On February 15, 2019, following the longest U.S. government shutdown in history, President Trump signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019 thereby averting a further government shutdown.  The spending bill funds the federal government and extended the EB-5 Regional Center Program authorization through September 30, 2019.  Although EB-5 stakeholders have definitely stepped up their game in making strides towards reform and long- term reauthorization, the future of the EB-5 program post-September 30th remains dubious SO e-Council Inc. strongly recommends taking advantage of EB-5 opportunities NOW to avoid disappointment!

Background and Details

Visa Classification Description

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) administers the EB-5 program, established by Congress in 1990 to stimulate the U.S. economy through job creation and capital investment by foreign investors. Shortly thereafter, by way of a program initially enacted as a pilot in 1992, and regularly reauthorized since then (at least until September, 2015), investors may also qualify for EB-5 classification by investing into projects through Regional Centers, which are entities designated by USCIS to sponsor EB-5 project(s) based on proposals for promoting economic growth.

All EB-5 investors must invest in a new commercial enterprise, which is a commercial enterprise:

Established after Nov. 29, 1990; or

Established on or before Nov. 29, 1990, that is:

Purchased and the existing business is restructured or reorganized in such a way that a new commercial enterprise results, or

Expanded through the investment so that at least a 40-percent increase in the net worth or number of employees occurs

A “Commercial Enterprise” means any for-profit activity formed for the ongoing conduct of lawful business including but not limited to:

• A sole proprietorship
• Partnership (whether limited or general)
• Holding company
• Joint venture
• Corporation
• Business trust, or
• Other entity (if certain conditions are met).

This definition includes a commercial enterprise consisting of a holding

company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, provided that each such subsidiary is engaged in a for-profit activity formed for the ongoing conduct of a lawful business.

Note: This definition does not include non-commercial activity such as owning and operating a personal residence.

NOTE: Non-profit entities do NOT qualify as “Commercial Enterprises” for the purposes of the EB-5 program.

Job Creation Requirements

An EB-5 investor must invest the required amount of capital in a new commercial enterprise that will create full-time positions for at least 10 qualifying employees.

• For a new commercial enterprise not located within a regional center, the full-time positions must be created directly by the new commercial enterprise to be counted. This means that the new commercial enterprise (or its wholly owned subsidiaries) must itself be the employer of the qualifying employees.
• For a new commercial enterprise located within a regional center, the full-time positions can be created either directly or indirectly by the new commercial enterprise.
  • Direct jobs are those jobs that establish an employer-employee relationship between the new commercial enterprise and the persons it employs.
  • Indirect jobs are those jobs held outside of the new commercial enterprise but that are created as a result of the new commercial enterprise.
  • In the case of a troubled business, the EB-5 investor may rely on job maintenance.
  • The investor must show that the number of existing employees is being, or will be, maintained at no less than the pre-investment level for a period of at least 2 years.

A troubled business is a business that has been in existence for at least two years and has incurred a net loss during the 12- or 24-month period prior to the priority date on the immigrant investor’s Form I-526. The loss for this period must be at least 20 percent of the troubled business’ net worth prior to the loss. For purposes of determining whether the troubled business has been in existence for two years, successors in interest to the troubled business will be deemed to have been in existence for the same period of time as the business they succeeded.

A qualifying employee is a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident or other immigrant authorized to work in the United States including, but not limited to, a conditional resident, a temporary resident, an asylee, a refugee, or a person residing in the United States under suspension of deportation. This definition does not include the immigrant investor; his or her spouse, sons, or daughters; or any foreign national in any nonimmigrant status (such as an H- 1B nonimmigrant) or who is not authorized to work in the United States.

Full-time employment means employment of a qualifying employee by the new commercial enterprise in a position that requires a minimum of 35 working hours per week. In the case of the regional center program, “full-time employment” also means employment of a qualifying employee in a position that has been created indirectly that requires a minimum of 35 working hours per week.

A job-sharing arrangement whereby two or more qualifying employees share a full-time position will count as full-time employment provided the hourly requirement per week is met. This definition does not include combinations of part-time positions even if, when combined, the positions meet the hourly requirement per week.

Jobs that are intermittent, temporary, seasonal, or transient in nature do not qualify as permanent full-time jobs. However, jobs that are expected to last at least 2 years are generally not considered intermittent, temporary, seasonal, or transient in nature.

Capital Investment Requirements

Capital means cash, equipment, inventory, other tangible property, cash equivalents and indebtedness secured by assets owned by the alien entrepreneur, provided that the alien entrepreneur is personally and primarily liable and that the assets of the new commercial enterprise upon which the petition is based are not used to secure any of the indebtedness. All capital shall be valued at fair-market value in United States dollars. Assets acquired, directly or indirectly, by unlawful means (such as criminal activities) shall not be considered capital for the purposes of section 203(b)(5) of the Act.

Note: The immigrant investor must establish that he or she is the legal owner of the capital invested. Capital may include the immigrant investor’s promise to pay (a promissory note) under certain circumstances.

CURRENT Required minimum investments are:

• General. The minimum qualifying investment in the United States is currently $1M.
• Targeted Employment Area (High Unemployment or Rural Area): The minimum qualifying investment either within a high-unemployment area or rural area in the United States is currently $500,000.

A targeted employment area is an area that, at the time of investment, is a rural area or an area which has experienced unemployment of at least 150 percent of the national average rate.

A rural area is any area not within either a metropolitan statistical area (as designated by the Office of Management and Budget) or the outer boundary of

any city or town having a population of 20,000 or more according to the most recent decennial census of the United States.

How e-Council Inc. Can Help

Getting an EB-5 visa is a delicate and difficult process, whether on the side of the project (raising EB-5 capital) or the investor (seeking the Green Card). When your future and that of your family, together with a significant amount of money, are at stake, you simply cannot afford to attempt to undertake the process alone. As e-Council’s principal Lauren Cohen regularly emphasizes, “Stay In Your Lane” and do what you do best – and hiring an experienced immigration concierge whose team of experts will save you both time and money as you strive to achieve your EB-5 goals, no matter how lofty.

To find out more about e-Council Inc.’s immigration concierge and other services, please contact us at info@ecouncilinc.com or 1-866-724-0085

e-Council Inc.’s blog, website, newsletter and other forms of communication contain general information about legal and related matters. The information is not legal advice and should not be treated as such. You must not rely on the information on this website as an alternative to legal advice. If you have any specific questions about any legal matter, consult your attorney or other professional legal services provider.

Throughout its history, the United States was built on the backs of immigrants who packed up their entire lives, traversed thousands of miles, and settled down for a fresh start (see Finding Your Silver Lining in the Business Immigration Process for further information). They came from lands near and far, full of hopes and dreams, in search of the promises America had to offer, and through their hard work and dedication transformed a massive and beautiful country into the modern nation in which many of us live today. These are facts – there is no fake news here. The vast majority of Americans today are descendants of ancestors who immigrated to the United States. Immigrants are what made, and continue to make, America great. America is and always has been a country of immigrants, although lately that message seems to have been lost in translation – literally!.

Staying true to its immigrant roots, for many decades, the U.S. government has encouraged the legal immigration – both permanent and temporary – of foreign business owners, entrepreneurs, and skilled workers through business visas such as the H1-B, E-1, E-2, L-1, EB-5 and other similar immigrant and non-immigrant visas. Immigrants today are still coming to America with similar hopes and dreams as our immigrant ancestors, seeking better lives for themselves and their families – and they come here to work and invest in America and the future. Immigrants create jobs, contribute to the economy, pay taxes, and aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty. They keep this country running, and our current President, with the help of his administration, are, quite simply, not treating them RIGHT in almost anyone’s book.

The math does not support Trump’s “Buy American, Hire American” ideology. Employers and business immigration professionals are reporting a recent increase in the amount of RFEs (Requests for Evidence) and even denials for temporary and permanent employment-based visa petitions, meaning that less skilled workers and foreign capital is coming in to the country. Most disturbing of all, there are ever-increasing reports of immigrants with current legal visas and even green cards being detained and questioned by US Customs and Border Protection when returning from overseas.[1] And things only stand to get worse should Trump’s RAISE Act become law (see RAISE Act blog article).

According to CNBC, immigrants account for roughly half of the population growth rate in the United States and make up a sizable percentage of the domestic labor force. If the RAISE Act were to become law, it would cut visa quotas in half as well as make it more difficult for immigrants to bring their families along with them. This would mean that the United States could lose a substantial portion of its labor force and, according to experts, may potentially drive more businesses to move operations outside the country as they will not be able to fill company positions. Experts also predict that the new restrictions would cause an influx of illegal immigration as migrants are forced to find alternative, not always legal means of entering the country.[2]

There is no evidence that the Trump administration’s plans for immigration reform will do anything to “make America great again.” In fact, these anti-immigration policies are likely to have exactly the opposite outcome – effectively promoting more company outsourcing instead of creating jobs for American citizens. If the Trump administration continues to push its anti-globalization ideologies, then it is only a matter of time before America is effectively “closed for business”. In today’s world, globalization and international thinking are keys to success over the short- and long-term.

To find out about professional, credible and comprehensive concierge business immigration services, as well as a variety of ancillary services, all of which are designed to specifically address USCIS’s concerns, contact e-Council Inc. at info@ecouncilinc.com.

e-Council Inc.’s website, newsletter and other forms of communication contain general information about legal matters. The information is not legal advice, and should not be treated as such. You must not rely on the information on this website as an alternative to legal advice from your attorney or other professional legal services provider. If you have any specific questions about any legal matter you should consult your attorney or other professional legal services provider.

 

 

[1] https://www.mwe.com/en/thought-leadership/publications/2017/09/us-immigration-under-the-trump-administration

[2] https://www.cnbc.com/2017/08/02/trump-supports-immigration-bill-that-could-have-negative-impact-on-agenda.html

O programa EB-5 tornou-se um dos programas mais populares de residência no mundo, servindo como veículo de investimento para beneficiar a economia dos EUA, atraindo investimentos de investidores estrangeiros qualificados que servem de fonte de bilhões de dólares que foram investidos na economia doméstica.

Embora o programa EB-5 tenha servido como uma fonte alternativa de capital para apoiar a economia dos EUA e o crescimento e o desenvolvimento de todos os tipos de projetos em todo o país, desde a sua promulgação, sofreu muitos reveses e críticas. Isso é verdade, apesar de suas contribuições significativas para o mercado de trabalho dos EUA e para a economia em vários níveis.

Inicialmente estabelecido em 1990 pelo Congresso como um meio para estimular a economia ao criar empregos, o programa de visto EB-5 fornece um caminho para investidores estrangeiros para obter residência permanente através do investimento e eventualmente tornar-se cidadãos americanos desde que certas condições sejam atendidas. No entanto, para se qualificar, cada investidor deve demonstrar que pelo menos 10 novos empregos serão criados como resultado do investimento e o limite de investimento deve ser de US $ 1MM ou US $ 500.000 se os fundos forem investidos em determinados níveis – Local ou áreas rurais, conhecidas como TEA’s. [1] A maioria das partes interessadas da indústria espera que ambos os montantes mínimos de investimento (para US $ 925.000 e US $ 1.025.000, respectivamente) e definições TEA (mais limitado no escopo) sejam alterados uma vez que a nova legislação seja finalmente implementada, o que pode acontecer antes do final de 2017.

Embora o programa EB-5 tenha estado em vigor há mais de 27 anos e, embora tenha provado ser uma fonte importante de fundos para nossa economia, enfrentou incerteza contínua. Como um programa executado pelos Serviços de Cidadania e Imigração dos Estados Unidos (USCIS), o programa enfrentou dúvidas, várias extensões de longo e curto prazo ao longo dos anos e até mesmo alguns escândalos e situações de fraude, mas apesar de tudo, ele permaneceu no lugar. . até o momento…

De fato, a importância do programa EB-5 foi reconhecida no início, quando dois anos após a sua promulgação, o Programa-piloto do Centro Regional EB-5 foi introduzido para melhorar ainda mais o impacto econômico do programa. Este programa permite que os Centros Regionais (uma organização designada pelos Serviços de Cidadania e Imigração dos Estados Unidos (USCIS) que patrocine projetos de investimento de capital para investimentos dos investidores EB-5)[2] para acumular o capital EB-5 de vários investidores estrangeiros para investimento em desenvolvimento econômico projetos dentro de uma região geográfica definida. Hoje, 95% de todo o capital do EB-5 são arrecadados e investidos por e através dos Centros Regionais e seus projetos subjacentes.[3]

Tanto quanto os Centros Regionais aumentaram o impacto econômico do programa EB-5, ao longo dos próximos anos a incerteza continuou sendo uma grande parte da imagem. Em 1997, 2000 e 2002, o programa foi prorrogado por três, dois e dois anos, respectivamente. Então, em 2003, quando o programa foi prorrogado por cinco anos, as partes interessadas divulgaram o que acabou por ser uma falsa esperança de uma solução mais permanente. Então, em 2005, o USCIS estabeleceu uma Unidade de Centro de Investidores e Regional para supervisionar políticas e desenvolvimento de regulamentação, orientação de campo, auditoria de casos, design de formulários e treinamento sobre adjudicações do Centro Regional na tentativa de lidar com preocupações crescentes no programa. [4]

Os próximos anos foram de fundamental importância em termos do impacto do programa EB-5 na economia dos EUA. Quando o Programa do Centro Regional foi renovado em 2008 por mais três anos, o EB-5 tornou-se cada vez mais popular na sequência da crise financeira, quando os desenvolvedores e as empresas enfrentaram um tempo difícil arrecadando dinheiro e se voltaram para o EB-5 como meio para encontrar novas fontes de capital. Os investimentos do EB-5 preencheram o fosso de financiamento, fornecendo uma fonte vital de capital para projetos de desenvolvimento econômico local e revigorando comunidades, criando empregos e infra-estrutura. Por exemplo, “na Pensilvânia, a Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission recentemente garantiu um empréstimo de US $ 200 milhões em fundos EB-5 para complementar US $ 220 milhões em financiamento federal para a construção do projeto Pennsylvania Turnpike / I-95 Interchange, porque os empréstimos do EB-5 tipicamente têm taxas de juros mais baixas e termos financeiros mais favoráveis, prevê-se que o estado economize cerca de US $ 35 milhões ao longo do empréstimo de cinco anos “. [5] Além disso, este projeto deverá gerar 5.300 empregos, este exemplo reforça os fatos a partir de por que o EB-5 funciona, quão importante é a nossa economia e o impacto que tem na criação de empregos e infra-estrutura.

Mais mudanças ocorreram nos próximos anos, em 2010, quando os Centros Regionais foram autorizados a incluir empregos indiretos criados fora dos limites geográficos aprovados pelo Centro em certas condições. E novamente, em 2012, quando o programa foi prorrogado por mais três anos e a palavra “piloto” foi removida de seu título. [6] Desde então, o programa enfrentou muitas outras extensões diante de uma pressão semelhante para se tornar um programa permanente. No entanto, essas extensões foram menores do que as anteriores, em 30 de setembro de 2015, o programa foi prorrogado por um ano, a próxima extensão foi por mais dois meses. Em 6 de dezembro de 2016, o programa foi prorrogado até 28 de abril de 2017, e depois foi prorrogado até 30 de setembro de 2017. Todas essas extensões curtas, de última hora, nos levam até hoje, a última extensão de 30 de setembro a 8 de dezembro , ainda esperando uma reforma que torne o programa EB-5 um permanente.

Sua popularidade e seu histórico comprovado tornaram o programa EB-5 mais forte ao longo dos anos e sempre atraentes para os investidores estrangeiros. Além disso, seu impacto na nossa economia é algo que mesmo os céticos têm que reconhecer. De acordo com a IIUSA, o programa EB-5 é responsável por levantar mais de US $ 20 bilhões de dólares em investimentos, criando mais de 176 mil empregos e apoiando mais de 560 projetos em todo o país. Se o Programa Regional EB-5 puder caducar mais de $ 13,7 bilhões de dólares no investimento EB-5 já comprometido, não estaria disponível para suportar US $ 573 mil empregos nos EUA, contribuindo com US $ 48,5 bilhões para o PIB dos EUA e gerando US $ 11,9 bilhões em receita tributária.[7] Estes incríveis números não podem ser ignorados!

Apesar dos muitos começos e paradas que o programa experimentou ao longo dos anos e, em particular, desde 2015, o Programa EB-5 permanece como um dos programas de residência mais famosos em todo o mundo e é altamente avaliado entre os projetos dos EUA e os investidores estrangeiros. Apesar das duvidas, continuou a surgir nos desafios, provando seu forte valor para a nossa economia e, esperançosamente, em um futuro não muito distante, ele se tornará um programa permanente que continuará a ter um impacto econômico positivo tanto a curto como a longo prazo.

Para se informar sobre serviços de imigração comercial, credível e abrangente, bem como uma variedade de serviços auxiliares, todos os quais são projetados para abordar especificamente as preocupações do USCIS, entre em contato com o e-Council Inc. em info@ecouncilinc.com ou 1-866- 724-0085 O site, o boletim informativo e outras formas de comunicação do e-Council Inc.com contêm informações gerais sobre questões legais.  

A informação não é um aconselhamento jurídico, e não deve ser tratada como tal. Você não deve confiar nas informações deste site como uma alternativa ao aconselhamento jurídico de seu advogado ou outro provedor de serviços jurídicos profissionais. Se você tiver alguma dúvida específica sobre qualquer assunto legal, consulte seu advogado ou outro profissional de serviços legais.

 

[1]https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/USCIS/About%20Us/Electronic%20Reading%20Room/EB-5%20Regional%20Centers%20-%20Static%20Files/Velocity_Regional_Center_LLC.pdf

[2] http://www.eb5investors.com/eb5-basics/eb-5-regional-center

[3] https://iiusa.org/eb5-history/

[4] http://www.eb-5center.com/files/EB5Unit011905Pub.pdf

[5] http://thedvrc.com

[6] https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-112publ17/pdf/PLAW-112publ17.pdf

[7] https://iiusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/EB-5-is-Essential-2017.pdf

 

El programa EB-5 se ha convertido en uno de los programas de residencia más populares del mundo, sirviendo como vehículo de inversión para beneficiar a la economía estadounidense al atraer inversiones de inversionistas extranjeros calificados que sirven como la fuente de miles de millones de dólares que se han invertido en la economía doméstica.

Aunque el programa EB-5 ha servido como una fuente alternativa de capital para apoyar la economía de los EE.UU. y el crecimiento y desarrollo de todo tipo de proyectos en todo el país, desde su promulgación, ha sufrido muchos contratiempos y críticas. Esto es verdad, a pesar de sus contribuciones significativas al mercado de trabajo del país y a la economía en muchos niveles.

Inicialmente establecido en 1990 por el Congreso como un medio para estimular la economía mientras se crean puestos de trabajo, el programa de visas EB-5 ofrece un camino para que los inversionistas extranjeros obtengan residencia permanente a través de la inversión y eventualmente convertirse en ciudadanos estadounidenses siempre que se cumplan ciertas condiciones. Sin embargo, para calificar, cada inversionista debe demostrar que al menos 10 nuevos puestos de trabajo serán creados como resultado de la inversión, y el umbral de inversión debe ser de un mínimo de $ 1MM USD, o $ 500.000 si los fondos se invierten en cierto alto -empleo o áreas rurales, conocidas como TEA’s.[1] La mayoría de las partes interesadas de la industria esperan que las cantidades mínimas de inversión (de $ 925.000 y $ 1.025.000, respectivamente) y las definiciones de TEA (de alcance más limitado) cambien una vez que se implemente la nueva legislación que bien puede ocurrir antes de finales de 2017.

Aunque el programa EB-5 ha estado en vigor durante más de 27 años y aunque ha demostrado ser una importante fuente de fondos para nuestra economía, ha enfrentado una incertidumbre constante. Como un programa ejecutado a través de los Servicios de Inmigración y Ciudadanía de los Estados Unidos (USCIS), el programa ha enfrentado dudas, varias extensiones a largo y corto plazo a través de los años e incluso algunos escándalos y situaciones de fraude, pero a pesar de todo, se ha mantenido en su lugar.. hasta el momento…

De hecho, se reconoció la importancia del programa EB-5 temprano, cuando dos años después de su promulgación, se introdujo el Programa Piloto del Centro Regional EB-5 para mejorar aún más el impacto económico del programa. Este programa permite a los Centros Regionales (una organización designada por los Servicios de Inmigración y Ciudadanía de los Estados Unidos (USCIS) que patrocina proyectos de inversión de capital para la inversión de inversionistas EB-5)[2] para reunir capital EB-5 de múltiples inversionistas extranjeros para inversión en desarrollo económico proyectos dentro de una región geográfica definida. Hoy en día, el 95% del capital EB-5 es aumentado e invertido por ya través de Centros Regionales y sus proyectos subyacentes. [3]

Tanto como los Centros Regionales mejoraron el impacto económico del programa EB-5, a lo largo de los próximos años la incertidumbre ha continuado siendo una gran parte del panorama. En 1997, 2000 y 2002, el programa se prorrogó por tres, dos y dos años, respectivamente. Luego, en 2003, cuando el programa se extendió por cinco años, las partes interesadas sostuvieron lo que terminó siendo una falsa esperanza de una solución más permanente. Luego, en el 2005, USCIS estableció una Unidad de Inversores y Centros Regionales para supervisar el desarrollo de políticas y regulaciones, orientación sobre el terreno, auditoría de casos, diseño de formularios y capacitación sobre adjudicaciones de Centros Regionales en un intento de lidiar con crecientes preocupaciones en el programa. [4]

Los próximos años fueron de vital importancia en términos del impacto del programa EB-5 en la economía de los Estados Unidos. Cuando el Programa del Centro Regional se renovó en 2008 durante tres años más, EB-5 se hizo cada vez más popular tras la crisis financiera, cuando los desarrolladores y las empresas se enfrentaron a un momento difícil recaudando dinero y recurrieron al EB-5 como un medio para encontrar nuevas fuentes del capital. Las inversiones EB-5 llenaron la brecha de financiamiento, proporcionando una fuente vital de capital para proyectos de desarrollo económico local y revitalizando comunidades, creando empleos e infraestructura. Por ejemplo, en Pensilvania, la Comisión de Pennsylvania Turnpike recientemente obtuvo un préstamo de $ 200 millones en fondos EB-5 para complementar $ 220 millones en fondos federales para la construcción del proyecto Pennsylvania Turnpike / I-95 Interchange, porque los préstamos EB-5 suelen tener tasas de interés más bajas y condiciones financieras más favorables, se proyecta que el estado ahorre alrededor de $ 35 millones durante el préstamo de cinco años “. [5] Además, se espera que este proyecto genere 5,300 empleos, este ejemplo refuerza los hechos a partir de por qué EB-5 funciona, lo importante que es en nuestra economía y el impacto que tiene en la creación de empleo e infraestructura.

Se produjeron más cambios durante los próximos años, en 2010, cuando se permitió que los Centros Regionales incluyeran empleos indirectos creados fuera de los límites geográficos aprobados del Centro en ciertas condiciones. Y otra vez, en 2012, cuando el programa se extendió por tres años más y la palabra “piloto” fue eliminado de su título.[6] Desde entonces, el programa se ha enfrentado a muchas más extensiones frente a presiones similares para convertirse en un programa permanente. Sin embargo, estas prórrogas han sido más cortas que las anteriores, el 30 de septiembre de 2015, el programa se extendió por un año, la prórroga siguiente fue por dos meses más. El 6 de diciembre de 2016, el programa fue prorrogado hasta el 28 de abril de 2017, y luego se extendió al 30 de septiembre de 2017. Todas estas extensiones cortas, de última hora nos traen a hoy, la última extensión del 30 de septiembre al 8 de diciembre , con la esperanza de una reforma que haga que el programa EB-5 sea permanente.

Su popularidad y su historial han hecho que el programa EB-5 sea más fuerte a lo largo de los años y siempre atractivo para los inversionistas extranjeros. Además, su impacto en nuestra economía es algo que incluso los escépticos tienen que reconocer. Según IIUSA, el programa EB-5 es responsable de recaudar más de $ 20 mil millones de dólares en inversiones, crear más de 176,000 empleos y apoyar más de 560 proyectos en todo el país. Si se deja que el Programa Regional EB-5 pierda más de $ 13.700 millones de dólares en la inversión EB-5 ya comprometida, ya no estaría disponible para soportar $ 573.000 empleos en los Estados Unidos, contribuyendo $ 48.500 millones al PIB de los Estados Unidos y generando $ 11.900 millones en ingresos tributarios. [7] ¡Estos increíbles números no pueden ser ignorados!

A pesar de los muchos arranques y paradas que el programa ha experimentado a través de los años, y particularmente desde 2015, el Programa EB-5 sigue siendo uno de los más famosos programas de residencia a nivel mundial y es altamente valorado entre los proyectos de EE.UU. A pesar de las dudas, ha seguido superando los retos, demostrando su gran valor para nuestra economía y esperemos que en un futuro no muy lejano se convierta en un programa permanente que continuará teniendo un impacto económico positivo tanto en el corto como en el largo plazo.

Para obtener información sobre los servicios de inmigración de negocios de conserjería profesionales, creíbles y completos, así como una variedad de servicios auxiliares, los cuales están diseñados específicamente para tratar las preocupaciones de USCIS, comuníquese con e-Council Inc. a info@ecouncilinc.com o 1-866- 724-0085  

El sitio web de e-Council Inc.com, el boletín informativo y otras formas de comunicación contienen información general sobre asuntos legales. La información no es un consejo legal, y no debe tratarse como tal. No debe confiar en la información de este sitio web como una alternativa al asesoramiento legal de su abogado u otro proveedor de servicios legales profesionales. Si tiene preguntas específicas sobre cualquier asunto legal, debe consultar a su abogado u otro proveedor profesional de servicios legales.

 

[1]https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/USCIS/About%20Us/Electronic%20Reading%20Room/EB-5%20Regional%20Centers%20-%20Static%20Files/Velocity_Regional_Center_LLC.pdf

[2] http://www.eb5investors.com/eb5-basics/eb-5-regional-center

[3] https://iiusa.org/eb5-history/

[4] http://www.eb-5center.com/files/EB5Unit011905Pub.pdf

[5]  http://thedvrc.com

[6]  https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-112publ17/pdf/PLAW-112publ17.pdf

[7] https://iiusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/EB-5-is-Essential-2017.pdf

 

The EB-5 program has become one of the most popular residency-driven programs in the world, serving as a vehicle for investment to benefit the U.S. economy by attracting investments from qualified foreign investors serving as the source of billions of dollars that have been invested in the domestic economy.

Although the EB-5 program has served as an alternative source of capital to support the U.S. economy and growth and development of all types of projects across the nation, since its enactment, it has suffered from many setbacks and criticisms. This is true, despite its significant contributions to the U.S. job market and to the economy on many levels.

Initially established in 1990 by Congress as a means to stimulate the economy while creating jobs, the EB-5 visa program provides a path for foreign investors to obtain permanent residency through investment and eventually to become U.S. citizens provided certain conditions are met. However, in order to qualify, each investor must demonstrate that at least 10 new jobs will be created as a result of the investment, and the investment threshold must be a minimum of $1MM USD, or $500,000 if the funds are invested in certain high-unemployment or rural areas, known as TEA’s. [1] Most industry stakeholders expect both the minimum investment amounts (to $925,000 and $1,025,000, respectively) and TEA definitions (more limited in scope) to change once new legislation is finally implemented which may well happen before the end of 2017.

Although the EB-5 program has been in place for over 27 years and although it has proven to be an important source of funds for our economy, it has faced ongoing uncertainty. As a program run through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the program has faced doubts, several long- and short-term extensions over the years and even some scandals and fraud situations but despite everything, it has remained in place..so far…

As a matter of fact, the importance of the EB-5 program was recognized early, when two years after its enactment, the EB-5 Regional Center Pilot Program was introduced to further enhance the economic impact of the program. This program allows Regional Centers (an organization designated by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that sponsors capital investment projects for investment by EB-5 investors)[2] to pool EB-5 capital from multiple foreign investors for investment in economic development projects within a defined geographic region. Today, 95% of all EB-5 capital is raised and invested by and through Regional Centers and their underlying projects.[3]

As much as Regional Centers enhanced the economic impact of the EB-5 program, throughout the next years uncertainty has continued to be a big part of the picture. In 1997, 2000 and 2002, the program was extended for three, two and two years respectively. Then, in 2003, when the program was extended for five years, stakeholders held out what ended up being false hope for a more permanent solution. Then, in 2005, USCIS established an Investor and Regional Center Unit to oversee policies and regulation development, field guidance, case auditing, form design and training regarding Regional Center adjudications in an attempt to deal with growing concerns in the program. [4]

The next few years were of pivotal importance in terms of the impact of the EB-5 program on the U.S. economy. When the Regional Center Program was renewed in 2008 for three more years, EB-5 became increasingly popular in the wake of the financial crisis when developers and businesses faced a tough time raising money and turned to EB-5 as a means to find new sources of capital. EB-5 investments filled the funding gap, providing a vital source of capital for local economic development projects and reinvigorating communities, creating jobs, and infrastructure. For instance, “in Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission recently secured a $200 million loan in EB-5 funds to complement $220 million in federal funding for the construction of the Pennsylvania Turnpike/I-95 Interchange project, because EB-5 loans typically have lower interest rates and more favorable financial terms, the state is projected to save about $35 million over the course of the five-year loan.”[5] Additionally, this project is expected to create 5,300 jobs, this example reinforces the facts as of why EB-5 works, how important it is in our economy and the impact it has in creating jobs and infrastructure.

More changes occurred over the next few years, in 2010, when Regional Centers were permitted to include indirect jobs created outside the Center’s approved geographic boundaries in certain conditions. And again, in 2012, when the program was extended for three more years and the word “pilot” was removed from its title.[6] Since then, the program has faced many more extensions in the face of similar pressure to become a permanent program. However, these extensions have been shorter than the previous ones, on September 30, 2015, the program was extended for a year, the next extension was for two more months. On December 6, 2016, the program was extended through April 28, 2017, and then it was extended to September 30, 2017. All of these short, last minute, extensions bring us to today, the last extension from September 30 to December 8^th, still hoping for a reform that will make the EB-5 program a permanent one.

Its popularity and proven track record have made the EB-5 program stronger over the years and ever attractive to foreign investors. Additionally, its impact on our economy is something that even skeptics have to recognize. According to IIUSA, the EB-5 program is responsible for raising more than $20 billion dollars in investments, creating more than 176,000 jobs, and supporting more than 560 projects across the country. If the EB-5 Regional Program is allowed to lapse more than $13.7 billion dollars in the EB-5 investment already committed would no longer be available for supporting $573,000 U.S. jobs, contributing $48.5 billion to U.S. GDP and generating $11.9 billion in tax revenue. [7] These amazing numbers cannot be ignored!

Despite the many starts and stops that the program has experienced over the years, and particularly since 2015, the EB-5 Program remains as one of the most famous residency programs globally and is highly valued among U.S. projects and foreign investors alike. Despite doubts, it has continued to rise to the challenges, proving its strong value to our economy and hopefully in the not too distant future it will become a permanent program that will continue to have a positive economic impact over both the short- and long-term.

 

To inquire about professional, credible and comprehensive concierge business immigration services, as well as a variety of ancillary services, all of which are designed to specifically address USCIS’s concerns, contact e-Council Inc. at info@ecouncilinc.com or 1-866-724-0085

e-Council Inc.com’s website, newsletter and other forms of communication contain general information about legal matters. The information is not legal advice, and should not be treated as such. You must not rely on the information on this website as an alternative to legal advice from your attorney or other professional legal services provider. If you have any specific questions about any legal matter you should consult your attorney or other professional legal services provider.

 

[1]https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/USCIS/About%20Us/Electronic%20Reading%20Room/EB-5%20Regional%20Centers%20-%20Static%20Files/Velocity_Regional_Center_LLC.pdf

[2] http://www.eb5investors.com/eb5-basics/eb-5-regional-center

[3] https://iiusa.org/eb5-history/

[4] http://www.eb-5center.com/files/EB5Unit011905Pub.pdf

[5] http://thedvrc.com

[6] https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-112publ17/pdf/PLAW-112publ17.pdf

[7] https://iiusa.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/EB-5-is-Essential-2017.pdf

No es ningún secreto que bajo la actual administración, inmigración es un tema candente y designado como una de las prioridades para el cambio durante los próximos cuatro años. No es de extrañar que, a principios de este mes, los senadores republicanos Tom Cotton (Arkansas) y David Perdue (Georgia) introdujeran un proyecto de ley que cambiaría radicalmente el actual sistema de inmigración. El proyecto de ley, “Ley de Reforma de la Inmigración Americana para una Economía Fuerte” o “RAISE Act”, tiene como objetivo reducir significativamente la inmigración legal a los Estados Unidos. El proyecto de ley propone cambios a nuestro sistema “anticuado” con el propósito de proteger “a nuestros trabajadores, a nuestros contribuyentes ya nuestra economía”. La Ley RAISE pretende sustituir el actual sistema de inmigración por un “sistema basado en el mérito”, que:

• Reemplaza el actual marco permanente de visados de empleo
• Elimina el Programa de Visas de Inmigrantes de Diversidad
• Cambia las prioridades de inmigración patrocinadas por la familia
• Limita el estatus de residente permanente para los refugiados, y
• Reduce el número total de inmigrantes

Desde reemplazar todas las visas de empleo permanente por un sistema de puntos que evaluaría a los solicitantes en diferentes categorías y eliminaría por completo el popular Programa de Visas de Inmigrantes de Diversidad, que asigna alrededor de 50.000 visas al año, este nuevo sistema reduciría significativamente la inmigración a los Estados Unidos.         Bajo la Ley RAISE cambiarían las prioridades en cuanto a patrocinios familiares, se podrían patrocinar unicamente a los cónyuges y menores de edad, excluyendo a los padres y redefiniendo la edad de lo que se considera un menor, de 21 a 18. Además, la ley reduciría el límite de número de refugiados que podrían ser admitidos al paiís de 110.000 a 50.000.

Este nuevo sistema de mérito proyectaría a los solicitantes basándose en sus habilidades utilizando un sistema de puntos considerando diferentes factores, tales como: educación y habilidad en el idioma inglés. Los solicitantes requerirían puntuar al menos 30 puntos del sistema de escala de 100 puntos para emigrar a los Estados Unidos. El uso de un sistema de puntos cambiaría completamente el proceso actual de inmigración, presentaría un reto a los futuros solicitantes que no cumplan con los estándares esperados y en última instancia redefiniría nuestro sistema de inmigración.

Aunque un sistema de inmigración basado en el mérito para ayudar a controlar la inmigración es una idea bastante nueva en los Estados Unidos, otros países la han utilizado durante años. En particular, desde 1967, Canadá ha utilizado un sistema de puntos que controla la inmigración y promueve la economía y una sociedad [1]multicultural. Canadá fue el primer país en utilizar un sistema de puntos para admitir a los inmigrantes; se hizo cada vez más popular durante los años y sirvió de modelo para otros países como el Reino Unido y Australia. Cabe destacar que este sistema se centra en lo que los inmigrantes pueden contribuir a la economía basado en sus habilidades, lo cual es un factor atractivo para muchos países. En el pasado, el Presidente Trump ha elogiado este sistema y tal vez esta ley puede ser percibida como una emulación del tipo de sistema de inmigración basado en el mérito de Canadá. Por ejemplo, al igual que en Canadá, el sistema propuesto premia la educación, la habilidad en el idioma inglés, la edad, las ofertas de trabajo bien pagadas, los logros pasados y actuales y la iniciativa empresarial. Y aunque los puntos atribuidos a cada categoría pueden ser diferentes, en principio se centran en factores similares para controlar la inmigración.

Sin embargo, aunque este proyecto de ley podría haber sido inspirado por el sistema basado en el mérito de nuestro vecino, la propuesta respaldada por los republicanos difiere en ciertos aspectos. Por ejemplo, la Ley RAISE pretende reemplazar todas las categorías basadas en visados de empleo, incluido el programa EB-5, con un sistema de puntos. El programa EB-5 fue creado con el propósito de estimular la economía y crear empleos; desde su creación, se ha convertido en uno de los programas de residencia más populares del mundo. USCIS estima que en los últimos cinco años se han invertido al menos $ 8.7 mil millones en los Estados Unidos, se han creado 35,150 empleos y se han emitido 10,000 tarjetas de residencia a través de este programa[2]. A pesar de todos los factores positivos que el programa EB-5 abarca para nuestra economía, este proyecto de ley podría señalar los cambios a futuro en el programa. Por el contrario, Canadá considera que los permisos de residencia permanente basados en la inversión están separados de la inmigración de trabajadores calificados. En otras palabras, en Canadá, los inmigrantes empresariales no son evaluados en un sistema de puntos.

Si bien este proyecto de ley podría emular el sistema de méritos canadiense hasta cierto punto, también incorpora diferentes ideas que se espera que disminuyan el número de inmigrantes e impulsar nuestra economía. A continuación se presenta una comparación de la propuesta de ley con el actual sistema basado en el mérito utilizado en Canadá:

Ley RAISE Estados Unidos[3]	Sistema de Inmigración Basado en Puntos de Canadá[4]
·      Escala de 100 puntos que requiere al menos 30 puntos para ser elegible para inmigrar a los Estados Unidos.	·      Escala de 100 puntos que requiere al menos 67 puntos para ser elegible para inmigrar a Canadá.
·      Los solicitantes recibirán puntos basados en categorías tales como: educación (preferencia dada a los grados recibidos en los Estados Unidos), habilidad en el idioma inglés, edad (entre más joven el solicitante, más puntos otorgados), ofertas de trabajo altamente pagadas, pasados y actuales logros (premio Nobel, medalla olímpica) e iniciativa empresarial (Invertir 1.35 millones de dólares o 1.8 millones de dólares en la economía estadounidense).	·      Los solicitantes son evaluados en base a las siguientes categorías: habilidades lingüísticas (inglés y francés), educación, experiencia laboral, edad (entre más joven es el solicitante, más puntos otorgados), oferta de empleo actual del empleador canadiense y adaptabilidad.
·      Elimina el Programa de Visas de Diversidad. ·      Cambia el marco del programa EB-5 incluyendo las inversiones de $1,350,000 y $ 1,800,000 bajo el sistema basado en puntos. Exige a los inversionistas que mantengan la inversión durante al menos tres años y la gestionen activamente.	·      Los inmigrantes de negocios no son evaluados en un sistema de puntos. Las provincias de Canadá tienen sus propios programas de nominación para programas de inmigración empresarial.
·      Cambia las prioridades de inmigración patrocinadas por la familia eliminando a los padres como miembros de la familia inmediata que reúnen los requisitos para una tarjeta verde, permitiendo sólo que los cónyuges y los menores sean patrocinados. ·      Redefine la edad de lo que se considera como un niño menor de menos de 21 a menos de 18 años.	·      Los ciudadanos canadienses y residentes permanentes son elegibles para patrocinar padres y abuelos para convertirse en residentes permanentes. ·      Canadá define a un menor de menos de 19 años, pero se espera que cambie en los próximos meses a menos de 22.
·      Limita el estatus de residente permanente de los refugiados a 50.000 al año.	·      Canadá es conocido por tener una política amistosa de refugiados y espera incrementar el reasentamiento mundial de refugiados; el año pasado Canadá admitió a 46,700 refugiados.

Aunque el proyecto de ley pretende ser justificado como un medio para impulsar nuestra economía, su fundamento es reducir la inmigración y, naturalmente, está recibiendo reacciones mixtas. A pesar de ser una política respaldada por los republicanos y tener respaldo del Presidente Trump, la Ley RAISE ha sido contrarrestada por otros senadores republicanos, grupos de derechos de inmigrantes y demócratas. La opinión general es que probablemente el proyecto de ley no pase debido a la falta de tracción. Sin embargo, si el proyecto de ley pasara, su fecha de efectividad propuesta será el primer día del primer año fiscal que comience después de la fecha de promulgación.

Para obtener información sobre los servicios de inmigración de negocios de conserjería profesionales, creíbles y completos, así como una variedad de servicios auxiliares, los cuales están diseñados específicamente para tratar las preocupaciones de USCIS, comuníquese con e-Council Inc. a info@ecouncilinc.com o 1-866- 724-0085

El sitio web de e-Council Inc.com, el boletín informativo y otras formas de comunicación contienen información general sobre asuntos legales. La información no es un consejo legal, y no debe tratarse como tal. No debe confiar en la información de este sitio web como una alternativa al asesoramiento legal de su abogado u otro proveedor profesional de servicios legales. Si tiene preguntas específicas sobre cualquier asunto legal, debe consultar a su abogado u otro proveedor profesional de servicios legales.

[1] Canadá se considera un país “multicultural”, mientras que los Estados Unidos se perciben como más de un “crisol” cultural.

[2] https://www.uscis.gov/too reports-studies/immigration-forms-data/data-set-form-i-526-immigrant-petition-alien-entrepreneur ls/

[3] https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/senate-bill/354/text

https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/08/02/president-donald-j-trump-backs-raise-act

[4] https://www.loc.gov/law/help/points-based-immigration/canada.php

 

 

It is no secret that under the current administration, immigration is a hot topic and designated as one of the priorities for change during the next four years. Not surprisingly, at the beginning of this month, Republican Senators Tom Cotton (Arkansas) and David Perdue (Georgia) introduced a bill that would radically change the current immigration system. The proposed bill, “Reforming American Immigration for a Strong Economy Act” or “RAISE Act,” aims to significantly decrease legal immigration to America. The bill proposes changes to our “outdated” system with the purpose of protecting “our workers, our taxpayers, and our economy.”[1] The RAISE Act intends to substitute the current immigration system with a “merit-based system,” which:

• Replaces the current permanent employment-visa framework
• Eliminates the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program
• Changes the family-sponsored immigration priorities
• Limits permanent resident status for refugees, and
• Reduces overall immigration numbers

 

From replacing all the permanent employment-visas with a point system that would assess applicants on different categories to completely eliminating the popular Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, which allocates around 50,000 visas per year, this new system would significantly reduce immigration to the U.S.[2] Other changes included in the RAISE Act are changing family-sponsored priorities only to spouses and minors, excluding parents and redefining the age of what is considered a minor, from 21 to 18. Also, the Act would slash the limit on the number of refugees who may be admitted to from 110,000 to 50,000.[3]

This new merit system would screen applicants based on their skills using a point system considering different factors, such as: education and English-language ability. Applicants would require scoring at least 30 points of the 100-point scale system in order to immigrate to the U.S. Using a point system would completely change the entire current immigration process, present a challenge to future applicants who do not meet the expected standards, and ultimately redefine our immigration system.

Though a merit-based immigration system to help control immigration is a fairly new idea in the U.S., other countries have used it for years. In particular, since 1967, Canada has used a point-based system that controls immigration while promoting the economy and a multicultural [4]society. Canada was the first country to use a point system to admit immigrants; it became increasingly popular over the years and served as a model for other countries such as the U.K. and Australia. It is worth highlighting that this system focuses on what immigrants can contribute to the economy based on their skills, which is an appealing factor for many countries. In the past, President Trump has praised this system and perhaps this move can be perceived as an emulation of sorts of Canada’s merit-based immigration system. For instance, similar to Canada, the proposed system rewards education, English-language ability, age, high-paying job offers, past and current achievements, and entrepreneurial initiative. And while the points attributed to each category might be different, in principle they are focusing on similar factors to control immigration.

However, while this bill might have been inspired by our neighbor’s merit-based system, the Republican-backed proposal differs in certain aspects. For example, the RAISE Act aims to replace all employment-visa based categories, including the EB-5 program, with a point system. The EB-5 program was created with the purpose of stimulating the economy and creating jobs; since its creation, it has become one of the most popular residency programs in the world. USCIS estimates that in the last five years, at least $8.7 billion have been invested in the U.S., 35,150 jobs have been created and 10,000 green cards have been issued through this program.[5] Despite all the positive factors that the EB-5 program encompasses for our economy, this bill might signal future changes to the program. Conversely, Canada considers investment-based permanent resident permits separate from skilled worker immigration. In other words, in Canada, business immigrants are not assessed on a point system.

While this bill might emulate the Canadian merit system to a point, it also incorporates different ideas that are expected to decrease the immigration numbers and boost our economy. Below is a comparison of the proposed bill to the current merit-based system used in Canada:

United States’ RAISE ACT[6]	Canada’s Point Based Immigration System[7]
·      100-point based scale requiring at least 30 points to be eligible to immigrate to the United States.	·      100-point based scale requiring at least 67 points to be eligible to immigrate to Canada.
·      Applicants would receive points based on categories such as: education (preference given to degrees received in the States), English-language ability, age (the younger the applicant, the more points awarded), high-paying job offers, past and current achievements (Nobel prize, Olympic medal), and entrepreneurial initiative (Investing $1.35 million or $1.8 million in the U.S. economy).	·      Applicants are assessed based on the following categories: language skills (English and French), education, work experience, age (the younger the applicant, the more points awarded), current job offer from Canadian employer, and adaptability.
·      Eliminates the Diversity Visa Program. ·      Changes the EB-5 program framework by including the $1,350,000 and $1,800,000 investments under the point-based system. Requiring investors to maintain the investment for at least three years and actively managing it.	·      Business immigrants are not assessed on a point system. Canada’s provinces have their own Nomination Programs for business immigration programs.
·      Changes the family-sponsored immigration priorities by eliminating parents as immediate family members eligible for a green card, only allowing spouses and minors to be sponsored. ·      Redefines the age of what is considered as a minor child from under 21 to under 18.	·      Canadian citizens and permanent residents are eligible to sponsor parents and grandparents to become permanent residents. ·      Canada defines a minor as under 19, but is expected to change it in the next months to under 22.
·      Limits permanent resident status for refugees to 50,000 a year.	·      Canada is known for having a friendly refugee policy and hopes to increase global refugee resettlement; last year Canada admitted 46,700 refugees.

Although the proposed bill attempts to be justified as a means to boost our economy, its foundation is to curtail immigration and, naturally, is receiving mixed reactions. Despite being a Republican-backed policy and having President’s Trump endorsement, the RAISE Act has been opposed by other Republican Senators, Immigrant rights groups, and Democrats. The general opinion is that the bill is not likely to pass due to failure to create traction. However, if the bill were to pass, its proposed effective date will be the first day of the first fiscal year that starts after the date of enactment.

 

To inquire about professional, credible and comprehensive concierge business immigration services, as well as a variety of ancillary services, all of which are designed to specifically address USCIS’s concerns, contact e-Council Inc. at info@ecouncilinc.com or 1-866-724-0085

e-Council Inc.com’s website, newsletter and other forms of communication contain general information about legal matters. The information is not legal advice, and should not be treated as such. You must not rely on the information on this website as an alternative to legal advice from your attorney or other professional legal services provider. If you have any specific questions about any legal matter you should consult your attorney or other professional legal services provider.

 

[1] https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/08/02/president-donald-j-trump-backs-raise-act

[2] https://fam.state.gov/fam/09FAM/09FAM050206.html

[3] https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/senate-bill/354/text

[4] Note that Canada is considered to be a “multicultural” country whereas the U.S. is perceived as more of a cultural “melting pot”.

[5] https://www.uscis.gov/tools/reports-studies/immigration-forms-data/data-set-form-i-526-immigrant-petition-alien-entrepreneur

[6] https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/senate-bill/354/text

https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/08/02/president-donald-j-trump-backs-raise-act

[7] https://www.loc.gov/law/help/points-based-immigration/canada.php