TOP IMMIGRATION AT TORNEYS
DANIEL LUNDY
KLASKO IMMIGRATION LAW PARTNERS LLP | PARTNER
Daniel Lundy is a par tner
with Klasko Immigration Law
Partners LLP, heading its EB-5
developer/regional center and
EB-5 compliance practices.
Lundy represents developers
and regional centers who seek to raise money through
EB-5. Lundy represents many clients in troubled EB-5
projects, including matters involving SEC complaints and
allegations of fraud or misappropriation, where he helps to
preserve the immigration interests of investors throughout
the restructuring of those projects. Lundy has extensive
experience litigating immigration cases in the federal
courts and is frequently retained to help with RFEs, NOIDs
and appeals of USCIS denials. He received his J.D. from
Fordham University.
WHAT TRENDS ARE YOU SEEING
IN THE EB-5 INDUSTRY?
average deal size has decreased. The number of troubled
projects continues to grow, including cases of fraud and
projects struggling economically. These projects often need
to be restructured to preserve the investors’ green cards.
USCIS policy continues to evolve. The overall level of
complexity in EB-5 is rising, and we continue to develop new
and creative strategies to deal with it. We have filed lawsuits
against USCIS challenging delays and denials in EB-5 cases,
with some success.
WHY DID YOU GET INVOLVED
IN THE EB-5 INDUSTRY?
I was attracted to the EB-5 field because it is a very small
niche within the immigration field, and one that involved a
substantial level of complexity and corresponding
opportunity for creative lawyering that really has the ability
to help clients achieve their goals. The business side of EB-5
is constantly evolving, and as a result, so is the practice of
law in this field.
With the decline in the Chinese investor market due to visa
backlogs, the flow of new EB-5 projects has slowed and the
ANUSREE NAIR
KLASKO IMMIGRATION LAW PARTNERS | PARTNER
Anusree (Anu) Nair is a partner
at Klasko Immigration Law
Par tners and manages the
investor division of the firm's
EB-5 practice. She is responsible
for the filing of all EB-5 petitions at the firm. Nair’s command
of investor-related issues is recognized within the industry and
she is frequently called on to review cases prepared by other
firms to ensure compliance with USCIS’ rigorous standards.
Nair has attained a 99% approval rate on all petitions and
applications filed with the government.
WHAT TRENDS ARE YOU SEEING
IN THE EB-5 INDUSTRY?
The demographics of the EB-5 investor has changed
drastically over the past few years. As most of the EB-5
marketing and education was geared toward the Chinese
market, Indian investors simply don’t have the same basic
knowledge about EB-5. Indian investors are well-informed
about H-1B visas and issues relating to I-140 petitions, but
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EB5 INVESTORS M AGAZINE
many are neophytes when it comes to EB-5. I explain basic
EB-5 terminology before I can start most consultations.
Interestingly though, they are very savvy when it comes to
business and are always looking for the best admin fees and
interest rates.
WHY DID YOU GET INVOLVED
IN THE EB-5 INDUSTRY?
I had no EB-5 experience when I joined Klasko in June
2012. While my entry into the EB-5 industry was a fluke, the
reason I have chosen to stay in the industry is two-fold. As
an immigrant myself, I know that getting a green card for
an investor not only impacts the future of that person, but
that of entire families, even generations. Second,
Philadelphia is a hot-spot for EB-5 — hotels, restaurants
and major infrastructure projects. Being able to walk
around the city and see how EB-5 has contributed to the
changing landscape and modernization of Philadelphia is
so gratifying.