EB5 Investors Magazine Volume 5, Issue 2 | Page 61

TOP IMMIGRATION ATTORNEYS
IRINA ROSTOVA Founding Partner
Rostova Westerman Law Group PA

Irina Rostova is a founding partner at Rostova

Westerman Law Group with a background in bank management and commercial litigation . She became an immigration attorney out of her passion for the EB-5 program , believing that for many it presents a more assured way to permanent residency than other business visa options . Rostova understands the financial principals necessary to successfully navigate the program and currently oversees hundreds of in-progress EB-5 petitions , an exposure which allows her to be at the forefront of new adjudication trends in the EB-5 program . Rostova represents investors from Eastern Europe , the Middle East , Latin America , Africa and Asia . She serves as a co-chair of the Investor Markets Committee at IIUSA and is passionate about developing the EB-5 market in Russia and Eastern Europe . Her efforts have made her a principal attorney in that region , currently representing an estimated 20 percent of all Russian EB-5 investors .
WHAT DO YOU THINK THE FUTURE OF THE EB-5 INDUSTRY LOOKS LIKE ?
It is important to implement financial regulations to protect investors as well as the integrity and the purpose of the program . Third party audits and financial transparency are a must in order to channel EB-5 investments toward solid projects . Personally , I believe TEA designations are less important than giving a preference to industrial and social infrastructure projects , such as manufacturing facilities , schools , hospitals and others .
WHAT TRENDS ARE YOU SEEING IN THE EB-5 INDUSTRY ?
We are beginning to see a diversification in the origin of investors . As the EB-5 program becomes known around the world , the focus is gradually shifting from mainland China to Latin America , Europe and the Middle East . While China will continue to be an important player in EB-5 ; India , Vietnam and Taiwan are the next big Asian markets . Keep an eye for Turkey , France , Italy and Russia in the European / Eastern European regions . Brazil and Venezuela will dominate in Latin America and Nigeria stands out in Africa . Dubai will continue to be a center for investors from the Middle East .
MONA SHAH Founder & Lead Attorney
Mona Shah & Associates ( MSA Global )

Mona Shah is the founder and lead attorney at Mona Shah & Associates ( MSA Global ). Shah , who was born in the U . K ., is a dual licensed attorney and she was formerly a government prosecutor with the British Crown Prosecution Service . Shah also has extensive knowledge of all facets of U . S . immigration law with her expertise ranging from specialist business law to complicated , multi-issue federal deportation litigation before the U . S . Courts of Appeal . Shah has received many accolades for her work , including Top Lawyer by Who ’ s Who International and Top Attorney of North America . She is an adjunct professor at Baruch College , CUNY University , and has authored numerous articles , published a book for investors and is a recommended author with Lexis Practice Advisor . Shah is a frequent speaker and has been interviewed by well reputable media groups . She also hosts a podcast series and has recorded over 50 episodes with different industry specialists .

WHAT TRENDS ARE YOU SEEING IN THE EB-5 INDUSTRY ?
One of the most obvious trends has been the shift in the focus of markets : with a pivot away from China towards countries in Southeast Asia , as well as the Indian subcontinent and the Middle East and North Africa region . There is certainly a heightened awareness of the program and a notable increase in available information , which is a sharp contrast from only a few years ago . I also do believe that as the minimum investment amount increases , there will be an increase in pooled direct and entrepreneur petitions .
WHY DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN THE EB-5 INDUSTRY ?
I have practiced immigration law for around 21 years , and my experience includes complex immigration litigation as well as business immigration . I was involved with EB-5 stakeholders long before the program ’ s surge in popularity , and the EB-5 realm continues to be an exciting , dynamic area of law . It embodies a wide range of specialized knowledge : from business , immigration and securities law to international marketing and country conditions . I possess a good understanding of the core underlying areas and I have a flair for marketing – making EB-5 a natural fit for me .
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