Representatives Evans, Fitzpatrick, and O’Halloran Send Letter to USCIS Urging Its Reconsideration of Regional Center Re-Designation Under New Statute
On June 1, 2022, three members of the U.S. House of Representatives stepped up to support the EB-5 Regional Center industry by sending a letter to U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) urging it to reconsider its stance that all previously designated EB-5 Regional Centers under the old statute must re-designate under the Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (RIA).
Representatives Dwight Evans (D-PA-3), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1), and Tom O’Halloran (D-AZ-1) sent the letter to USCIS, citing the agency’s clear departure from Congressional intent of the RIA and warned of the assured negative consequences the, “overly burdensome” re-designation process will have on not just EB-5 Regional Centers, but also on the American communities that stand to benefit from the economic development that is currently stifled until Regional Centers’ re-designations are approved.
They state the Congressional intent is, “That the EB-5 Regional Center Program remains viable and vibrant with no hiatus…” and that, “It is inconceivable to think USCIS would take the draconian approach of eliminating all previously approved regional centers.”
IIUSA is grateful for the leadership and commitment of Representatives Evans, Fitzpatrick, and O’Halloran to both the EB-5 industry and the communities our members seek to enhance through this economic development program.
Last week, IIUSA and five of its Regional Center members filed a lawsuit against USCIS which challenges the unilateral deauthorization of all previously designated Regional Centers under the old statute.
As developments happen on this topic, IIUSA will continue to keeps its members and the industry apprised.
