Prepared Statement of Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa

Ranking Member, Senate Committee on the Judiciary

"Reauthorizing the EB-5 Regional Center Program: Promoting Job Creation

and Economic Development in American Communities"

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Today, this committee will focus on the EB-5 Regional Center program.  This program, now 21 years old, was created with the intention to benefit American communities through investment and job creation.  Certainly, at a time of economic uncertainty, high national unemployment, and stagnate growth, we must consider all the tools at our disposal to increase economic activity.  While I have supported the EB-5 Regional Center program in the past, I do hope to hear how this program can better serve our nation's needs in the future.  Today's hearing is a way for us to conduct our constitutional duty of oversight.  It's important for us to review the EB-5 program, determine if it's truly creating jobs, and hear whether the program is increasing economic activity in areas that need it most.

The EB-5 Regional Center program is set to expire on September 31, 2012.  I hope to work with the Chairman on re-authorizing a reformed and more cost efficient program, in addition to several other immigration programs that will expire at the same time.  We need to enact reforms that will make the EB-5 Regional Center program worth keeping around.

Some may argue that the EB-5 Regional Center program is doing very little to stimulate the economy.  I appreciate the administration's recent attempt to focus energy and attention on reforming the program and increase participation in regional centers.  The changes they institute may help, but at the end of the day, one fact remains:  the program is simply a way for wealthy investors to buy a greencard - not only for themselves, but for their families.  No skills or management experience is needed.  One only needs to write a check to gain entry into the United States.  While taking a financial risk in projects or businesses in the United States is admirable, evidence suggests that it's not doing enough to spur real job creation.

Since Congress capped the number of employment based immigrants that are allowed entry into the U.S. each year, it's important that we utilize those visas to the best extent possible.  We must have an immigration system that is based on merit.  We should be taking the best and brightest.  We can afford to be choosey, so we must elect to provide immigrant visas to those with tremendous skills that will benefit our country in the long term.

So, in that vein, we must figure out where the EB-5 Regional Center program fits into the equation.  Is the EB-5 program attracting the individuals we need, or are we simply selling visas to the highest bidders?

I want to take a moment to express serious concern about reports that the EB-5 Regional Center program is creating jobs for people in this country illegally.  The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' Administrative Appeals Office (AAO) reviewed the application for one investor in a South Dakota regional center.  The AAO said that the agency was correct in denying his request for greencard status because the employees were in the country illegally.  If we're going to allow wealthy foreign nationals to enter the U.S. under the guise of creating jobs, I'd sure hope that U.S. citizens are the benefactors.  I'd like to hear today about how the centers create jobs, how they report this information to the federal government, and whether USCIS is doing substantial auditing of centers to verify the information received from the regional centers.

We must also do a better job of rooting out abuse by EB-5 promoters abroad.  Reuters recently reported on how cash-hungry American businesses are working abroad to promote the EB-5 regional center program.  Many of these EB-5 promoters are mischaracterizing the program, luring investors here and robbing them of the American dream.  In fact, China has reportedly put restrictions on these promoters.  When asked by Reuters, both the USCIS and the Securities and Exchange Commission were unaware of any marketing abuses.  Maybe it's time these agencies wake up and figure out what's truly going on.

I'd like to work with Chairman Leahy on ways to strengthen oversight over the program.  I think he may have some good ideas for doing that, including requiring more reporting by the centers and ending centers that aren't producing as they promised.  In addition to restoring program integrity, I think it's important to consider whether the dollar amounts should be raised.  They have remained at $500,000 and $1 million since the early 1990s.  Finally, we must close any loophole that allows a foreign investor to bring capital to the table, receive a greencard, and then withdraw his financial support and walk away from the regional center.

I realize we could have testimony from every single regional center in the program citing the benefits that foreign investments have provided their community.  I appreciate Mr. Stenger appearing before us again today and sharing with us how the program has benefited Northern Vermont.

Conversely, I look forward to hearing from Mr. North, a fellow from the Center for Immigration Studies.  Mr. North will provide a different perspective that exposes some of the problems with the program, and highlight how some bad actors have tarnished the program's reputation.  I also look forward to hearing from Mr. Devine, who has had the experience of overseeing the operation of the program when he worked as Chief Counsel and Acting Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service.

Thank you for holding this hearing, Mr. Chairman.  I look forward to listening to our witnesses.

ST. LOUIS (Dec. 6, 2011) - The national soybean checkoff just wrapped up its first 20 years, but the work doesn't end there. As the United Soybean Board (USB) launches into the next 20 years, new U.S. soybean farmer-leaders take the reins and plan to continue the focus on creating profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers.

USB farmer-directors elected Vanessa Kummer (Koo-mer) as chairperson on Dec. 6, during the checkoff's annual meeting. The Colfax, N.D., soybean farmer will have a busy agenda leading the soybean checkoff's implementation of a new strategic plan. Kummer looks at addressing recommendations from a farmer-driven assessment of USB and help lead the U.S. soybean industry. She will continue to shepherd the checkoff as it looks to increase soybean farmers' profitability in an ever-evolving industry.

"It is our vision to make U.S. soybeans the leader in the global oilseed industry," says Kummer. "We plan to create and maintain partnerships to keep U.S. soybean farmers profitable."  Kummer is the first woman elected to chair the national soybean checkoff.

The team set to lead USB and help the soybean checkoff meet global customer demands with Kummer includes the following officers:

• Jim Stillman, Emmetsburg, Iowa as Vice Chair;
• Jim Call, Madison, Minn., as Secretary;
• Bob Haselwood, Berryton, Kan., as Treasurer;
• Lewis Bainbridge, Ethan, S.D.
• Russ Carpenter, Trumansburg, N. Y.
• Sharon Covert, Tiskilwa, Ill.
• Jim Schriver, Montpelier, Ind.
• Jimmy Sneed, Hernando, Miss.
• Rick Stern, Cream Ridge, N.J.

Marc Curtis, a soybean farmer from Leland, Miss., will continue to serve on the leadership team as past chair.

"We have a great direction and a good team to make things happen," adds Kummer. "We're excited to help direct action that will increase soy's value for all U.S. soybean farmers."

In 2012, the soybean checkoff plans to focus on specific, new strategic objectives. They include directing soybean checkoff dollars to improve U.S. soybean meal and oil, helping ensure U.S. soybean farmers have the freedom and adequate transportation infrastructure to operate and meeting the needs customers of U.S. soy here at home and abroad. In addition, USB made supporting the biggest domestic user of soy, U.S. poultry, livestock and fish farmers, its top priority.

USB is made up of 69 farmer-directors who oversee the investments of the soybean checkoff on behalf of all U.S. soybean farmers. Checkoff funds are invested in the areas of animal utilization, human utilization, industrial utilization, industry relations, market access and supply. As stipulated in the Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soybean checkoff.

For more information on the United Soybean Board, visit www.unitedsoybean.org
Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/UnitedSoybeanBoard
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/unitedsoy
View our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/UnitedSoybeanBoard

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Friends,

On behalf of my wife Gloria and I, our dedicated and talented campaign staff, the army of Herman Cain volunteers and all who worked tirelessly to make this campaign an amazing experience, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I am grateful for all those who donated precious time and hard-earned money to support and promote this extraordinary crusade for positive change for the country we love so much.  Your passionate support was inspiring.

You're not defeated as long as you never stop fighting. And while my presidential campaign is suspended, it's important to remember that my pursuit of the presidency was only a means to an end. As long as the end is achieved, victory will be at hand.

I'm disappointed we did not achieve the ultimate outcome of winning the Presidency, but make no mistake: You made an astonishing and long-lasting impact, not only on this election - but on the entire American political discourse for years to come.

It is my strong intent going forward to assist not only other campaigns, but to influence the entire political landscape. We will continue to evaluate that influence, how it can be improved, and what can be done to persuade others to promote and implement our bold solutions.

I continue to be dedicated to making positive change in our economy, our culture and our country. God bless you, and God bless America.

Your friend,


Herman Cain

CANTON, MO. (12/06/2011)(readMedia)-- Kirsten Sindelar, junior musical theatre major from Sherrard Ill. will take part in Culver-Stockton College's upcoming theatre experience "A Weekend of One-Acts." Throughout the weekend Culver-Stockton College students will take the lead onstage and behind the scenes during "A Weekend of One-Acts." The annual student-led productions will take place Saturday, Dec. 10 through Monday, Dec. 12 in the Mabee Little Theatre inside the Robert W. Brown Performing Arts Center. As part of experiential learning at C-SC, the six students will take responsibility for all aspects of the show as each chooses a play, casts performers and crew and takes charge of directing and producing his or her chosen work.

The productions will include :

"Central Park West" directed by Dakota McKee, senior theatre major from Pittsfield, Ill. Cast members include Lisa Button, sophomore accounting major from Adel, Iowa; Morgan Hakenwerth, freshmen psychology major from Wentzville, Mo.; Brant Beckman, senior history major from St. Louis, Mo.; Nick Johnson, junior theatre major from Fieldon, Ill.; and Alaura Cowart, senior psychology major from Greencastle, Mo.

"For Whom the Southern Bell Tolls" directed by Meghan Townley, junior media communication major from Quincy, Ill. Cast members include Jeffery DeGraw, senior art management major from Canton, Mo.; Sean McAvoy, junior history major from Bluffton, Ind.; and Kayla Pickel, senior criminal justice major from Owaneco, Ill.

"Hotline" directed by Kiana Reed, junior speech and theatre education major from Chicago, Ill. Cast members include Patrick Espanol, junior speech communication major; William Cooper, sophomore art management major from Sikeston, Mo.; Erin Carmdoy, senior speech and theatre major from St. Louis, Mo. Josh Koehler, senior music major from Jackson, Mo.; Brittney Turnbow, sophomore elementary education major from Quincy, Ill.; and Dillion Kelly, sophomore criminal justice major from Toulon, Ill.

"Strawberry Envy" directed by Joey Burbach, senior theatre major from Grant City, Mo. Cast members include Tim Maples, junior musical theatre major from Chicago, Ill.; Hollyann Lillie, junior musical theatre major from Roscoe, Ill.; and Dylan Gauldin, sophomore criminal justice major from O'Fallon, Mo.

"Old Saybrook" directed by Ian Heath, senior theatre major from St. Louis, Mo. Cast members include Kirsten Sindelar, junior musical theatre major from Sherrard, Ill.; Ryan DeGraw, junior speech major from Canton, Mo.; Lina Schiel, sophomore math major; Josh Kollitz, sophomore music major from Grant City, Mo.; Ben Brown, freshman English major from Lincoln, Neb.; and Angie Faoro, sophomore English education major.

A production will also be directed by William Townsend, sophomore speech and theatre education major from Goodman, Mo.

Performances will be divided into time slots as Group A and Group B. Performance dates and times are: Dec. 10 - Group A at 3 p.m. and Group B at 7:30 p.m. On Dec. 11 - Group B will perform at 3 p.m. On Dec. 12 - Group A will perform at 7:30 p.m.

"A Weekend of One-Acts" is the students' time to explore all aspects of the expressive power of drama and performance from comedy to bitter tragedy. There is no admission charge to the performances and the public is welcome, but some material presented may be appropriate for mature audiences only. For further information, contact the Culver-Stockton College Fine Arts Office at (573) 288-6346.