Access to accurate and timely information is paramount for fostering transparency and accountability within the EB-5 stakeholder community, involving crucial entities such as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the Department of State (DOS), and other relevant government agencies. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests give the public immense power to foster accountability on their own, providing a legal avenue for EB-5 stakeholders, including the American Immigrant Investor Alliance (AIIA), to obtain critical data and documents from government agencies. By utilizing FOIAs, the EB-5 community can access information pertaining to visa processing, policy changes, and other pertinent matters. This transparency ensures that stakeholders, from investors to project developers, are well-informed and equipped to navigate the dynamic landscape of the EB-5 program.

The collaborative utilization of FOIAs promotes accountability not only within individual agencies but across the entire EB-5 ecosystem. USCIS and the IPO hold vital information that influences the decisions and investments of EB-5 stakeholders. By actively seeking transparency through FOIA requests, AIIA encourages these agencies to adhere to open communication practices and provide the necessary data for informed decision-making. The American Immigrant Investor Alliance’s advocacy in filing FOIAs exemplifies its commitment to fostering a transparent and accountable environment, ensuring that stakeholders have the data they need to navigate the complexities of the EB-5 program and make well-informed choices. So far, it has brought about the first look into I-526E inventories held at the IPO, important information about arbitrary denials and source of funds issues, as well as staffing and administrative data from USCIS and IPO.