Robert C. Divine of Baker Donelson has been recognized in EB-5 Investors Magazine's list of "Top Attorneys in Specialized Fields." This list features attorneys who are recognized in specialized EB-5 practice groups, which focus on EB-5 policy and lobbying matters, complex cases and immigration compliance. This is Mr. Divine's seventh consecutive year to be included on the "Top Attorneys" lists, having previously been recognized among the "Top 25 Immigration Attorneys" and "Top EB-5 Attorneys."
Mr. Divine is the leader of Baker Donelson's Immigration Group and a shareholder in the Firm's Washington, D.C. and Chattanooga offices. He has extensive experience serving clients throughout the world in the arrangement of all types of business-based temporary and permanent immigration status. Mr. Divine represents many business developers in creating, managing and using "Regional Centers" that can create indirect jobs toward the 10 new U.S. jobs whose creation can give rise to EB-5 permanent residence for investment in the developers' projects. For seven years he was elected vice president of the national industry association of EB-5 Regional Centers, Association to Invest in USA (IIUSA). In 2018, Mr. Divine was recognized at the IIUSA's EB-5 Industry Achievement Awards with the "EB-5 Hero" award and the "Industry Thought Leader" award for his service and contributions to the industry.
From 2004 through 2006, Mr. Divine served as Chief Counsel of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and also served as Acting Director and Acting Deputy Director of USCIS between 2005 and 2006, spearheading the USCIS Transformation Program, testifying in Congress about the E-Verify system, enhancing operational security, and increasing transparency of rules and procedures. He is a frequent speaker on U.S. and international immigration rules, policies and procedures and has authored Immigration Practice since 1994.
EB-5 Investors Magazine provides a platform for skilled EB-5 professionals to discuss pressing matters and keep readers up to date on the constantly changing law and legislation pertaining to EB-5. Honorees in the EB-5 "Top Attorney" lists are selected through an EB-5 industry-wide vote and input and analysis from the magazine's editorial board and in-house team. Candidates are evaluated based on their experience in the industry as well as their track record and reputation within the field.