The EB-5 Misconception

Does the EB-5 program allow potential immigrants to “cut” to the front of the immigration line? The answer is a definitive, no.  Believed by many to be a shortcut to US permanent residency, the EB-5 program is not a line-cutting program.  In fact, the US Government sets aside each year, 10,000 visas for EB-5 investors.  Of the 10,000 visas, 3,000 are set aside for investments made in Target Employment Areas (TEA). 

As the government specifically sets these visas aside, it’s not possible for EB-5 investors to steal visas from other immigrants or jump to the front of the line.  Compared to other countries around the world that utilize a point system for immigration, the United States does not have such a program.  Unless a potential immigrant has a job or family member available to sponsor them, there are limited options for obtaining US Permanent Residency. 

The EB-5 Visa Program allows these immigrants with limited options to legally move to the US.  This misconception that EB-5 investors “buy” their way into the US at the expense of immigrants of lesser means is outdated and simply incorrect.  The government implements visa quotas, which allow each visa category a limited number of spaces. 

The benefits of the EB-5 program provide immigrants with a chance to live, work and study in the US, with the added benefit of their investment contribution leading to the growth of the US economy. 

Barella Law, LLC | + 1 (202) 621-3198 | kbarella@barellalaw.com | www.barellalaw.com
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The Information contained in this blog is for information purposes only, and should not be considered legal advice for any individual case or situation.  The information provided is not a substitute for consultation with an attorney.  No attorney/client relationship is created by the information contained herein.

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