What do you think of when you see the word “investor?” For the average person, thoughts of big-time financiers and wealthy heirs probably come to mind. Add the word “immigrant” to that mental image and you begin to picture the stereotypical immigrant investor, flush with cash from sophisticated dealings in the international financial arena. Such a portrait, however, fails to capture the heart of the EB-5 immigrant investor program. Surely some wildly affluent individuals have benefited from the program. At the same time, however, a good number of moderately prosperous and even downright ordinary people have used the EB-5 program to pursue a new life in the U.S. Examples of individuals who benefit from the program include:
University Students
Record numbers of international students are coming to the U.S. for higher education, with more than 700,000 enrolled in American universities last year. Many of these students come with the hopes of gaining practical work experience in U.S. markets before returning home. With the economic climate making it difficult to find meaningful employment, an increasing number of parents are helping their children make EB-5 investments in the U.S. In most cases, the parents remain behind while providing a opportunity for their students to begin accumulating experience in the U.S.
Adult Children
The U.S. employment scene appears bleak to many on the inside, but comparatively speaking, America continues to enjoy a robust economy with many opportunities at every socioeconomic level. Many parents open the doors for their children to pursue the American Dream by helping them make an EB-5 investment. Oftentimes less affluent families fund these investments through home equity loans and even pooling money with relatives. Whatever the means, their children benefit from the fresh start in the U.S.
Ambitious Professionals
Interestingly, quite a few young professionals use the EB-5 program to seek out new challenges. Some have already conquered their home markets and crave a larger platform. Others see the U.S. as the place to finally take the next step up their career ladder. These individuals often make their way into top-notch U.S. companies doing cutting edge work, providing a stimulating return on their EB-5 investment.
Temporary U.S. Residents
Some temporary residents enjoy comfortable jobs in the U.S. yet do not qualify for permanent residency. For them an EB-5 investment, often with assistance from family living abroad, helps provide greater stability for the future. Permanent residency give them assurance of a long-term career in the U.S. without fear of having to make a dramatic change in lifestyle due to unexpected employment issues.
Businesspeople/Investors
Stereotypes aside, a number of career investors have used the EB-5 program after building successful companies or portfolios at home in an effort to find new and more stable markets. In fact, owners of larger companies may simply see permanent residence as a side benefit to existing plans for expansion in the U.S. The EB-5 program presents a nice reward for these entrepreneurial and financially savvy individuals.
Retirees
To the youthful, an EB-5 investment may sound like a tremendous amount of money. On the other hand, many of the wiser and more experienced generation understand the power of financial planning despite having “normal” occupations. A number of these financially prudent senior citizens choose to make one final investment through the EB-5 program. In other cases adult children who have successfully immigrated to the U.S. help provide the investment funds for their parents.
By Kate Kalmykov and Bryan Flannery
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in this article are solely the views of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher, its employees. or its affiliates. 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.
