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Watchdog Says SLS Las Vegas Got Green Light With Reid's Help

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Homeland Security's inspector general says applications for immigration visas for investors in the SLS Las Vegas casino-hotel development were sped through the approvals process with pressure from Sen. Harry Reid who leaned on the director of the agency overseeing the visa program to make it happen.

A report released Wednesday said SLS received special treatment when the director expedited the petitions after agency staff turned down the request.

Reid's spokeswoman says the senator stands by his efforts.

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SBE Group and Stockbridge Capital spent $415 million renovating the Sahara casino-hotel into the 1,600-room SLS Las Vegas which opened last year on the Las Vegas Strip's north end.

The project is funded in part through the EB-5 program which awards visas to foreigners investing at least $500,000 into a project creating jobs.