Navigating Opportunity: What the Current U.S. Economy Means for Immigrant Investors

What the Current U.S. Economy Means for Immigrant Investors

Current U.S. Economy

In an era defined by economic uncertainty and shifting immigration policies, understanding where and how to invest in the United States is more critical than ever—especially for immigrant investors planning their futures. In a recent webinar titled “Beyond EB-5: What Does the Current U.S. Economy Mean for Immigrant Investors?”, industry experts from UBS Wealth Management, JTC Group, and CanAm Enterprises came together to share perspectives on the macroeconomic environment, the evolving role of the EB-5 program, and regional investment trends, particularly among Latin American investors.

Watch the full webinar: “Beyond EB-5: What Does the Current U.S. Economy Mean for Immigrant Investors?”

Recession Fears Tempered by Strong Fundamentals

Brian Rose, Senior Economist at UBS Global Wealth Management, opened the discussion with an honest appraisal of the economic landscape. While acknowledging that recession risks remain, particularly due to rising tariffs and a volatile policy environment, Rose pointed to resilient fundamentals in the U.S. labor market.

“Consumer sentiment has dropped to levels usually associated with recession,” he explained, “but actual consumer spending remains healthy. The labor market continues to be the backbone of the U.S. economy, with low unemployment, stable payroll growth, and wage increases that outpace inflation.”

Rose also highlighted the booming artificial intelligence sector as a growth engine that could help stave off recession. “There’s a real gold rush in AI. It’s providing a strong tailwind for investment and job creation, which is a big reason we remain cautiously optimistic.”

Latin American Investors Still Look to the U.S.

Ignacio Terrera, Director at JTC Miami, brought firsthand insight into Latin American investor sentiment. Despite the availability of residency-by-investment programs in countries like Spain and Portugal, the United States remains the preferred destination for many high-net-worth individuals across Latin America.

“Political and economic instability continues to drive Latin American capital toward the U.S.,” Terrera said. “But it’s not just about safe haven investing. There’s an aspirational element—people want to build a life here, not just park their money.”

Terrera detailed how many Latin American investors are pursuing direct U.S. real estate purchases, especially in cities like Miami, Orlando, Houston, and Dallas. He explained that these investors often structure their holdings through personal holding companies or trusts to optimize estate planning and mitigate tax exposure.

“The U.S. offers a reliable rule of law, confidentiality protections, and investment diversification,” he noted. “It’s not just about returns—it’s about security and legacy.”

EB-5: A Program Built for the Moment

Jill Jones, Head of Specialty Fund Administration at JTC and a long-time expert in EB-5, emphasized that the current U.S. economic and political climate presents a unique window of opportunity for EB-5 investors.

“With the passage of the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (RIA), we now have targeted visa set-asides for rural, high-unemployment, and infrastructure projects,” Jones explained. “These categories not only align with the areas that need investment the most, but they’re also receiving expedited processing from USCIS. That’s a huge benefit for immigrant investors.”

Jones highlighted how tariffs and supply chain concerns are pushing U.S. businesses to onshore manufacturing and build new infrastructure—projects ideally suited for EB-5 funding. “It’s a perfect storm. The U.S. needs capital for industrial growth, and EB-5 investors need projects that generate jobs and offer immigration benefits.”

Policy Stability and the Road Ahead

One of the concerns raised during the webinar was the potential impact of future immigration reforms, including discussions around a so-called “Trump Gold Card.” While such proposals have caused anxiety for some, Jones offered reassurance.

“The good news is that EB-5 petitions filed before September 30, 2026, are protected under the grandfathering provisions of the RIA,” she said. “Regardless of political shifts, these petitions must be honored under current law. That provides real peace of mind.”

She also addressed the sunset date for the Regional Center Program, which is set for September 2027. “The urgency now is to invest before September 2026 to ensure you’re protected. That’s why we’re seeing a push to bring projects to market and get investors committed.”

Read Now: CanAm Enterprises Statement on President Trump’s Recent EB-5 Announcement

Smart Reinvestment Strategies

For investors who recently received repayment from EB-5 projects, the question becomes: What next? According to Brian Rose, timing and diversification are key.

“This isn’t a normal environment. There’s a lot of policy-driven volatility,” Rose cautioned. “But that doesn’t mean you should sit on the sidelines. Areas like artificial intelligence, infrastructure, and even energy are seeing major investment tailwinds.”

Terrera added that Latin American families are increasingly adopting sophisticated structures to reinvest capital in the U.S., including using trusts and offshore funds for estate planning and asset protection.

“Before you move your life and assets to the U.S., you need a cross-border strategy,” he advised. “It’s not just about making an investment. It’s about understanding how that investment fits into your long-term immigration, tax, and family goals.”

Due Diligence Matters More Than Ever

All panelists agreed that while the EB-5 program offers compelling benefits, it also requires careful due diligence.

“You need to look beyond the project type,” Joan Hull advised in her role as moderator. “Whether it’s a multifamily housing project or a manufacturing facility, you must evaluate the experience of the developer, the capital structure, the job creation metrics, and how USCIS requirements are being met.”

Jones echoed that sentiment. “At the end of the day, EB-5 is an at-risk investment. That means you could lose your capital. But even if the project doesn’t succeed financially, you can still obtain your green card if the jobs are created. That’s why project selection and service provider credibility are crucial.”

A Final Word

As the webinar wrapped up, each panelist offered final advice to immigrant investors:

  • Brian Rose: “Stay grounded. The news can be noisy, but the U.S. is still a great place to build a future.”
  • Ignacio Terrera: “Plan ahead. Talk to professionals early. Cross-border investing requires structure and foresight.”
  • Jill Jones: “There’s never been a better time for EB-5. We have the policy support, the demand for job-creating projects, and the infrastructure to make it happen.”

For immigrant investors navigating today’s complex global landscape, one message came through loud and clear: with the right timing, due diligence, and partners, the American dream remains well within reach.

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