Fort Worth Business Press, June 2, 2014 Vol. 26, No. 21

fwbusinesspress.com | June 2 - 8, 2014 Australia and the United Kingdom, using similar programs to attract foreign investment. The American program is more stringent than many others, requiring substantial risk for investors in terms of both their financial investment and immigration status. And because Congress has not permanently authorized the EB-5 program, potential investors face a risk that is not present in other countries, placing North Texas – and America – at a disadvantage. To continue attracting investment in our communities, we need to level the playing field. Congress can do this by permanently authorizing the EB-5 program, an idea that enjoys broad bipartisan support. Three different bills have been introduced in both the House and Senate that would do just that, as well as strengthen EB-5 program oversight, increase the program’s capacity to fund job-creating projects, and index the minimum investment amount to inflation – all needed reforms. North Texas is competing against other regions and countries for investment dollars. In the globalized world in which we live, international investors can finance projects and build businesses almost anywhere. We need to channel these global capital flows to our community, where we can put them to good use. The EB-5 program has been successful and it can do even more, particularly in our region, if Congress welcomes investors by making a long-term commitment to the program’s success. n Dan Healy is the CEO of Civitas Capital Group, a leading independent specialty asset management and financial services firm with operating divisions focused on alternative investments, EB

Fort Worth Business Press, June 2, 2014 Vol. 26, No. 21 | Page 17