The SEC’s recent charges against private securities issuers highlights the importance of securities compliance. On December 20, 2024, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) announced charges against several entities for failing to file Form D for their offerings. These charges resulted in substantial civil penalties totaling $430,000. What is Form D? Form D is a...
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Fund managers and syndicators should consider forming a brand new entity rather than using an existing entity or managing the fund or syndication individually. Here’s why: Liability Protection: The primary and most important reason to form a new entity to manage your fund or syndication is for liability protection purposes. First, utilizing an entity (rather...
In the January 2025 visa bulletin, the U.S. Department of State and USCIS reported significant progress in processing EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program applications, including increased approvals for I-526E petitions—a key step for investors seeking U.S. residency. Progress in EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program Approvals They’ve also noted more applicants successfully completing the program in EB-5 set-aside...
Dec232024
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has introduced a new regulation aimed at modernizing the H-2B program (including H-2A also). This regulation goes into effect on January 17, 2025, days before Trump takes office. Elimination of eligible countries The new H-2B rule eliminates the eligible country list, allowing employers to hire H-2B workers from any...
The Edakunni v. Mayorkas settlement reached mandated the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to bundle the processing of specific forms for H-4 and L-2 visa holders. Key Provisions of the Edakunni Settlement: Bundled Processing: Under the settlement, USCIS agreed to process Forms I-539 (Application to Change or Extend Nonimmigrant Status) and I-765 (Application for...
It is not uncommon for an administration to push through a final rule before a new administration takes over. With Trump expected to take a tough stance on all immigration, including legal immigration, this rule is a last ditch attempt by the Biden administration to preserve and modernize the H-1B program. The H-1B program is...
For many immigrants, U.S. citizenship is the ultimate goal. However, the path to naturalization requires meeting several key requirements. Among the most important are the continuous residence and physical presence requirements. While these terms may seem similar, they have distinct legal meanings and implications. Understanding these requirements is essential for any lawful permanent resident (LPR)...
The E-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa category available only to citizens of specific countries that have treaties with the United States. These treaties establish the eligibility of citizens from certain nations to apply for the E-2 visa. The length of the E-2 visa can vary depending on the individual treaty agreement between the qualifying...