As previously mentioned, there is a regional center model within the EB-5 Program that allows for not only “direct job” creation, but “indirect job creation” as demonstrated by reasonable methodologies. Originally introduced as a “pilot program,” and now titled the “Immigrant Investor Program,” the program provides investors with expanded opportunities to demonstrate job creation in accordance with a series of job creation rules discussed below. 

 

 

        Regional center means any economic unit, public or private, which is involved with the promotion of economic growth, including increased export sales, improved regional productivity, job creation, and increased domestic capital investment. 

 

        A regional center that wants to participate in the Immigrant Investor Program must submit a proposal using Form I-924, that: 

 

(1) Clearly describes how the regional center focuses on a geographical 

region of the United States, and how it will promote economic growth through increased export sales, improved regional productivity, job creation, and increased domestic capital investment; 

(2) Provides in verifiable detail how jobs will be created directly or indirectly; 

(3) Provides a detailed statement regarding the amount and source of capital which has been committed to the regional center, as well as a description of the promotional efforts taken and planned by the sponsors of the regional center; 

(4) Contains a detailed prediction regarding the manner in which the regional center will have a positive impact on the regional or national economy in general as reflected by such factors as increased household earnings, greater demand for business services, utilities, maintenance and repair, and construction both within and without the regional center; and, 

(5) Is supported by economically or statistically sound valid forecasting tools, including, but not limited to, feasibility studies, analyses of foreign and domestic markets for the goods or services to be exported, and/or multiplier tables. 

 

        USCIS will review the proposed geographic boundaries of a new regional center and will deem them acceptable if the applicant can establish by a preponderance of the evidence that theproposed economic activity will promote economic growth in the proposed area. The question is a fact-specific one and the law does not require any particular form of evidentiary showing, such as a county-by-county analysis. In USCIS’s experience, the reasonableness of proposed regional center geographic boundaries may be demonstrated through evidence that the proposed area is contributing significantly to the supply chain, as well as the labor pool, of the proposed projects. 

 

        The Immigrant Investor Program was implemented with the goal of spurring greater economic growth in the geographic area in which a regional center is developed. The regional center model within the Immigrant Investor Program can offer an immigrant investor already-defined investment opportunities, thereby reducing the immigrant investor’s responsibility to identify acceptable investment vehicles.