal and Illegal Immigration
Illegal immigration is one of the major challenges faced by U.S. authorities. Statistics indicate that over 10 million undocumented aliens currently live in the country. Many experts believe that this is indicative of the weak security at the nation’s borders, certainly the southern one.
Others believe that immigrants do more good to the American economy than harm. Though the percentage of immigrants is at an all time high, the GDP of the United States is much higher than before.
A Possibility
Irrespective of the debate that rages on about this, it is a fact that many illegal immigrants can turn legal and attain naturalization in time.
The best person to advise you on this would be an immigration lawyer or an employment visa attorney. Since immigration law is ever changing, these lawyers are best qualified to inform you of the options available to you. You can also gather immigration facts from various sources like official newsletters, the internet, and government agencies.
First Things First
However, an employment visa attorney will be able to assist you in securing a legal work permit and change your illegal status. Without doing this first, there is not much hope of attaining a legal residential status in the country. Once you gain legal employment and have your paperwork in order, then you and your employment visa attorney or immigration lawyer can think of moving ahead in the naturalization process.
Recent Times
Figures indicate that the number of naturalized citizens in the United States grew to nearly 13 million between 1995 and 2005. Maryland leads the states in the number of naturalized citizens. Mexicans led the number of naturalized immigrants followed by Cubans, Chinese, and Filipinos.
What You Should Know
Immigrants with higher education and good English skills are better candidates for naturalization. Hence, it is essential that those seeking immigration or naturalization acquire a good education and hone their language skills. Other factors that are considered include permanent residency of at least five years, above 18 years of age, no serious criminal record, no record of previous deportation, must support minor children, no income from illegal sources, and demonstrate basic familiarity with American history and culture.
Choosing an Immigration Lawyer
The process of immigrating to the United States or obtaining U.S. citizenship is a dream come true for many people for a variety of reasons. In the early years, the number people seeking to immigrate was less than 8,000 in a year. Today, that number has multiplied to well over a hundred times that figure!
Process of Elimination
There are many reasons why you might need to engage an immigration lawyer once you have decided to include yourself into the process. It will prove particularly helpful if you have a complicated immigration situation. As when seeking the services of a professional, references are the best way to start. Even if people don’t know of a good lawyer, they will definitely let you know if they have come across a bad one or had an unpleasant experience with someone. At least you will know which ones to stay clear of.
By contacting the Board of Professional Responsibility of your state bar, you can find out if an attorney has faced any disciplinary action. The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) website is a good source if you are on the lookout for an immigration lawyer.
Payment Situation
You can also ask your lawyer for a list of clients whom he has represented so you can gather references before arriving at a decision. Many lawyers bill by the hour while still others charge flat rate fees.
Further Checks
You should also check to see if your lawyer’s practice is exclusively immigration. If it is, then the service you receive will be better and you can be confident that your lawyer will be well-versed in immigration law, which is very volatile.
Since the route to a green card or permanent residency is through a work permit for many, you might want to consult an employment visa lawyer first to secure the appropriate work visa. Your criteria for choosing an employment visa lawyer should be the same as when choosing an immigration lawyer.
End Goals
Once you have your work permit, your employment visa lawyer will be able to guide you further into this step by step procedure. This might involve obtaining for you an employment-based green card which will smooth the road to citizenship and naturalization.
Teens charged with the brutal murder of a Salvadoran immigrant
ELIZABETH, New Jersey — The beating and subsequent death of a Salvadoran immigrant has been labeled by authorities as a failed robbery.
On July 17, Abelino Mazariego was beat to death and the event was recorded on camera.
Three teens were charged with manslaughter, including Khayri Williams-Clark, 19, Nigel Dumas, 19, and a third 17-year-old whose name has not been released to the public.
Two other teens who were acting as lookouts for the others were charged with conspiracy and counts of robbery.
A nurse who looked through Mazariego’s wallet at the emergency room where he was taken contends that he was robbed, even though police reported that the teens did not take any cash from him.
The teen that videotaped the brutal beating was not charged.
Every day, immigrants are subject to discrimination and violent acts of hatred. With the recent debate over illegal immigration regulations, tensions between those who support tighter immigration laws and those against have come to a boil.
Immigrants are urged to obtain an immigration attorney as soon as possible in order to secure legal status in the United States.
An immigration attorney will work hard to ensure that you or your loved ones enter the country safely and legally, are allowed to remain in the United States and will even help you find a job and place to live.
Having an immigration attorney representing your case means that you will increase your chances of obtaining a green card, visa or asylum. They will work tirelessly on your behalf and contact immigration agencies to make sure the process is expedited.
If you haven’t already done so, solicit the help of a top legal professional who is skilled in all areas of U.S. immigration law to represent you immediately.
The president of France has announced that immigrants will be stripped of citizenship if using violence against law officials
FRANCE – The president of France, Nicolas Sarkozy, has made an announcement that officials will strip immigrants of their French nationality if they use violence against any police officers or public officials.
After recent riots by armed protestors, Sarkozy claimed that aliens who are minors and commit a crime will face stricter policies when applying for citizenship when they are older and he also mentioned looking into welfare payments issued to illegal aliens residing in France.
After struggling with opinion polls after his government was accused of being involved in a financial scandal, Sarkozy is promising to do whatever it takes to decrease violence in the country.
Unfortunately, crime rates remain high in the country with increased instances of drug trafficking and gun crime.
As can be seen, tensions regarding immigration are extending to other countries outside of the United States. If you have recently moved to the United States or are a prospective alien, acquire an immigration attorney as soon as you can to help you gain legal status.
Without legal status, aliens face detention, deportation and will not be able to secure employment. By hiring an immigration attorney who is experienced in all areas of U.S. immigration law, your chances of being allowed to enter and remain in the country increase exponentially.
An immigration attorney can help you if you need assistance with asylum, detention, applying for a visa or residency, family reunification and will even assist you in finding a job once you achieve legal status.
Time is of the essence, so acquire a skilled immigration lawyer as soon as possible to help you move to the United States quickly and legally.
