As the EB-5 industry looks toward 2026 and 2027 — two critical policy milestones — the message from CanAm’s recent EB-5 Advocacy Webinar was clear: this is a defining moment for EB-5’s future.
CanAm CEO Tom Rosenfeld joined immigration law leaders Ron Klasko, Ira Kurzban, and Enrique González to discuss what’s next for the Program, how to strengthen bipartisan support, and why advocacy from within the EB-5 community has never been more important.
Two Dates, One Goal: Protecting Investors and the Program
Under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act (RIA), the Program is authorized through September 30, 2027. However, its grandfathering protection — the provision that guarantees continued processing of investor petitions even if the Program lapses — expires a year earlier, on September 30, 2026.
That one-year gap could have real consequences for investors and regional centers alike. As Ron Klasko explained:
“We’ve never before had to extend the Program a year before its expiration. But if Congress doesn’t act in 2026, we could face a gap. The most productive path may be a technical amendment to simply extend the grandfathering date to 2027.”
Tom Rosenfeld agreed: “The biggest hurdle right now is to synchronize the grandfathering with the Program’s sunset in 2027. It’s a practical step that protects investors and strengthens confidence in EB-5’s continuity.”
That synchronization, Rosenfeld emphasized, is not just a legal fix — it’s a signal of stability for investors around the world.
A Strong Record to Build On
The good news: EB-5 has powerful data and bipartisan proof points on its side.
“Since the RIA, we have the statistics to show that the Program is working exactly the way Congress intended,” Rosenfeld said. “There’s been a dramatic increase in rural investment, and EB-5 continues to create jobs in communities that need them most.”
Ira Kurzban and Enrique González both underscored how those results translate into political credibility. “We need to energize mayors and governors in rural states — many of them in Republican districts — who have directly benefited from EB-5 projects,” Kurzban said. “They can be the strongest advocates for reauthorization.”
González agreed: “The story we need to tell is about job creation, community development, and opportunity. When people see that impact locally, they see why EB-5 matters nationally.”
Why Advocacy Matters Now
While the RIA’s success has restored investor confidence, panelists warned against assuming automatic renewal. Political shifts in Washington and competing policy priorities mean that the industry must be proactive — not reactive.
“We can’t wait until the last minute,” Rosenfeld said. “The industry needs to stay unified, focused on practical advocacy, and continue showing policymakers that EB-5 delivers real results without costing taxpayers a dime.”
The panelists agreed that advocacy should focus on education and evidence: demonstrating measurable job creation, transparent compliance, and tangible economic benefits for American communities.
Rosenfeld emphasized that CanAm’s approach — data-driven and investor-focused — will continue to guide its advocacy. “We’ve been here for more than 20 years in EB-5 because we focus on integrity and outcomes. The Program has a strong future — but we have to keep earning it every day.”
Beyond 2027: A Call for Permanence
The discussion closed with a forward-looking challenge from moderator Carolyn Lee: why stop at a one-year fix? “We need to go for permanence,” she urged. “This recurring drama every few years isn’t good for anyone.”
Rosenfeld acknowledged the point but reiterated a pragmatic path forward: “It would be wonderful to see permanent authorization, but even small steps — like syncing the grandfathering date and reinforcing bipartisan support — will go a long way in securing EB-5’s future.”
The takeaway was unanimous: the next two years will define whether EB-5’s momentum becomes lasting stability.
Key Takeaways for Investors and Stakeholders
- Top priority: Extend the grandfathering date to match the Program’s 2027 sunset.
- Advocacy focus: Highlight job creation, economic development, and EB-5’s zero-cost benefit to taxpayers.
- Engage local voices: Mayors, governors, and community leaders in EB-5 project areas are powerful advocates.
- Aim for permanence: Long-term reauthorization would strengthen investor confidence and streamline future policymaking.
- The outlook is strong: The data, bipartisan support, and economic need all point to EB-5’s continued relevance.
