| Dear IIUSA Member,
As IIUSA’s lobbyist in Washington, I want to share an important update on the steps we are taking to navigate this pivotal time for the EB-5 industry.
With the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the EB-5 visa, I want to assure you that IIUSA is working tirelessly to protect and strengthen the EB-5 Regional Center Program. Our efforts focus on ensuring that the program’s principles complement President Trump’s Gold Card concept and align with the industry’s needs moving forward.
Advocacy is central to IIUSA’s mission. In recent months, we have significantly increased our efforts, which include:
- Engaging Congress – The IIUSA leadership and I have been actively meeting with members of Congress and their staff to emphasize the critical role of EB-5 and investment-based immigration in economic development. We are ensuring that lawmakers understand the importance of the program, addressing key challenges, and exploring legislative opportunities to strengthen investment-based immigration. This includes examining how EB-5 could complement the Gold Card and looking ahead to the reauthorization in 2027.
- Monitoring Administration Engagement on the Gold Card and EB-5 – We are actively working with our trusted partners who have direct connections to senior Administration officials to track the Administration’s stance on the Gold Card and its potential impact on the EB-5 program. Through these partnerships, IIUSA has stayed informed about emerging policy proposals and engaged in discussions to advocate for fair and transparent policies. We also closely monitor key nominations at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the Department of Homeland Security, and other federal agencies to ensure leadership that supports clarity and confidence in the EB-5 ecosystem, benefiting investors, service providers, and regional centers alike.
- Shaping the Narrative on Investment-Based Immigration – With renewed attention on investment-based immigration policies, including President Trump’s recent “Gold Card” proposal, IIUSA is working diligently to position EB-5 as a vital element of America’s economic strategy. To support this effort, we have significantly enhanced our public relations outreach.
What We Are Hearing
In our conversations with policymakers, key themes emerge:
- Skepticism Regarding the Gold Card and Its Implementation: There is considerable skepticism surrounding the Gold Card, particularly regarding its potential inclusion through reconciliation. Many policymakers are questioning how the Gold Card could be implemented through this process and whether it represents the most effective path forward.
- Concerns Regarding EB-5 Changes via Reconciliation: Another point of skepticism is whether the EB-5 program can be changed through reconciliation. Some lawmakers have expressed hesitation about making alterations to EB-5 in this way, as it may not align with the broader legislative objectives for reconciliation.
- Economic Impact of EB-5: Thanks to IIUSA’s advocacy, key members of Congress are fully aware of the significant economic impact that the EB-5 program has on their districts. They recognize the jobs created, the investments generated, and the local benefits linked to the program’s success.
As IIUSA leadership and I continue to engage with policymakers, we find it immensely impactful to share the number of IIUSA members and their positive economic contributions. Your membership in IIUSA is crucial for shaping the industry during this critical time.
We understand that uncertainty can be challenging, and IIUSA remains committed to keeping you informed about our efforts. Although some of these conversations are confidential, please note that you can always contact IIUSA to discuss our advocacy on your behalf. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to info@iiusa.org to speak with a member of the IIUSA staff.
Thank you for your ongoing support as an IIUSA member and for all that you do to promote the EB-5 industry.
Sincerely,
George McElwee
The Reserve Component |
