EB-5 Program Drives $75 Billion Investment and 1.7 Million Jobs, Operating at No Taxpayer Cost

Washington D.C. – The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program is significantly contributing to the U.S. economy, attracting billions in private investment and creating millions of jobs without any cost to American taxpayers, according to recent reports. As noted in a tweet by Dave Bondy, "> Reports say The EB-5 program is fueling U.S. growth, billions in private investment, millions of jobs, and zero cost to taxpayers." This federal initiative, managed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), allows foreign investors to obtain permanent residency by investing in U.S. commercial enterprises that create or preserve jobs for American workers.

Established by Congress in 1990, the EB-5 program aims to stimulate the U.S. economy through capital investment and job creation. Investors typically commit $800,000 to $1,050,000 in a new commercial enterprise, which must lead to the creation or preservation of at least 10 full-time jobs for qualified U.S. workers. The program includes a regional center component, which allows for indirect job creation through economic activity, making it a vital source of capital for various projects.

Between 2016 and 2019 alone, the EB-5 program attracted an estimated $75 billion in private investment, generating approximately 1.7 million jobs across the United States. This substantial economic activity also contributed $184 billion to the U.S. GDP and paid $122 billion in wages to American workers. These figures underscore the program's role as a significant driver of economic growth, particularly in areas that might otherwise struggle to secure funding.

The program's design ensures that its economic benefits are achieved without drawing from public funds. Organizations like Invest in the USA (IIUSA) have consistently highlighted that EB-5 investments are foreign direct investments, meaning the capital infusion and job creation occur "at no cost to the taxpayer." This aspect is frequently emphasized by proponents, including congressional figures, who view it as an efficient mechanism for economic development.

Recent legislative updates, such as the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022, have introduced new requirements and set-asides for visas, aiming to enhance the program's integrity and direct investment towards rural areas and high-unemployment zones. These reforms seek to maximize the program's impact on economically distressed communities and infrastructure projects, further solidifying its role in national economic strategy.