I am contemplating raising EB-5 funding for my CRE project through a regional center, and finding the learning curve daunting. I was recently approached by a salesman who claims to be able to find and place investors into an EB-5 project for a fee per investor. I am aware of the SEC”s regulations governing overseas sales activities if the salesman is a U.S. person. He is a U.S. citizen living in the Middle East, and traveling to the U.S. only on occasion. Is he subject to the SEC”s regulations and required to register or affiliate with a broker dealer, or is he not subject to SEC jurisdiction because he is living overseas? How does the SEC define U.S. person?
Answers
Ed Beshara
Find an EB-5 Visa Lawyer: Immigration AttorneyI would advise you to contact a law firm to assist in advising you how your project may be EB-5-compliant with the U.S. immigration regulations and policies, and the SEC regulations. Based upon the facts you present, the broker dealer who is registered will be able to assist you and the "salesperson" with compliance.
BoBi Ahn
Find an EB-5 Visa Lawyer: Immigration AttorneyYou should seek the advice of an SEC attorney on these issues. It is indeed a carefully regulated provision and needs the expertise of an SEC attorney familiar with these regulations.
Salvatore Picataggio
Find an EB-5 Visa Lawyer: Immigration AttorneySEC issues are now very important to EB-5 programs, so you would need to coordinate with an experienced securities attorney to review an arrangement like this for both SEC and USCIS compliance.
John J Downey
Find an EB-5 Visa Lawyer: Immigration AttorneyProceed with caution and seek the advice of a competent SEC attorney. The rules and requirements are very often on a case-by-case basis. Spending some money now could save you from spending a lot later.
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