IIUSA held its third federal advocacy fly-in of 2023 on July 26th and 27th. On the 26th, members of IIUSA’s Leadership Circle met with Betsy Lawrence, Deputy Assistant to the President for Immigration, and Simon Nakajima, Assistant Director for STEM Immigration, of the White House Domestic Policy Council. During the meeting, the group discussed the challenges the industry has faced since the enactment of the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act. IIUSA advocated for a more open dialogue between USCIS and the industry.
After the White House meeting, the delegation met with the National Conference of State Legislatures and the National Governors Association. The meetings focused on the legislative proposals throughout state capitals that would prohibit foreign nationals from purchasing land in or investing in rural areas across the country.
IIUSA capped off the 26th with an IIUSA PAC dinner for Representative Maria Elvira Salazar. Although the Congresswoman was unable to make it, her chief of staff, Tom Moran, attended in her stead. The Leadership Circle discussed with him our support for the Congresswoman’s Dignity Act, which aims to overhaul the entire U.S. immigration system.
On the 27th, Leadership Circle members met at the office of Commonwealth Strategic Partners to receive their schedules and office packets and discuss strategies for their upcoming congressional meetings. The Leadership Circle attendees were divided into a House group and two Senate groups to conduct a total of 16 meetings. The meetings focused on ensuring staff had a basic understanding of the EB-5 program and discussing IIUSA’s concerns with the Build It in America Act’s potential negative impact on rural investments.
Congressional offices were eager to learn more about the Regional Center Program, and they were receptive to our concerns regarding the Build It in America Act. There will be follow-up on every congressional meeting to keep staff apprised of developments germane to IIUSA’s interests, including the movement of the Built It in America Act.
