How could the travel ban impact my eligibility to get a green card through EB-5? - EB5Investors.com

How could the travel ban impact my eligibility to get a green card through EB-5?

The travel ban has been a hot topic ever since the new administration took the office. Is it advisable for Syria-born applicants to apply for EB-5 at this point? How exactly could the travel ban impact the eligibility of an investor from Syria to get a green card through EB-5? What are my options?

Answers

Bernard P Wolfsdorf

Bernard P Wolfsdorf

Immigration Attorneys
Answered on

Over 200 million people, almost exclusively Muslims, have been banned. My hope is this will be reversed by the courts. However, there is some risk that it could take time. The petition takes two to three years, so the optimist would proceed now. The pessimist would wait until the ban is lifted. I am an optimist that this ban will be short-lived.

Charles Foster

Charles Foster

Immigration Attorneys
Answered on

The travel ban could be a major problem for Syrian-born applicants who are still Syrian citizens and have not acquired third-country citizenship. If they have not yet applied for an EB-5 investor status, they could be barred from being issued an immigrant visa if the travel ban is still in effect. If a Syrian-born national filed an EB-5 investor petition on Form I-526 today, the petition itself would be approvable; however, based upon the approved petition, the beneficiary of the petition would have to apply for the immigrant visa at the appropriate American consulate abroad. Given conditions in Syria, that would be in a third country and at that time, if the travel ban were in effect, the Syrian applicant could be refused the immigrant visa. However, the travel ban has been challenged in a series of lawsuits, and even if it goes into effect, it does not necessarily mean that it will remain in effect indefinitely.

Lynne Feldman

Lynne Feldman

Immigration Attorneys
Answered on

It could be a factor unless the U.S. Supreme Court acts favorably.

Belma Demirovic Chinchoy

Belma Demirovic Chinchoy

Immigration Attorneys
Answered on

Due to the travel ban, no visas are being issued to nationals of the listed countries, including Syria. This applies to EB-5 visas as well. Until there is a change in the law, Syrian nationals will not receive visas pursuant to the EB-5 investment.

Barbara Suri

Barbara Suri

Immigration Attorneys
Answered on

If you are banned from entering the U.S., then you will not be let in.

Shenila A Momin

Shenila A Momin

Immigration Attorneys
Answered on

So far, they are still approving residency for Syrian nationals. I have had a few approvals recently. Since the I-526 takes over 18 months to process, it is best that you start now.

Mark AM Catam, Esq

Mark AM Catam, Esq

Immigration Attorneys
Answered on

Syrian nationals can apply for EB-5 at this time.

Robert West

Robert West

Immigration Attorneys
Answered on

Apply now. It takes so long anyway that the travel ban should be done by then.

DISCLAIMER: the information found on this website is intended to be general information; it is not legal or financial advice. Specific legal or financial advice can only be given by a licensed professional with full knowledge of all the facts and circumstances of your particular situation. You should seek consultation with legal, immigration, and financial experts prior to participating in the EB-5 program. Posting a question on this website does not create an attorney-client relationship. All questions you post will be available to the public: do not include confidential information in your question.