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¿Centro regional o inversión directa para su solicitud EB-5?
Kyle Huffman • August 15, 2024
Click here to read this article in English
A medida que los efectos de la Ley de Reforma e Integridad del EB-5 de 2022 continúan desarrollándose, esta categoría de visado de inmigrante ha experimentado un aumento vertiginoso de popularidad en los últimos meses. Antes de 2022, muchas personas de alto poder adquisitivo evitaban por completo la categoría EB-5, debido a la incertidumbre generalizada en torno al programa. No es ningún secreto que la categoría EB-5 es cara, y ¿quién podría culpar a un inversor por dudar a la hora de invertir una suma tan importante de capital en un vehículo de inversión con una supervisión o transparencia limitadas? Con la gran mayoría de las preocupaciones en torno al programa que se han aliviado a través de las disposiciones de la Reforma EB-5 y la Ley de Integridad de 2022, lo que permite una mayor supervisión reglamentaria, el aumento de los umbrales de inversión, la transparencia, e incluso la eliminación de capas de trámites burocráticos, los inversores están una vez más deseosos de participar en este programa altamente beneficioso.
Si está considerando realizar una inversión financiera significativa en los Estados Unidos, el programa EB-5 es una excelente oportunidad no sólo para realizar la inversión, sino para asegurar la residencia permanente, y eventualmente la ciudadanía, en los Estados Unidos por esas contribuciones. La idea que subyace al programa EB-5 es generar un estímulo económico para Estados Unidos, lo que incluye la creación de un número significativo de oportunidades de empleo para trabajadores estadounidenses. Los umbrales de inversión para los importes mínimos de inversión admisibles se diseñaron sobre la base de que la inversión de capital alcanzara un nivel suficiente de estímulo económico. Sin embargo, con un amplio margen entre los dos umbrales de inversión admisibles, y una amplia gama de posibles proyectos en los que invertir, muchos inversores se preguntan cuál es la vía EB-5 más adecuada para ellos.
En sentido amplio, hay dos tipos de inversión EB-5: Inversión directa, o Inversión a través de un centro regional aprobado por el USCIS. El mejor camino para cada caso potencial depende de las prioridades de cada individuo que solicita.
Para la inversión directa, la petición se presenta con el formulario I-526, Petición de Inmigrante como Inversor Independiente. Un inversor que presenta una Petición de Inversión Directa EB-5 tiene la oportunidad de invertir en una empresa responsable de la creación de al menos 10 puestos de trabajo a tiempo completo. Siempre que la organización pueda verificar la creación real y la existencia de estos puestos de trabajo, estas peticiones tienen una excelente oportunidad de ser aprobadas. Estas peticiones pueden ser especialmente beneficiosas para un inversor que crea firmemente en el éxito de una nueva empresa o concepto y desee que la mayor parte de su inversión se centre directamente en la empresa creadora de empleo.
Para una inversión en un centro regional, la petición se presenta con el formulario I-526E, Petición de inmigrante como inversor en un centro regional. Estos centros regionales se crean con el propósito expreso de facilitar la inversión EB-5. Cada centro regional debe solicitarlo debidamente al USCIS, y recibir su aprobación, antes de que pueda ser incluido por el USCIS en la lista de Centros Regionales Aprobados para Inversores Inmigrantes EB-5. Uno de los principales beneficios de invertir a través de un centro regional es la facilitación del proceso de solicitud, ya que los centros regionales proporcionarán una parte sustancial de la documentación requerida. Sin embargo, esto también suele dar lugar a un menor nivel de control sobre los fondos de inversión, en comparación con una inversión directa.
FPara ambos tipos de EB-5, el umbral de inversión viene determinado por factores geográficos y económicos dentro de Estados Unidos. Dado que el programa está diseñado para estimular la economía estadounidense, existe una amplia preferencia por invertir en lo que se conoce como "Targeted Employment Areas (TEAs)". Se trata de zonas rurales u otras zonas con una elevada tasa de desempleo, definida como una tasa de desempleo al menos un 50% superior a la media nacional de Estados Unidos. El importe mínimo de inversión admisible para una zona de empleo específica es de sólo 900.000 dólares, frente a un umbral mínimo de 1,8 millones de dólares para una inversión fuera de una zona de empleo específica. Sin embargo, para los inversores que confían en un proyecto de inversión concreto y están motivados principalmente por los beneficios potenciales, puede merecer la pena invertir directamente en la organización con mayor potencial, independientemente de la ubicación geográfica dentro de EE.UU. en la que se vaya a centrar la inversión.
En última instancia, la decisión sobre cuál es la mejor vía EB-5 es una determinación que debe tomar cada inversor individual y cambia en función de cada caso. Sin embargo, con una suma tan grande normalmente en juego, cada inversor quiere tener la confianza de que están eligiendo el mejor camino para sí mismos para lograr sus objetivos individuales. Si usted está considerando la posibilidad de realizar una inversión EB-5, y le gustaría discutir las preguntas o inquietudes que pueda tener acerca de qué camino EB-5 es el adecuado para usted, le animo a programar una consulta con uno de nuestros abogados expertos.
Este blog no pretende ser asesoramiento jurídico y nada de lo aquí expuesto debe interpretarse como el establecimiento de una relación abogado-cliente. Por favor, programe una consulta con un abogado de inmigración antes de actuar sobre cualquier información leída aquí.
On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order imposing new restrictions on migrants, including limitations on asylum and humanitarian protections. The order directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to terminate all categorical parole programs that conflict with U.S. policies , which includes parole processes for Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan nationals. Additionally, this provision could impact parole programs for individuals from Afghanistan, Ukraine, and other countries. Beyond restricting parole, the executive order introduces several border security measures , including building more physical barriers, increasing the number of border personnel, and stopping the use of the CBP One mobile application . The order specifically directs the Department of Defense (DOD) and DHS to build more border walls to establish what it calls “complete operational control” of the southern border. Additionally, it ordered the immediate shutdown of the CBP One mobile app, which previously allowed asylum seekers to schedule appointments at U.S. Ports of Entry. As a result, all existing appointments have been canceled immediately . The order also initiates the reinstatement of the “Remain in Mexico” program , also known as the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) , across all sectors of the southern border. Under MPP, asylum seekers must remain in Mexico while awaiting the outcome of their U.S. immigration court proceedings, significantly altering the process for those seeking refuge in the country. These measures reinforce the Trump administration's broader effort to restrict asylum and humanitarian protections at the U.S. border . If you or someone you know may be affected by this executive order, it is essential to stay informed and understand your legal rights. Consulting with an immigration attorney can help navigate these evolving policies and ensure the best course of action moving forward.
The E-2 Visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows foreign investors from treaty countries to live and work in the United States by starting or purchasing a business. Unlike other visa categories, it does not require a fixed minimum investment amount. Instead, applicants must demonstrate that their investment is substantial and sufficient to ensure the success of their business. The visa is renewable indefinitely as long as the business remains active and meets the necessary criteria, making it an attractive option for entrepreneurs seeking long-term opportunities in the U.S. One of its key advantages is flexibility. Investors can establish a new business, acquire an existing one, or enter into franchise opportunities. Additionally, spouses and children under 21 can accompany the primary applicant, with spouses eligible to apply for work authorization. This makes the E-2 Visa a practical option for business-minded individuals looking to establish themselves in the U.S. market. While the E-2 Visa itself has remained a stable option, shifts in U.S. immigration policies have influenced the application process and overall investor experience. Understanding these changes is essential for anyone considering this pathway. Policy Shifts and the E-2 Visa: Lessons from the Past During the first Trump administration (2017–2021), U.S. immigration policies became more restrictive across multiple visa categories. Although the E-2 program was not directly limited, broader changes had an impact. The "Buy American, Hire American" Executive Order, signed in 2017, led to heightened scrutiny of visa applications, requiring investors to provide stronger evidence that their business would create jobs and contribute to the U.S. economy. This resulted in an increase in Requests for Evidence (RFEs) and denials for those unable to meet these expectations. Another significant change was the suspension of the Interview Waiver Program, which meant all E-2 applicants, including renewals, had to attend in-person interviews at U.S. embassies. This extended processing times and increased scrutiny of applications. Additionally, visa reciprocity agreements were reviewed and adjusted, impacting validity periods and costs for certain countries. For instance, Iranian citizens were deemed ineligible for the E-2 Visa due to the termination of the treaty. These adjustments significantly affected investors from impacted nations, increasing their costs and renewal frequency. Despite these policy shifts, the approval rate for E-2 visas remained relatively stable. According to data from the U.S. Department of State, there were over 43,000 approvals in 2019, reflecting the program’s continued viability. Even in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic caused global disruptions, approval numbers remained significant. These figures highlight that while the process became more rigorous, well-prepared investors continued to secure visas by demonstrating strong business plans, substantial investments, and clear economic contributions. What to Expect Moving Forward As the new Trump administration takes shape, further immigration policy changes are likely. While it is too soon to predict the exact impact on the E-2 Visa, past trends suggest increased scrutiny. However, the program itself has remained intact across multiple administrations, reinforcing its reliability for foreign entrepreneurs. Those considering this visa should stay informed and ensure their applications meet evolving requirements. A well-prepared investment strategy, clear documentation, and a defined job creation plan can make a significant difference in navigating any potential policy shifts. Why the E-2 Visa Remains a Strong Choice The E-2 Visa continues to be a resilient and valuable option for foreign entrepreneurs. Even during periods of policy change, approval rates have remained strong for investors with well-structured applications. The ability to renew indefinitely, combined with its flexibility in investment size and business type, makes it one of the most attractive pathways for international investors. With the right preparation, investors can confidently pursue the E-2 Visa, knowing that history has shown its stability even amid shifting political landscapes. By staying ahead of policy changes and ensuring a solid business strategy, entrepreneurs can take advantage of the opportunities the U.S. market has to offer. If you are ready to take the next step toward launching your business in the U.S., you can contact our office for expert guidance and personalized assistance with your application.
On January 29, 2025, President Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law, significantly altering how immigration policies are enforced in the United States. This legislation grants State attorneys general and other authorized officials unprecedented authority to interpret and implement federal immigration policies. It also empowers them to take legal action against the federal government if they believe federal immigration enforcement negatively impacts their state. With this new authority, states now play a direct role in shaping immigration outcomes—a responsibility traditionally held by the federal government. One of the most immediate effects of the Laken Riley Act is that it allows states to seek injunctive relief to block the issuance of visas to nationals of countries that refuse or unreasonably delay the acceptance of their citizens who have been ordered removed from the United States . This means that if a country does not cooperate with U.S. deportation efforts, its nationals—regardless of their legal status—could face significant difficulties obtaining or renewing visas. As a result, foreign nationals from these countries may encounter increased uncertainty when traveling internationally or securing work authorization in the U.S. Beyond visa processing, the law introduces a new level of unpredictability into the immigration system. By allowing state attorneys general to intervene in federal procedures, and immigration policies that may now vary based on state-level decisions. In the coming months, it remains to be seen how individual states will wield this power—whether they will actively seek to block visa issuance or push for broader immigration enforcement measures. For foreign nationals and employers, staying informed about which countries are deemed “uncooperative” is now more important than ever. Those needing visa renewals or planning international travel should prepare for potential delays and seek professional guidance to navigate these uncertainties. The Laken Riley Act also mandates federal immigration authorities to detain and deport individuals without legal status who are charged with certain offenses, including minor theft or shoplifting, assaulting a law enforcement officer, and crimes resulting in death or serious bodily injury. This provision underscores a stricter approach to immigration enforcement, affecting individuals accused of both minor and serious offenses. With immigration policies now subject to a new layer of state involvement, it is more important than ever to stay informed and prepared for potential challenges. If you have concerns about how the Laken Riley Act may affect your immigration status or business, contact Santos Lloyd Law Firm for strategic counsel tailored to your needs.
