According to a comprehensive report by the World Journal, data from the US Department of Homeland Security shows that the US EB-5 visa program, designed to attract foreign investment, has brought significant capital into the United States. The number of foreigners obtaining residency through this program surged from 142 in 2002 to 7,641 in 2012, with approximately 80% of these visas issued to Chinese nationals.
A 2010 survey conducted by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of 295 foreign citizens who obtained green cards through the EB-5 program indicated that real estate is the preferred investment sector for these investors, and California is the preferred investment location. Recipients of EB-5 green cards come from over 30 countries and regions worldwide, with the top three sources being mainland China, South Korea, and Taiwan.
A New York City real estate developer stated, "Investment immigrants from China are like a gift from God." Many US real estate developers welcome investment immigrants from China and other countries, and also support the federal government's issuance of green cards to these investors through the EB-5 program.
Most EB-5 investment projects and funds are concentrated in major cities in states such as New York, California, and Florida. After witnessing the immense potential of EB-5 fundraising, many small and medium-sized US cities are also eager to attract overseas investment, particularly from China, for projects in their respective states.
The Obama administration's newly established Council on Jobs and Competitiveness pointed out that, overall, the EB-5 program is expected to bring $4 billion in annual investment to the United States and create 40,000 jobs.
