For more than 30 years, the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program has helped foreign nationals pursue permanent residency in the United States through investments in job-creating projects that impact American communities. However, new changes to the program have introduced risks that EB-5 investors need to be aware of to safeguard their investment in the United States. Otherwise, investing in the wrong development could lead them to lose their money and the opportunity to secure a permanent green card.

Foreign nationals are required to invest at least $1.05 million in qualifying projects, or $800,000 for projects in rural or high-unemployment areas and for infrastructure developments. Their capital often serves as a loan to real estate developers, to be repaid with an interest rate lower than the market standard. Each investment must contribute to the creation of at least 10 new jobs. If applied correctly, EB-5 investments can lead to permanent U.S. residency for investors and their dependents. However, if all requirements are not met, investors and their families could face deportation.