Transatlantic Commercial Real Estate Investments – Where Are We Now? And Where Are We Heading?

As the United States prepares for a second Trump Presidency, foreign commercial real estate investors who had to adapt to the post-Pandemic environment now need to consider what the new Trump Administration has in store. What can the EB-5 industry expect from a second Trump Presidency? Will the President Elect’s vision for a merit-based immigration system result in a more streamlined pathway to residency? Will his emphasis on deregulation streamline processes for foreign investors looking to establish businesses in the U.S with tax cuts and less red tape?

Start your week with a deep dive into the EB-5 program and what opportunities there are for investors, developers, and tenants from Europe and beyond in this new normal era.

TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION

• What is the EB-5 Program?
• How is commercial real estate development used as a medium for the attainment of the Green Card through the EB-5 Program?
• Who typically invests in the EB-5 Program?
• What are the prospects for EB-5 growth and continuity under the new Administration?
• What EB-5 challenges may lie ahead: processing delays and stricter scrutiny
• What are the tax considerations and filings requirements once EB5 visa is obtained?
• Is there a ripple effect between the EB5- program and H-1B, opportunities and challenges?
• What does the promise of smart, merit-based immigration mean?
• Deregulation, tax cuts and DOGE: are these advantages for those considering EB5?
• What are the tax incentives under the new administration related to real estate?

SPEAKERS

• Leandro Barbuscio, International Tax Principal – Kaufman Rossin [Moderator]
• Scott Bettridge, Chair Immigration Practice – Cozen O’Connor
• Andrea Devis-Focke, Director, Investor Relations – EB5 Capital
• Makiel Morciego, Director Federal International Tax – Kaufman Rossin

**REGISTER HERE FOR REMOTE PARTICIPATION**

SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES

Leandro BARBUSCIO

Leandro Barbuscio leads Kaufman Rossin’s international business services practice. He advises foreign clients on tax-efficient strategies and structuring options for investing in the U.S., expanding their businesses to the U.S., and acquiring U.S. real estate. He has extensive experience helping clients interested in buying and selling U.S. real estate navigate the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act (FIRPTA). His expertise also goes beyond tax, including accounting, reporting, and business plans for immigration purposes.
From an outbound perspective, Leandro helps domestic clients minimize U.S. taxation of their foreign businesses, while complying with U.S. accounting provisions. In addition, he specializes in voluntary disclosures programs.  Leandro’s clients include foreign nationals, real estate private equity funds, property management companies, and other entrepreneurial businesses in a variety of industries.  He joined Kaufman Rossin in 2000, is a Certified Public Accountant in Florida, and he is on the IRS’ list of Certifying Acceptance Agents. He is bilingual in English and Spanish.

Scott BETTRIDGE

Scott Bettridge chairs Cozen O’Connor’s Immigration Practice and represents both corporate and individual clients in all aspects related to U.S. immigration law. Scott’s corporate clients include major global organizations in the financial services, hospitality, fashion, media, IT, energy, agriculture, insurance, and health care sectors, along with organizations specializing in professional services, athletics and private club industries. Scott also represents individuals with entrepreneurial options, as well as with family-based immigration matters. He also represents both regional centers and individual investors in the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program.

Andrea DEVIS FOCKE

Andrea is the Director of Investor Relations for EB5 Capital, a real estate investment firm headquartered in Washington, D.C. that finances commercial real estate developments with capital of international investors seeking to attain their U.S. residency through the EB-5 Program. Based in Miami, Andrea is responsible for managing the company’s operations across Latin America and Brazil. She cultivates strategic partnerships and leads investors through the investment process. Andrea is also a member of the Membership & Investor Market Development Committee for IIUSA and is a regular speaker and panelist at immigration conferences. Prior to joining EB5 Capital, she worked at an investment banking and services firm, and at a risk management firm in Washington, D.C. Andrea received a MA in Real Estate Finance from Georgetown University, a L.L.M. in International and European Business Law from Université Jean Moulin in France, and a BA in International Affairs from The George Washington University. She is fluent in Spanish, English, and German, and proficient in French.

Makiel MORCIEGO

Makiel joined Kaufman Rossin in 2015. He is a director in the international tax advisory practice where he manages tax engagements for foreign and domestic clients investing in US and foreign businesses. Makiel focuses on international tax planning, preparation, and tax research with the goal of understanding all options for his clients and recommending the best possible tax strategy. He also recruits, trains, and manages tax professionals on his team with the goal of delivering exceptional services to clients in a fast-paced growing market. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting and his Master of Science in Taxation from Florida International University. He is a Certified Public Accountant.