We Know Why!
Earlier Today, When Asked Why His EB-5 Lobbying Has Become A Scandal Terry McAuliffe Said “I Don’t Know”
According To A DHS Inspector General Report, A Top DHS Official “Intervened In An Administrative Appeal Related To The Denial” For Funding For A Company Of “Which Terry McAuliffe Was The Board Chairman.” “Mr. Mayorkas intervened in an administrative appeal related to the denial of a regional center’s application to receive EB-5 funding to manufacture electric cars through investments in a company in which Terry McAuliffe was the board chairman. This intervention was unprecedented and, because of the political prominence of the individuals involved, as well as USCIS’ traditional deference to its administrative appeals process, staff perceived it as politically motivated.” (“Investigation Into Employee Complaints About Management Of U.S. Citizenship And Immigration Services’ EB-5 Program,” Department Of Homeland Security, Office Of The Inspector General, 3/24/15)
- The IG Report Found That “This Intervention Was Unprecedented And, Because Of The Political Prominence Of The Individuals Involved, As Well As USCIS’ Traditional Deference To Its Administrative Appeals Process, Staff Perceived It As Politically Motivated” “This intervention was unprecedented and, because of the political prominence of the individuals involved, as well as USCIS’ traditional deference to its administrative appeals process, staff perceived it as politically motivated.” (“Investigation Into Employee Complaints About Management Of U.S. Citizenship And Immigration Services’ EB-5 Program,” Department Of Homeland Security, Office Of The Inspector General, 3/24/15)
McAuliffe’s Lobbying Efforts Were Described As “Persistent And Obnoxious.” “In an extended response from Mayorkas included in the report, McAuliffe was described as persistent and obnoxious as he objected to actions taken by lower level staff in the department. At the time, McAuliffe’s company was working Gulf Coast Funds Management, a firm that specializes in obtaining EB-5 visas for investors. Gulf Coast was led by Anthony Rodham, brother of then-Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.” (Tom Hamburger and Rachel Weiner, “Report: VA Governor Received Special Treatment From Homeland Security,” The Washington Post, 3/24/15)