Translator：Wang Qiyu

On November 19, 2023, at 14:00, Shanghai Landing Law Offices invited Director Huang Zhengdong, the head of Landing Law Offices in Chicago, to deliver a thematic lecture on EB-5 investment immigration. The lecture aimed to provide insights into the EB-5 investment immigration process and engage with attendees on key issues.

Attorney Huang Zhengdong explained that the EB-5 program is a specialized U.S. investment immigration initiative designed to encourage foreign investors. It allows foreign investors, their spouses, and unmarried children under the age of 21 to obtain U.S. permanent resident visas (green cards) by investing a significant amount of capital.

Director Huang Zhengdong, Landing Law Offices Chicago Branch

On March 15, 2022, President Biden approved a new law, which includes favorable policies such as a 5-year extension for EB-5, no waiting period, and a minimum investment adjustment to $800,000 for Targeted Employment Areas (TEA) and $1,050,000 for non-TEA.

The primary investment targets for immigration include corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, other legal entities, or sole proprietorships. Investment options encompass new commercial enterprises, troubled businesses, and regional center immigration programs.

Generally, the U.S. immigration authorities require an investment amount of no less than $1,050,000. However, to stimulate economic development in remote or high unemployment areas, the immigration authorities stipulate that if the investment is made in a "targeted employment area," the amount can be reduced to no less than $800,000. The source of funds is a critical aspect scrutinized by immigration authorities, and a significant portion of the lawyer's work in immigration involves examining the source of funds.

In addition, each EB-5 investor must create at least 10 full-time positions for U.S. citizens, U.S. green card holders, or other legal immigrants.

Subsequently, the audience interacted with Attorney Huang Zhengdong, asking questions about the lecture content.

Q1: What is the return on investment in immigration projects?

Investing carries risks, and immigration investment projects cannot guarantee returns or the extent of returns. Based on past experiences, well-executed projects can yield good returns, but investors may also incur losses. Investors should carefully choose projects while being aware of the associated risks.

Q2: Is it guaranteed to obtain a green card through investment immigration?

Several factors could affect the application, such as a broken funding chain or unverifiable funding sources. Additionally, issues with the project itself may lead to application failure.

Q3: How to identify a good investment immigration project, and can lawyers recommend projects?

Legal professional ethics prohibit lawyers from recommending investment projects, but they can collaboratively explore and investigate specific business matters with clients. Information about investment immigration projects is publicly available online, and investors can make comprehensive judgments after understanding the reputation and strength of the project through professional sources. Lawyers primarily handle legal procedures during this process, such as investigating the target project for clients.

Following this, Attorney Huang Zhengdong provided further professional answers to questions raised by attendees and engaged in discussions. The lecture offered in-depth knowledge of investment immigration to the participants, earning high praise from the attendees.