"...meeting with
these investors
directly or meeting
with a migration
agency...make
these events such
lucrative networking
opportunities."
A
s the EB-5 industry has continued to expand over the past
decade, trade conferences like EB5 Investors Magazine’s
events around the world have played a vital role for many EB-5
professionals to stay educated and grow their business.
EB-5 conferences produce and offer access to the industry’s
leading professionals and thought leaders, with topics ranging
from federal policy and international law to sales strategies and
networking. Attending these events provides an opportunity to
exchange industry best practices and provide clarity through the
shared knowledge that comes from such a gathering. The EB-5
and investment migration industry is growing and changing in
ways we never could have imagined. Ever-changing geopolitical
relationships and economic challenges make these types of
events even more essential.
THE POWER OF EVENT SPEAKERS
Over the years speakers like Charles Oppenheim, chief of the
U.S. Department of State’s visa controls and reporting office, and
Julia Harrison, deputy chief of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration
Services, have shared their in-depth knowledge of current issues
and hot topics to educate the industry.
It’s common knowledge that each month the Investor
Program Office (IPO) and USCIS publish processing times as
well as quarterly data on adjudication trends. Unfortunately,
the posted wait times for adjudication of I-526 and I-829
petitions continue to grow. Although USCIS has ample
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EB5 INVESTORS M AGAZINE
information online, the most telling story about how and
why things happen can be better understood through direct
interaction with industry professionals. Investing the time
and taking advantage of the opportunity to listen to veteran
speakers provides further clarity that cannot be gained from
reading a brochure or a post online.
Last year, U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, was the keynote speaker
at the EB5 Investors Magazine’s Conference in San Francisco.
There, the former U.S. presidential candidate praised the
EB-5 program and the positive economic impact it has had
throughout the United States. As the son of immigrants, he
also expressed his deep appreciation for living the American
Dream. His candor and reflection instilled a kind of emotion
that can only be conveyed in person. Understanding that
lawmakers are not just knowledgeable about the benefits of
investment migration, but actually support it, is valuable in its
own ri ght.
UNDERSTANDING THE FUTURE OF
THE INDUSTRY
Most recently, Congress extended the EB-5 program to Sept.
30, 2018. While this may have provided many a sense of relief,
imminent changes remain on the horizon. Coming together
at EB-5 industry events helps raise awareness, educates
individuals on the necessity of supporting comprehensive
legislation, and builds consensus for fair-minded comprehensive
legislation. Over the years these conferences have evolved into