This is the fourth post in a series that discusses how EB-5 investors and their dependents can maintain eligibility for permanent residence and I-829 Petition approval. This blog focuses on criminal issues and tax issues.

President Trump’s Executive Order, along with a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) implementation memorandum, prioritizes removable aliens who:

• Have been convicted of any criminal offense;
• Have been charged with any criminal offense that has not been resolved; and
• Have committed acts that constitute a chargeable criminal offense.

Importantly, a criminal conviction is not required for USCIS to start the deportation process for an EB-5 investor or any of his or her dependent family members. Any CPR who has been arrested anywhere in the world for any infraction should reach out to his or her immigration attorney to determine the best course of action.

EB-5 investors and their dependents should disclose to their attorney all arrests and encounters with law enforcement. Even if previous visa applications have been approved in the past, or if an arrest or conviction occurred a very long time ago or for a very minor infraction, such arrest can lead to the initiation of deportation proceedings in the U.S. Failure to disclose arrests or convictions can lead to an I-829 Petition denial and the start of deportation proceedings.

Finally, conditional permanent residents and permanent residents alike are subject to the U.S. tax rules, and may be considered a “resident” for tax purposes if he or she is maintaining her permanent residence in the U.S. as outlined in our previous blog, including being physically present in the U.S. for more than six months a year. Failure to file tax returns as a “resident” of the U.S. when an investor and/or his or her dependents are required to do so could result in the denial of an I-829 Petition. The EB-5 investor can contact his or her accountant for more information.