Publisher’s Note
PUBLISHER
Ali Jahangiri
EDITORIAL TEAM
Pei-An Chien
Courtney Creedon
Mary Trease
The EB-5 program deserves to be recognized for
what it is: a broad and effective catalyst for U.S. job
growth. The media’s obsession with the myth of the
EB-5 program as a fast-track green card for the wealthy
dominates public perception and fuels the ire of the
program’s few, but vocal, opponents.
The controversies often center on the program’s few
scandals or on the “unfair” advantage given to wealthy
Ali Jahangiri
investors. Little attention is given to one of the main
beneficiaries of the program: the American worker. In
2013 alone, EB-5 regional center investments contributed approximately $1.9
billion to the U.S. economy in foreign direct investment, and supported over
41,000 U.S. jobs (Source: IIUSA).
As the program encounters changes and reforms under proposed legislation,
let’s remember that U.S. jobs hang in the balance.
For this issue, we interviewed people across the nation whose jobs stem directly
from EB-5 foreign investment. Our aim is to showcase the program’s impact in
the lives of thousands of Americans just like the handful that we had the privilege
of interviewing. From the CEO of a hospital to an employee at a quick-service
restaurant, the faces of these American workers are the face of EB-5.
Instead of allowing fear to dictate our immigration policies, let’s keep
focused on the necessity of maintaining a well-curated U.S. presence in the
competition for foreign capital. Instead of focusing on the program’s few failures, let’s concentrate on making the program better, improving compliance,
and expanding the scope of EB-5 projects. Instead of apologizing for allowing
wealthy investors to make a difference in the lives of thousands of Americans,
let’s recognize that building the American dream has always and will continue
to rely on immigrant contributions.
Providing an avenue for immigrants to invest in American job growth and
prosperity is not exactly a groundbreaking idea. America was built on immigrants
who were willing to 6fR