The EB5 visas system was created by the Immigration Act (1990). It provides a way for foreign nationals to invest money in the United States and - provided certain conditions are met - to obtain a green card for themselves and their immediate family.
The investment required is currently 1,000,000 dollars, although it is reduced to 500,000 dollars if the investment is made in a qualified regional center with high unemployment rates. The Gold Coast Florida Regional Center offers EB5 visas in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties in Florida.
A green card is the informal name given to the United States Permanent Resident Card. This entitles the holder to permanently live and work in the US. Green card holders (or Lawful Permanent Residents) are able to apply for citizenship after 5 years.
While a person is a Lawful Permanent Resident they will already enjoy most of the full rights of a US citizen, including living and working anywhere in the country on a permanent basis. There are however some good reasons to become a full citizen, including the ability to possess and use a US passport, and therefore receive US government assistance and protection when traveling overseas.
Citizens also get priority when petitioning to bring family members into the country, and in the majority of cases any children (even if born abroad) will automatically become citizens. In addition citizens may often pay lower fees for education than foreign students, and may gain tax benefits from homestead exemption laws. Some jobs including federal jobs and elected posts are only available to US citizens.
Those who are interested in applying for a green card through the EB5 visa program need to have the qualifying funds available for their investment in the US. Investment opportunities can include property investments such as Hollywood Circle. This is a mixed use real estate project in the City of Hollywood in South Florida.