Lion’s Regional Center, LLC Granted Approval by the USCIS to Participate in Immigration Investor Program

Philadelphia, PA (July 22, 2013) – Lion’s Regional Center (LRC) in partnership with ARC Properties, Inc.  announced today that after a year-long application process, it has been approved by the United States Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) to participate in the EB-5 Visa Immigration Investor Program as a regional center, covering the city of Philadelphia and surrounding counties in NJ and PA.   

USCIS also approved LRC’s Franklin Square Project as one supported by an exemplar Form I-526 and can move forward immediately on recruiting investors for the project. 

Through the EB-5 Visa Program, LRC and partner ARC Properties will be able to facilitate the Franklin Square Project, a development project based in Philadelphia. In addition, Lion’s Regional Center will be able to invest in qualified investment opportunities that will spur additional job creation and economic stimulus.  “We are thrilled to have the approval of the Regional Center and to put forth an exemplar project,” says Chaim Katzap, President of Lion’s Property Development Group, LLC.  “Whenever an investment benefits a community or neighborhood in need, we consider that a great business opportunity,” according to Robert Ambrosi, CEO ARC Properties.

 “Many people are still struggling despite the slowly-recovering economy.  The people of Philadelphia welcome any individuals who are willing to invest in our communities,” says Congressman Brady of Pennsylvania.   “The EB-5 Visa Program not only provides opportunity for foreign nationals, but also creates jobs and improves our cities by expanding the investor pool for business and development.”

LRC worked closely with Pennsylvania’s Senator Bob Casey, Congressman Robert Brady and Governor Tom Corbett on ensuring that this project and its importance to Pennsylvania was at top of mind for USCIS decision makers.  Additionally LRC teamed with O’Neill and Associates and Dilworth Paxson LLP.  

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About EB-5 Visa Program

The EB-5 Visa Program provides the opportunity for foreign nationals to gain a U.S. Visa in exchange for investing $1 million or $500,000 in a U.S. business or project and creating at least 10 new jobs.  To satisfy program requirements, the foreign investments must create an original business, fundamentally restructure an existing business, expand an existing business so that it grows by 140% in jobs or net worth, or retain all jobs in an existing troubled business that has lost 20% of its net worth over the past 1-2 years. 

About Lion’s Regional Center, LLC

Lion’s Regional Center Is a partnership between Lion’s Regional Center LLC and ARC Properties. LRC is an operating company formed and designed to facilitate investments in connection with applications for EB-5 visas through the Pilot Program. The Lion's Regional Center, LLC is the general partner and operator of the Limited Partnership in which investors will make their EB-5 Investment.

About Dilworth Paxon

Founded in 1933, Dilworth Paxson conducts a broad and diverse regional law practice representing non-profit foundations, a wide variety of clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to closely-held businesses, governmental entities and individuals.

About O’Neill and Associates

O’Neill and Associates is led by former Massachusetts Lt. Governor Thomas P. O’Neill III. The agency employs senior level professionals to help clients define the right messages and get those messages to target audiences, including government officials, the media, community leaders and consumers. O’Neill and Associates serves clients in diverse industries, including energy, financial services, transportation, health care, hospitality, homeland security, education, technology and real estate development.