The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, a United States initiative established in 1990, allows foreign nationals to obtain a green card (permanent residency) by investing a certain amount of capital in a U.S. business that creates at least ten jobs. Policy changes and emphasis regarding this program occurred during the Trump administration. For instance, regulations were modified to raise the minimum investment amounts and alter Targeted Employment Area (TEA) designations.
Modifications to the investment amounts under the Trump administration aimed to incentivize investment in areas of higher unemployment and more accurately reflect the program’s intent of job creation. The alterations to TEA designations sought to refine the definition of areas qualifying for lower investment thresholds. This had implications for project developers and investors alike, potentially shifting investment flows and project locations.