Over the past 24 hours, Visa Franchise has been inundated with e-mails, WhatsApp messages and phone calls by concerned clients about the Trump presidency. Immigrant investors seeking the E-2, L-1 or EB-5 Investor Visas should not be concerned about a change in the White House!
Illegal Immigrants
Trump has vowed to curb illegal immigration to the U.S. Those immigrants residing or planning to reside in the USA out of status, will be under increased scrutiny and risk deportation. We do not see his stance on illegal immigration affecting immigrant investors in anyway.
Corrupt H-1B Visa System
Trump campaigned on protecting the economic well-being of the lawful immigrants already living here by curbing uncontrolled foreign worker admissions. Trump has promised to put further controls or even cancel the H visa program.
Many technology workers are sent to the U.S. on H1-B visas and work for sub-average wages after their American counterparts have been fired. He wants this practice to end promptly!
Keeping foreign students Stateside
Trump tweeted “I want talented people to come into this country — to work hard and to become citizens. Silicon Valley needs engineers, etc.”. He has made it clear he wants the best to stay in the U.S.. The H1-B Visa system should not prioritize outsourced workers over bright foreign students lawfully seeking employment in the U.S.
Entrepreneurs are welcome
Trump promises to select immigrants based on their likelihood of success in the U.S. and their ability to be financially self-sufficient. Immigrants investing in U.S. franchises with a successful track record and demonstrated job creation, are welcomed by open arms to the U.S. The U.S. franchise industry is responsible for 21 million jobs and contributes US$ 2.3 trillion to the American economy. The Trump campaign has focused on American jobs and a key part of the EB-5 visa and E-2 visa is job creation. It is expected that E-2 investor visa issuances will continue to grow from their 2015 numbers of 41,000. Unlike the H1-B visa and EB-5 visa, there is no cap for the E-2 visa.
Trump is a strong supporter of small and mid-sized businesses in the U.S. regardless of the founder being American or foreign born. The E-2, L-1 and EB-5 direct visas are the best options for foreign nationals to build these businesses.
EB-5 Investor Visa
Real estate projects under the Trump brand have benefited from the EB-5 investor visa program. The Trump Bay Street, a 50-story luxury rental apartment building, is being built by Kushner Companies. The CEO, Jared Kushner, is married to Trump’s daughter Ivanka and Jared served as Trump’s key advisor during his campaign. Trump is open to wealthy foreigners receiving a green card by investing at least $500,000 in real estate project or business that creates 10+ full-time American jobs. However, we do not know his exact position on the EB-5 visa bill up for vote in December. The investment amount could increase and it might be more attractive for direct investments in operating businesses like franchises.
The United States will continue to grow and prosper despite short-term uncertainties. Immigrant investors are welcome in the U.S. and encompass what the U.S. was founded on!
Who is Visa Franchise?
Visa Franchise guides investors in identifying and analyzing the best investment opportunities tailored to their specific objectives. The focus of the firm is on franchises that qualify for the E-21 and EB-5 visas2. Visa Franchise is the trusted advisor of clients from all over the world when it comes to helping them find the business opportunity that best meets their investment and immigration goals. Visa Franchise takes into consideration their capability, experience, and size of investment to ensure that they choose the best possible option for their unique, individual situation. Visa Franchise is based in Miami, Florida with a second office in Orlando, Florida.
For any questions, please reach us at info@visafranchise.com or +1-305-454-7744
(1) E-2 Treaty Investor Visa allows a national of a “treaty country” – a country with which the U.S. maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation – to reside in the U.S. when investing a substantial amount of capital in a U.S. business (generally >$150,000)
(2) EB-5 visa requires at least a $500,000 investment in a U.S. business that creates at least ten (10) jobs for U.S. citizens or green card holders in the first two (2) years. Investors may either start their own businesses as active investors or invest in designated Regional Centers as passive investors
Sources:
(3) United States Government Accountability Office, March 2011
