Did you know you can become a permanent United States resident by investing money into a US business?
If you are interested in becoming a US permanent resident via EB-5, below are a few things you should now about EB-5 investment program:
The immigrant investor must invest or be actively in the process of investing $1.000.000.
The qualifying amount of investment is $500.000 for targeted employment areas which are rural areas and areas with high unemployment rate. A mere intent to invest or prospective investment arrangements without present commitment will not suffice.
The investment must take the form of contribution of capital that has been placed at risk for the purpose of generating income.
The USCIS rules define capital to include cash, cash equivalents, equipment, inventory, other tangible property, and indebtedness secured by assets owned by the investor. The required investment cannot be made in the form of a loan to the company. The foreign investor also has to show that the invested capital was obtained through lawful means.
The qualifying investment must be in a new commercial enterprise.
An enterprise established after November 29, 1990 is considered a new enterprise even if the investor did not participate in its establishment. When a person makes investment in a business established on or before November 29, 1990 the investment will qualify for E-B5 purposes if the investor establishes one of the following: (1) the investment will result in a substantial change in the business; or (2) the business will be restructured or reorganized.
The investor must be engaged in the management of the company where he invests.
This can be done either through managerial control or through policy formulation. This requirement can be satisfied by becoming a corporate officer or being a member of the board of directors. Maintaining a purely passive role towards the investment cannot satisfy the requirement of USCIS rules.
The enterprise must benefit the US economy by creating full-time jobs for at least 10 qualifying employees.
There is an exception to this rule for troubled businesses where the investment does not have to create 10 new jobs but the investor has to show that the number of existing employees is or will be maintained at no less than the pre-investment level for at least two years.
There is an annual limit of 10000 E-B5 visas per year. Until now the annual E-B5 cap has never been reached.
The investor is initially granted conditional residence for two years.
Prior to the expiration of two years the investor must file a petition requesting removal of the conditional basis of the residence. The investor must show that he still meets the conditions for participation in the program.
Do you need help deciding on what steps to take next? A Glendale immigration lawyer at KAASS LAW can help you out with any sort of legal assistance you require.
Can’t get a job because you have a criminal record? There is help. Use KAASS LAW legal tips to get your life back! In order to clear your record, you need to get your conviction expunged. What does that mean you might ask? Well, read carefully!
If granted in court, after your conviction is expunged it will allow you to reopen your case and set aside the conviction.
Such convictions are either a misdemeanor or certain types of felonies. You will be able to withdraw your plea of “guilty”, enter a plea of “not guilty”, and close the case without a conviction. However, this does not mean that your case entirely gets removed from your record. The arrest and charges will still exist and you must disclose the conviction in any direct question contained in any application for public office, for censure by state or local agency or for a contract with the California State Lottery.
The Los Angeles Criminal Justice System Process
When someone faces arrest for a criminal offense in Los Angeles—whether for a violent crime, DUI, misdemeanor, or serious felony—it can feel overwhelming. The criminal justice system moves swiftly, and you could quickly find yourself behind bars. Understanding the steps involved is crucial, as the outcome of your case can depend on how well you navigate this process. Acting quickly is essential. One of the most important steps is consulting with a skilled Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer. Early legal intervention can significantly influence the outcome of your case. Our legal team in Glendale, CA, is dedicated to providing the highest level of defense and representation to all our clients.
Most criminal cases begin with an investigation following an arrest. Whether you're taken into custody at the scene or after a warrant has been issued, you must remain calm and know your rights. The most important thing is to avoid answering questions from law enforcement without your lawyer present. Many people mistakenly believe they can talk their way out of a situation. Unfortunately, even innocent statements can be twisted to incriminate you. Remember, anything you say can be used against you in court. "Silence is golden," just as the "K" in KAASS.
Whether you are a foreign citizen willing to work in the US or an US employer that wants to hire a foreign employee, below are a number of questions our business startup attorneys encounter regarding H-1B visa:
H-1B visa allows US employers to hire foreign employees on a temporary basis. Please keep in mind that H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa and does not bring to Green Card unless the employer files separate employment based petition for the employee during his H-1B stay.
The H-1B category is limited to workers coming to US to perform services in a specialty occupation. A specialty occupation is an occupation that requires attainment of a bachelor’s or higher degree in the specific specialty as a minimum requirement for entry into the occupation in US.
Yes, the California Judicial Council Form CR-180 is the form to file a petition for dismissal pursuant to California Penal Code § 1203.4. as well as § 1203.4a. Filing a petition for dismissal can be relatively easy, however, it can be a bit confusing. There are a number of forms that you must fill out and properly file them with the appropriate court. If you need help expunging your criminal record get help from a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney or call our office at (310) 943-1171 and schedule a free consultation.
However, if you served state prison time and or parole or are a parolee, you are ineligible for an expungement. But, you may still be eligible to apply for a Pardon. Further, there are certain Misdemeanor/Felony violations that are prohibited from being expunged. If you are unsure if you qualify, you may seek the advice of an experienced Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney. We hope this information was helpful. Stay SAFE! Glendale Criminal Defense Lawyer
A common concern among clients is whether charges can be dropped if police fail to follow the correct arrest procedures. The short answer: Yes, it’s possible. However, it depends on the specifics of the situation. California law requires officers to follow strict protocols when making arrests. If they violate any of these procedures, your attorney may be able to argue for dismissal. For example, if police failed to read your Miranda rights or conducted an unlawful search, these violations could lead to the suppression of key evidence. Our experienced defense attorneys will review every aspect of your arrest, looking for procedural errors. If we identify violations, we will take action to suppress evidence or file for dismissal.
After your arrest, the arraignment is your first formal court appearance. Here, the judge will inform you of the charges and set a bail amount. This is a critical stage in the criminal justice process, and you should have an attorney with you. Your lawyer can negotiate a lower bail or request your release on your own recognizance, which means you won't need to post bail. This allows you to remain free while preparing your defense. Before entering a plea—whether guilty, not guilty, or no contest—you’ll want to consult with your lawyer. Pleading guilty too early can hurt your chances of avoiding harsher penalties.
Once the arraignment is over, the pre-trial phase begins. This is when your lawyer can file motions to strengthen your defense. Pre-trial motions can help dismiss charges, suppress evidence, or challenge the legality of certain aspects of the case. An experienced defense attorney will review the evidence against you, including witness statements, police reports, and forensic data. By identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, your lawyer can work to get your charges reduced or dismissed. At KAASS Law, we are dedicated to thoroughly examining every detail of your case and using all available legal tools to fight for you.
If your case proceeds to trial, the prosecution will present its evidence to the court. They must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This is where your defense attorney plays a critical role. Trials can be intimidating, but your lawyer will guide you through each step—from jury selection to closing arguments. Your attorney will challenge the prosecution’s evidence and cross-examine witnesses to expose inconsistencies. The goal is to create doubt about the prosecution’s case and prove that the evidence is insufficient to convict you. Our attorneys at KAASS Law have a proven track record of success in both state and federal courts. We have defended clients against serious felonies and misdemeanors alike. Our team includes notable USC and Southwestern University School of Law alumni, and we are proud to serve on the boards of both the Beverly Hills Bar Association and the Criminal Courts Bar Association.
If you're facing criminal charges in Los Angeles, Glendale, or the San Bernardino-Riverside Metropolitan Area, don’t wait to seek legal help. The criminal justice process can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At KAASS Law, we provide aggressive, high-quality representation to protect your rights at every step. Our criminal defense attorneys have a 99% success rate in dismissing first-time misdemeanor charges. Contact us today for a free consultation. We are ready to fight for your freedom and help you build a strong defense.
The annual H-1B cap is set at 65,000. There are additional 20,000 spots for foreign citizens with advanced degrees from US universities. However, certain organizations are exempt from the annual cap. Exempt organizations include institutions of higher education or related nonprofit entities, nonprofit research organizations, and governmental research organizations.
The H-1B petition may be approved for an initial maximum three-year period. Petition extensions may be obtained up to additional three years, for a total maximum period of stay of six years. When the employee reaches the limit, he must reside abroad for a period of one year before he can reenter US in the H-1B category.
Employers who are bringing workers in H-1B category must pay the employees the prevailing wage for the specialty occupation in the territory where the employment will take place. For instance, an Los Angeles Startup company is looking to hire a foreign software developer on H-1B visa basis. The company will have to pay the foreign worker the prevailing wage for software developers in Los Angeles. Information about prevailing wages for all the occupations in all the states can be obtained from the Foreign Labor Certification Data Center Online Wage Library.
If your company is seeking to sponsor an employee for an H-1B and is unfamiliar with the H-1B process, give our Business Startup attorneys a call. They will advise you on the requirements, help you decide what job title would be appropriate for the employee, and guide you through the process. Our attorneys specialize in other types of employment law matters as well.
Generally H-1B petitions can be filed up to six months before the intended commencement of employment. For cap purposes, the filing season for a given fiscal year starts on April 1 for employment starting on October 1. The annual cap is usually reached within a few days after April 1, therefore, employers willing to hire H-1B workers must have their H-1B petitions ready by April 1. In order to send the H-1B petition on April 1, employers must plan ahead to fulfill all the procedural requirements and to have all the supporting documents ready.
KAASS LAW Locations: Glendale: 815 East Colorado Street, Suite 220, Glendale, CA 91205 Los Angeles: 633 W 5th St 26th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071 San Bernardino: 570 West 4th Street Suite 300, San Bernardino, CA 92401