The EB-5 visa program, whether executed via the widely praised regional center pilot program or a direct investment regime, is unique, valuable and has a generally successful history. It adds jobs and it get the investor his or her, and their family, the precious green cards. This paper addresses the additional safeguards provided by U.S. securities laws for foreign investors, as well as the risks to these same investors when working with a regional center or direct investment entity that elects to ignore these laws.