One of the main differences that distinguish EB-5 regional centers from regular businesses that handle investments is their interaction with foreign nationals.
Participants in the EB-5 visa program can become eligible for their U.S. green card by investing $1 million in an American business or project. If the investment produces 10 new jobs, the investor becomes green card eligible.
Ben Cummings is a partner at the BirchLEAF 31 Miami Regional Center, which is currently working with a development company to erect the first building at the University of Miami Life Science and Technology Park.
Cummings understands that participants in the EB-5 visa program have understandably different goals from typical, domestic investors.
"Essentially, the foreign investors have the primary goal of receiving their permanent resident visas; a secondary goal of having made a secure investment in which their capital will be returned to them in approximately 5 years; and a third and less important goal of receiving a reasonable return on their investment during the 5 year period," he said.
These goals contrast with those of American investors.
"Domestic investors generally seek a higher return on their investment as their primary goal," said Cummings.
