Founded in 2005, Invest in the USA (IIUSA) is the national, membership-based nonprofit trade association for the EB-5 Regional Center Program. Each year, the IIUSA EB-5 Industry Forum brings together stakeholders from around the world for three days of education, networking, and advocacy.
This year, EB5 Capital is especially proud to serve as the Host City Sponsor for IIUSA’s 16th Annual EB-5 Industry Forum in our nation’s capital, taking place April 29 – May 1, 2026. Washington, D.C., is home to key policymakers and a dynamic EB-5 investment landscape, making it a fitting location for the industry to gather at this pivotal moment.
Lulu Gordon, General Counsel at EB5 Capital, is an active leader in the EB-5 community. As a member of the IIUSA Board of Directors and Political Action Committee Board, and co-chair of IIUSA’s Public Policy Committee, she is deeply engaged in shaping the industry’s advocacy efforts. Lulu recently spoke with Andrea Devis Focke, Senior Director of Investor Relations at EB5 Capital and co-chair of IIUSA’s Membership & Investor Market Development Committee, to discuss the significance of this year’s forum and the broader priorities of the EB-5 industry.
Andrea: Why did IIUSA decide to hold this year’s IIUSA EB-5 Industry Forum in Washington, D.C.?
Lulu: With the upcoming September 30 expiration of the grandfathering protections under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (RIA), and the broader sunset of the RIA in 2027, this is a critical moment for the industry. It is more important than ever for stakeholders to come together to focus on advocacy, education, and the consolidation of reliable data demonstrating the program’s impact.
Hosting the forum in Washington, D.C. allows us to highlight how the EB-5 program—along with projects supported by EB5 Capital—has contributed to transformative development in the city and across the country. There is an urgent need to address the early expiration of investor grandfathering protections and to work toward permanent or long-term program reauthorization.
For these reasons, it is more important than ever for all stakeholders to come together and speak with a unified voice about the value of the EB-5 program.
Andrea: You, along with other members of the IIUSA Board of Directors, have been at the forefront of educating and building support on Capitol Hill to ensure the continued success of the EB-5 industry. Could you provide a brief overview of IIUSA’s advocacy efforts?
Lulu: Since the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act (RIA) was enacted in 2022, IIUSA’s leadership has organized regular Capitol Hill “Fly-Ins” to meet directly with members of Congress and their staff. These meetings focus on educating policymakers about the economic impact EB-5 projects have generated in communities across the country and addressing implementation challenges that affect the program’s effectiveness.
Although the EB-5 industry is relatively small, its economic impact is significant. Since its inception, EB-5 has attracted more than $60 billion in foreign direct investment and supported the creation of over 3 million American jobs.
The RIA’s visa set-asides and priority processing for rural investment are helping direct capital and meaningful economic benefits to the communities most in need, and at no cost to the American taxpayer. EB5 Capital’s 18 high-unemployment developments in Washington, D.C., and our numerous rural projects demonstrate how EB-5 can support both urban revitalization and rural economic growth. IIUSA’s regional center members have funded hundreds of impactful projects all across the country.
To fully realize the program’s potential, the industry needs certainty, transparency, and fairness in program administration. Through ongoing engagement with policymakers, IIUSA continues to advocate for these principles and for the long-term stability of the EB-5 program.
Andrea: What makes it valuable for members of the EB-5 industry to support and become members of IIUSA?
Lulu: At a time when the program’s future depends on strong advocacy and clear communication with policymakers, IIUSA is uniquely positioned to serve as our collective voice.
Through IIUSA, members have the opportunity to participate directly in advocacy efforts, contribute to policy discussions, and help shape the long-term future of the EB-5 program. The organization also provides a valuable platform for collaboration among regional centers, developers, attorneys, service providers, and other stakeholders who share a common goal: ensuring that the EB-5 program continues to drive job creation and economic development across the United States.
Equally important, IIUSA plays a critical role in educating policymakers and the public about the program’s impact. The data, research, and coordinated advocacy efforts led by IIUSA have helped demonstrate that EB-5 is a powerful economic development tool that delivers meaningful benefits to American communities. For anyone invested in the long-term success and credibility of the EB-5 program, supporting and participating in IIUSA is among the most effective ways to strengthen and sustain our industry.
