EB-5 China & Trump

EB-5 China

The New York Times on November 29^th ran a story that China will soon restrict the outflow of large investments by big Chinese firms. The story also reported that while Chinese regulators are increasing their scrutiny, they have been reluctant to ban overseas investment outright. Four different regulators issued a joint public statement on Monday through the official Xinhua news agency to emphasize that it was still acceptable for Chinese “companies and households to invest overseas (underlining added). One Regional Center owner with many years of experience with Chinese investors said this was not new. Another RC owner reports that investors are having difficulties transferring funds from China.

Given the government’s desire to raise the minimum EB-5 investment amount, possible increased Chinese restriction on foreign investment, and other uncertainties, now is a good time for investors to make an EB-5 investment and file an 1-526 petition. A good immigration lawyer often used to say, “If you have a way to get a green card, get it, for the laws change and we never knows what the future holds.”

The Trump Election Effect

It is too soon to know how the election will impact EB-5. But one migration agent said that she was talking to 5 potential Middle Eastern investors, all of whom decided after the election not to proceed. From what I see, there is still strong demand for the EB-5 program. Investors want their petitions and immigration applications completed as fast as possible.