• 04 December 2017

Sometimes it seems all news about the EB-5 Immigrant Investment Visa is bad.

The good news is that not all the bad news is completely accurate. For instance,

News: If Congress fails to pass impending spending legislation, the EB-5 program will no longer be available.

Not true.

Fact. If Congress fails to pass impending spending legislation, it will more like pass yet another Continuing Resolution that funds government programs in question just as they are currently funded and have been for the past several years.

Fact: Only the continuation of the EB-5 Regional Center program might be at risk. If Congress passes a Continuing Resolution, the program will continue.

Fact: The EB-5 Direct Investment program will continue regardless.

News: Congress is considering revisions to the EB-5 program.

True, but not entirely factual.

Fact: There have been and are several Bills submitted for Congressional consideration and approval.

  • Senate Bill S.232 was introduced by California Senator Diane Feinstein on January 24, 2017. This bill proposes the termination of the EB-5 program and reallocating the 10,000 visas set aside for EB-5 to other EB (employment-base) visa classifications. The bill was read twice in the Senate Committee on the Judiciary on January 24th. No other action has been taken.
  • House Bill H.R.1502 was introduced by Iowa Senator Steve King on March 10, 2017. This bill proposes the termination of the EB-5 program. The bill referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary on March 10th, then referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security. No other action has been taken.

Fact: On average, more than 10,000 bills are introduced during every Congressional term. Only 4% (400) of all bills introduced ever become law. It has been rightly said that most bills introduced in Congress are dead on arrival when they are submitted to a committee.

Fact: Conversely, over 90% of all bills that are introduced fail.

Fact: Expert analysis currently gives S.232 a 15% chance of becoming law.

Fact: Expert analysis currently gives H.R.1502 a 21% chance of becoming law.

While others may be alarmists, often with the possible motive to gain clients, American Corporate Services, Inc. is committed to integrity. Part of that commitment is providing clarity when others are saying that the sky is falling.

Granted, the EB-5 program has its problems, but they are not fatal to the program. We will continue to provide additional clarity in our next article. Specifically, that article will address options available for EB-5 applicants, particularly with respect to quicker processing.