As USCIS continues to refine its adjudication of Form I-956F, understanding the distinction between approved and non-approved projects has become one of the most critical factors for EB-5 investors navigating the market today. In this webinar, we’ll examine how I-956F approval status can significantly influence the processing timelines and outcomes of your I-526E petition, what the recent regulatory and procedural changes mean for your case if it is currently in the queue, and what key factors to look for when evaluating projects. Walk away with a clearer understanding of how to evaluate your options and make more informed decisions as you move forward in your EB-5 journey.
Webinar date: June 12 at 9 a.m. PST
Panelist:
- Claudia I. Ortega of EB5LA
- Alex Kim
- Jose Tadeu C. Ferreira
Bios
Claudia I. Ortega is a seasoned real estate and investment professional with more than 20 years of experience spanning residential and commercial real estate, mortgage lending, investor advisory, and strategic market positioning. Her career has been deeply rooted in guiding sophisticated buyers, sellers, and business owners through complex real estate transactions, capital structuring, and market-driven decision-making across multiple U.S. markets.
As a licensed real estate broker and former mortgage company owner, Ortega has overseen transactions involving residential portfolios, commercial properties, and development-oriented assets, with a strong command of underwriting standards, capital stacks, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation. Her background includes structuring and reviewing conventional, government-backed, and alternative financing solutions, experience that aligns directly with the financial and asset-backed fundamentals of EB-5 investment projects.
Ortega is also recognized for her leadership in public policy advocacy and consumer protection. She has actively participated in congressional meetings in Washington, D.C., lobbying for consumer rights in housing and lending, and working alongside federal agencies, financial institutions, and elected officials to advance responsible homeownership and transparency in real estate finance. This policy-facing experience provides her with a nuanced understanding of regulatory frameworks and investor protections which are critical components of the EB-5 ecosystem.
Ortega has led large-scale public education initiatives and media campaigns, serving as a spokesperson across television, radio, print, and digital platforms. She is known for her ability to translate complex financial and real estate concepts into clear, investor-focused narratives, bridging the gap between technical detail and strategic vision.
Alex Kim is an Associate with Fragomen, where he focuses on the EB 5 Immigrant Investor Program. He advises individuals and families throughout the EB 5 process, including source of funds strategy, investor petitions (I 526/I 526E), adjustment of status or consular processing, and removal of conditions. Alex is known for delivering clear, practical guidance on complex financial tracing and helping clients navigate evolving EB 5 requirements with confidence.
Jose Tadeu C. Ferreira, Esq. is a partner of Leaf, Ferreira, de Araujo LLC, a boutique law firm focused on the highly specialized fields of foreign investment and self-initiated immigration.
Mr. Ferreira has extensive experience with immigrant and non-immigrant categories, including EB-1A (Extraordinary Ability Alien) and EB-5 (Investment) immigration petitions, as well as E-2 (Treaty Investors), L-1A (Multinational Manager/Executive) and H-1B (Specialty Occupation), among others. Mr. Ferreira has advised multinational corporations, successful entrepreneurs, and leading executives on immigration strategy. Today, Mr. Ferreira represents leading banks, telecommunications companies, consulting firms, and affluent families. Mr. Ferreira holds a Juris Doctor from Florida International University. While at Florida International University, Mr. Ferreira was selected to participate in the Honors Internship Program at the Securities & Exchange Commission. Having exceeded expectations at the SEC, Mr. Ferreira’s internship was extended. As a result, he was given further responsibilities, including participating in the SEC investigations, oversight of EB-5 Regional Centers, as well as participation in Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) investigations. Mr. Ferreira is admitted to practice law in the State of Florida.
EDUCATION Florida International University School of Law| J.D., 2014 Florida International University| B.A., in International Relations
PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS / MEMBERSHIPS Bar Admission: U.S. (Florida), 2014 Membership: American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)