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Optimism and Faith in the American Way of Life
All in all, the biggest common factor between these investors is their outlook on American life and their faith in the
opportunities available in the United States. The fact that these
people place so much value on beginning their new lives and
becoming new citizens in a foreign country speaks volumes.
In each case, they received their I-829 approvals and the EB-5
process was successful.
These immigrants have a very positive attitude towards living
in America and want to take part in it as best they can. For many,
life in the United States is synonymous with providing themselves
with a promising future for their careers and their families.
Welcoming these investors into the country also creates
promise for the U.S. economy as a whole and a new family
entering the country stimulates local economy as well.
It is for this very reason that immigration lawyer Martin
Lawler, of Lawler & Lawler in San Francisco, believes the EB5 Program is a good one. In his experience, when immigrant
investors receive their I-829 approval and continue their lives
here, they continue to inject money into our economy, beyond
the half a million dollars they invested to obtain their visas:
“I have one I-829 case with a software businessman with six
offices across the country. The first thing investors do is buy a
house [usually a high-end home], they buy cars, they send their
children to private schools and they start another business.”
Anthony: “America still celebrates success
and I like that approach. You are encouraged
to do well, to push yourself to the best of
your ability, to excel at sport and at business;
people are not ashamed of that success. People
celebrate success and they are happy for you
when you are successful.”
Conclusions
Through these interviews we have received an in-depth look
at the EB-5 Program from the perspective of the foreign investor. Overall, the program is a great opportunity for immigrants
looking for options to gain a green card and permanent residence. While there are challenges and hurdles to overcome, the
EB-5 Program continues to grow as more and more investors
show interest. We hope that they glean insight from investors
like Anthony, Shelley and Steven who have undergone the
process first-hand.
Regardless, many investors understand that the $500,000 is
not just a business investment. Anthony believes that, “at the
end of the day, I think most people recognize when they get involved with an EB-5 project that what you are doing is investing
in your future; you are investing in the future of your family.”
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E B 5 I n v e s to r s M ag a z i n e