EB5 Capital Litigates USCIS’ Recent EB-5 Filing Fee Increases

WASHINGTON, April 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On April 22, 2024, EB5 Capital, along with Invest in the USA (IIUSA), the national EB-5 trade association serving the majority of active Regional Centers, and ten other Regional Centers, filed a lawsuit against the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The lawsuit, Civitas Capital Group et al. vs. USCIS et al., was filed in the District Court for the Northern District of Texas and challenges the “Final Rule” issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that concerns government filing fees for EB-5 related petitions.

The Final Rule issued by DHS on January 31, 2024, which went into effect on April 1, 2024, revised USCIS’ filing fees for all petitions and applications adjudicated by the agency. Civitas Capital Group et al. vs. USCIS et al. argues that the fee increases for EB-5 related petitions in this Final Rule are far greater both in dollar amounts and in percentage increase compared to any of the other increases in filing fees announced in this rule. “It is essential that USCIS abide by the rule of law in promulgating regulations. Its ongoing failure to do so diminishes the impact and integrity of the EB-5 Program,” commented Lulu Gordon, General Counsel for EB5 Capital. The lawsuit argues that the new fee structure violates several federal laws, including the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (RIA), the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), and the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), as well as internal guidelines established by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

“These increased fees are unreasonable and will burden our current and future investors,” said Ishaan Khanna, EB5 Capital’s Director of Business Development. Ishaan Khanna’s non-profit organization, The American Immigrant Investor Alliance (AIIA), which advocates for EB-5 investors’ rights, previously filed a similar lawsuit against USCIS in March.

For more information, a copy Civitas Capital Group et al. vs. USCIS et al. is available here.

About EB5 Capital

EB5 Capital provides qualified foreign investors with opportunities to invest in job-creating commercial real estate projects under the United States Immigrant Investor Program (EB-5 Visa Program). Headquartered in Washington, DC, EB5 Capital’s distinguished track record and leadership in the industry has attracted investors from over 75 countries. As one of the oldest and most active Regional Center operators in the country, the firm has raised over $1 billion of foreign capital across approximately 40 EB-5 projects. 100% of our investors’ funds are protected by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance prior to their deployment into our projects. Please visit www.eb5capital.com for more information.  

Contact:
Katherine Willis
Director, Marketing & Communications
media@eb5capital.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9107671

Arqit announces collaboration to deliver out-of-the-box post-quantum cryptography solutions

LONDON, April 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Arqit Quantum Inc. (Nasdaq: ARQQ, ARQQW) (Arqit), a leader in quantum-safe encryption, today announced the creation of the World’s First Quantum-Safe, 1.89 Tb IPsec products collaborating with Intel.

Arqit and Intel have joined forces for out-of-the-box post-quantum cryptography solutions using Arqit’s Symmetric Key Agreement Platform (SKA-Platform™) running on Intel Xeon Scalable processors. Combining Intel technologies with Arqit’s SKA-Platform™ achieves high-performance IPsec encryption, protecting against quantum attacks without compromising speed.

To find our more, join the Intel and Arqit webinar on 30th April 2024 REGISTER

David Williams, Arqit Founder, Chairman and CEO said:
“Our collaboration with Intel delivers the groundbreaking introduction of the world’s inaugural quantum-safe, 1.89 Tb IPsec solution. Cyber threats continue to become more sophisticated, including the imminent advent of quantum computing, enterprises seek robust defences. Our joint effort with Intel provides off-the-shelf products that not only harden networks but also make them quantum-safe whilst adhering to core standards like RFC 8784.”

Notes to Editors

Arqit representatives will be attending RSA (6-9 May 2024) and will be available for interview. www.rsaconference.com/usa.

Intel, the Intel logo, and other Intel marks are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries.

About Arqit

Arqit Quantum Inc. (Nasdaq: ARQQ, ARQQW) (Arqit) supplies a unique encryption software service which makes the communications links of any networked device, cloud machine or data at rest secure against both current and future forms of attack on encryption – even from a quantum computer. Compatible with NSA CSfC Components and meeting the demands of NSA CSfC Symmetric Key Management Requirements Annexe 1.2. and RFC 8784, Arqit’s Symmetric Key Agreement Platform uses a lightweight software agent that allows end point devices to create encryption keys locally in partnership with any number of other devices. The keys are computationally secure and facilitate Zero Trust Network Access. It can create limitless volumes of keys with any group size and refresh rate and can regulate the secure entrance and exit of a device in a group. The agent is lightweight and will thus run on the smallest of end point devices. The product sits within a growing portfolio of granted patents. It also works in a standards compliant manner which does not oblige customers to make a disruptive rip and replace of their technology. Arqit is winner of two GSMA Global Mobile Awards, The Best Mobile Security Solution and The CTO Choice Award for Outstanding Mobile Technology, at Mobile World Congress 2024, recognised for groundbreaking innovation at the 2023 Institution of Engineering and Technology Awards and winner of the National Cyber Awards’ Innovation in Cyber Award and the Cyber Security Awards’ Cyber Security Software Company of the Year Award. Arqit is ISO 27001 Standard certified. www.arqit.uk

Media relations enquiries:
Arqit: pr@arqit.uk

Investor relations enquiries:
Arqit: investorrelations@arqit.uk
Gateway: arqit@gateway-grp.com

Caution About Forward-Looking Statements

This communication includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, may be forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on Arqit’s expectations and beliefs concerning future events and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. These factors are difficult to predict accurately and may be beyond Arqit’s control. Forward-looking statements in this communication or elsewhere speak only as of the date made. New uncertainties and risks arise from time to time, and it is impossible for Arqit to predict these events or how they may affect it. Except as required by law, Arqit does not have any duty to, and does not intend to, update or revise the forward-looking statements in this communication or elsewhere after the date this communication is issued. In light of these risks and uncertainties, investors should keep in mind that results, events or developments discussed in any forward-looking statement made in this communication may not occur. Uncertainties and risk factors that could affect Arqit’s future performance and cause results to differ from the forward-looking statements in this release include, but are not limited to: (i) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against the Arqit, (ii) the ability to maintain the listing of Arqit’s securities on a national securities exchange, (iii) changes in the competitive and regulated industries in which Arqit operates, variations in operating performance across competitors and changes in laws and regulations affecting Arqit’s business, (iv) the ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations, and identify and realise additional opportunities, (v) the potential inability of Arqit to successfully deliver its operational technology, (vi) the risk of interruption or failure of Arqit’s information technology and communications system, (vii) the enforceability of Arqit’s intellectual property, and (viii) other risks and uncertainties set forth in the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in Arqit’s annual report on Form 20-F (the “Form 20-F”), filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on 21 November 2023 and in subsequent filings with the SEC. While the list of factors discussed above and in the Form 20-F and other SEC filings are considered representative, no such list should be considered to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. Unlisted factors may present significant additional obstacles to the realisation of forward-looking statements.

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 9107084

Anti-polio vaccination campaign begins in 91 districts from today

Anti-polio vaccination campaign begins in ninety one selected districts of the country from today. More than twenty four million children under the age of five years will be administered anti-polio vaccine during the campaign. The campaign is being held in ten districts of Punjab, 24 districts of Sindh, 26 districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 30 districts of Balochistan, and the federal capital Islamabad. Source: Radio Pakistan

MediaTek’s Next Flagship Chip Confirmed to Launch on May 17

Rumors are circulating about a forthcoming Vivo X100s, anticipated to debut in May, equipped with a Dimensity 9300+ leading the charge. Although no precise date has been disclosed, a promising contender has emerged - MediaTek's official announcement confirms the 9300+ chip revelation on May 7 (next Tuesday). While Vivo isn't explicitly mentioned, the chipset's introduction may precede the phone's release. However, what the company does emphasize is the AI capabilities set to shine on the new chipset - with the conference theme aptly named 'AI for Everything'. Leaks have already mentioned most of what the MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ is going to bring compared to the original Dimensity 9300. The flagship chip's prime CPU core will be a Cortex X4 clocked at 3.4GHz, which is an upgrade over Dimensity 9300's 3.25GHz. The performance cores (four X4 cores) and efficiency cores (A720 cores) will maintain the same clock speed at 2.85GHz and 2.0GHz, respectively. AI is set to play a significant role in both the new ch ipset and the upcoming vivo X100s. Vivo has provided demo images illustrating how the phone can utilize generative AI to capture a photo and alter the weather. While details about the 'APU' (AI Processing Unit) in the 9300 remain scarce, it's likely to receive enhancements alongside the CPU. The Dimensity 9200+ made its debut at last year's MediaTek Dimensity Developer Conference on May 10. The 9300+, slated to be the highlight of the 2024 conference, promises not only CPU improvements but also a GPU overclock. It has garnered interest from Vivo (for the X90 series), as well as Oppo and Xiaomi. At the same time, MediaTek is also busy finalizing its next-generation top-tier chip, the Dimensity 9400, which is set to release by the end of 2024. Source: Pro Pakistani

Tandoor Owners Defy Government’s Naan Price Regulation

Despite government directives to sell naan at Rs. 20, tandoor owners in Taxila and Wah are still charging Rs. 25, challenging authorities' authority. The provincial government had issued a notification fixing the price of a standard 120-gram naan at Rs20, with strict enforcement responsibilities given to assistant commissioners and price control magistrates. However, the Naanbai Association persists in selling naan at higher rates, disregarding the mandated lower prices. Residents of these areas have expressed disappointment over the lack of price reduction, noting that roti is still being sold at Rs20 despite the government's directive to sell it at Rs. 16. Zohaib Salman from Muslim Colony and Mushtaq Turk from Banni Mohallah voiced concerns over the defiance of tandoors and naanbais regarding the official price list. Former member Punjab Assembly Prof Waqas Khan criticized the local administration for its passive approach towards enforcing the price regulations. He highlighted the absence of official pri ce list displays at tandoors in Taxila and Wah. In response, Mohammad Qadeem, Vice President of the Nanbai Association, cited the absence of government subsidies on gas and electricity for tandoors using Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) as a reason for the inability to reduce prices. Qadeem emphasized the necessity of subsidies on flour and LPG to enable compliance with government-mandated prices. Assistant Commissioner Salman Akbar Warraich assured strict action against violators, noting fines totaling Rs. 95,000 imposed on 15 tandoors and naanbais. Three naanbais were even jailed for repeated violations. Price magistrates have been assigned specific duties to ensure adherence to the new roti and naan prices. Source: Pro Pakistani

Rabia Ahmad Steps into CEO Role at Nutshell Group

Nutshell Group, a leading player in Pakistan's communication and strategic engagements domain, proudly announces the promotion of Rabia Shoaib Ahmad to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nutshell Group. Rabia Ahmad takes on her new role, marking a significant milestone in the company's journey towards diversity, inclusion, and amplified female leadership. Under Rabia's leadership, Nutshell Group is poised to make significant contributions to the corporate landscape. Muhammad Azfar Ahsan, Founder and Chairman, Nutshell Group, commented: 'Rabia's strategic acumen, coupled with a passion for excellence and a focus on empowering teams, will guide the company through its next phase of growth and expansion.' Commenting on Rabia's dedication to the company's vision, Usman Yousaf, Director, Nutshell Communications, said: 'I wish Rabia success in her new role and look forward to collaborating closely with her to execute our strategic vision and deliver outstanding results for our stakeholders. Together, we will bui ld on our past achievements and create an even brighter future for Nutshell Group.' Previously serving as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Nutshell Group, Rabia has been promoted for the second time in her three-year stint at the organization. Rabia brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of excellence and dynamism. Speaking about her new role, Rabia Ahmad shared: 'I am highly honored and very excited to take on the role of CEO at the company I have enjoyed building alongside a stellar team of professionals. While I am extremely grateful to our partners and Board for their faith in my capabilities, I am also eager to follow through with our legacy of Opportunity, Access, and Excellence. I have complete trust in our teams, and look forward to continually innovating, adapting, and driving the company toward excellence.' Nutshell Group has always been at the forefront of promoting women's empowerment within its ranks. With this appointment, the company not only reaffirms its dedication to diversity but also sets a powerful example for the industry at large. Source: Pro Pakistani