In the News
Pay to stay: Visa program offers green cards to immigrants
May 23, 2010
San Jose Mercury News - By Matt O'Brien
Click here to see the article published online.
"Congress allows up to 10,000 immigrants to come in on the visa each year, but most years attract fewer than 1,000. That is rapidly changing, as the number of visa-holders nationwide rose to 4,218 last year from 1,443 in 2008, according to government statistics. In order to get a green card, which allows a person to become a permanent resident of the United States, investors have a choice: They can put $1 million into starting a new commercial venture or helping a troubled American business. Or, they can invest $500,000 in a business venture located in an area with high unemployment. For the majority who choose the less expensive route, there are more than 80 regional centers across the country, and 23 in California, that are authorized by the government to recruit immigrant investors and pool their contributions into distressed regions. Two years ago, there were only about 20 such centers, most of which are private companies, but the recession has caused a spike in activity."
