Capital Through EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
We host experts in immigration investment through the EB-5 program, Alex Tirado, and Roger Luo, of Woodruff & Luo, and Fortuna Holdings International. They shared information about a source of capital through foreign investment made by citizens of other countries seeking to immigrate to the US. This program gives these investors a path to a green card in exchange for committing $500,000 or more to a US business that is likely to result in new jobs being created.
The US Department of Customs & Immigration administers the EB-5 Immigrant Investor program. Their website explains the program this way, “Under this program, entrepreneurs (and their spouses and unmarried children under 21) are eligible to apply for a green card (permanent residence) if they:
- Make the necessary investment in a commercial enterprise in the United States; and
- Plan to create or preserve 10 permanent full-time jobs for qualified U.S. workers.
This program is known as EB-5 for the name of the employment-based fifth preference visa that participants receive.
Congress created the EB-5 Program in 1990 to stimulate the U.S. economy through job creation and capital investment by foreign investors. In 1992, Congress created the Immigrant Investor Program, also known as the Regional Center Program. This sets aside EB-5 visas for participants who invest in commercial enterprises associated with regional centers approved by USCIS based on proposals for promoting economic growth.”
It is the Regional Center Program that Alexandra and Roger are focused on with Fortuna Holdings International. They are actively courting support from investors to help get a local Regional Center started, along with a technology park that would provide incubation, acceleration, and mentorship, along with access to funding in a single ecosystem.
The firm, along with the City of Chamblee, recently hosted a delegation of investors from China (pictured above) to tour the region and view possible locales for such a venture. It is exciting to see such a potential economic engine that will add US jobs (many of which will be here in the metro area) and additional resources that will continue to expand Atlanta’s reputation as a center for tech innovation and start-up.
Special Guests:
Alexandra Tirado, Co-CEO, Fortuna Holdings International
Roger Luo, Partner, Woodruff & Luo, LLC
