As we approach 2018, applicants who have already planned to immigrate are certainly looking to learn more about the latest U.S. immigration policies in order to complete their immigration planning in the new year and achieve their immigration goals as soon as possible.
Among countries with volatile and frequently changing immigration policies, the United States is at the forefront. Although U.S. immigration policies have been gradually tightening in recent years, this has not deterred people around the world from pursuing the "American Dream." It remains the preferred destination for many people seeking to immigrate. There is no need to elaborate on the benefits of immigrating to the U.S., but let us examine what new changes we can expect in U.S. immigration policy in 2018, what the requirements will be, and how much it will cost.
According to the latest data, the number of immigrants in the United States has surged over the past 16 years, exceeding 60 million and accounting for nearly 1/5 of the total U.S. population. For the world's most developed nation, this represents a significant burden. As a nation built by immigrants, the U.S. faces many persistent social issues that remain unresolved to this day.
As is well known, U.S. President Donald Trump is currently adhering to an "America First" principle, cracking down on illegal immigration, strictly vetting employment-based immigration, and planning to significantly reduce the number of family-based immigrants. Furthermore, as the number of applicants has skyrocketed, visa backlogs have become alarmingly long. Is the situation in 2018 destined to be severe? Against this backdrop, has the prospect of immigrating to the U.S. become remote? Are there still legal and straightforward ways for investors who wish to fulfill their American dreams and meet needs such as asset allocation and their children's education to immigrate to the U.S.?
The U.S. EB-5 Investment Immigration Program requires an investment of only $500,000, with no requirements for language, education, or business background to obtain U.S. immigration status. Since its inception, this immigration policy has operated successfully for over 20 years, remaining mature and stable, and has helped countless individuals obtain U.S. green cards. Currently, the U.S. EB-5 investment immigration program is at a critical juncture of policy change. The EB-5 policy has been extended until December 8th as part of a budget bill, and there are reports that it may be extended for about another month. In other words, there is a strong possibility that the investment amount for U.S. immigration will remain at $500,000 before January 2018.
Investors should also note that the application materials and preparation cycle for U.S. immigration are relatively long. A habit of waiting and observing before submitting application materials may lead to missed opportunities due to miscalculations in the expected timeline. Applicants should keep track of the latest news on U.S. immigration policy, prepare their application materials in advance, and submit them at the appropriate time—or even sooner.