New Investment Center Will Pump Billions into South Florida’s Economy

MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A new investment hub that will inject capital into the local economy has been announced. The South Florida Investment Regional Center — as it will be known — will promote economic growth, create new jobs, increase export sales, and attract capital investments to the area. Its success is assured since the incentive for the investors and the basis of the program are crystal clear:

“Businesses get capital, South Floridians get jobs, and the investor gets permanent residence, it’s a win-win-win situation”

Immigration through Investment.

Under a federal program, designed by the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security, Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to help foreign nationals invest in local businesses in South Florida, qualified foreign investors will be eligible to receive permanent resident status in the United States — along with their immediate family — when they invest in U.S. businesses that create jobs and opportunities in our local economy. That program is known as the EB-5 Visa Program.

“This is incredible news for South Florida, especially in this tough economic time," said Emilio T. Gonzalez, former Director of USCIS and a South Florida resident, “Businesses get capital, South Floridians get jobs, and the investor gets permanent residence, it’s a win-win-win situation,” he added.

The South Florida Investment Regional Center was approved to promote and facilitate investments under the EB-5 Visa Program for all of Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties.

“Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties are perfectly situated for this type of foreign investment opportunity. Our desirable location, dynamic economy and great investment opportunities set the stage for the success of the South Florida Investment Regional Center,” said Eric Gould, Partner and Co-Founder of the South Florida Investment Regional Center.

“Foreign investors will especially be attracted to the service we provide; high quality investment opportunities and the fringe benefits of South Florida,” adds David Hart, Partner and Co-Founder of the S.F.I.R.C.

The employment-based fifth preference — known as the EB-5 immigrant visa — was created in 1990 for immigrants who invest in U.S. companies that benefit the U.S. economy and create or save jobs in the U.S.

The required investment is $500,000 if made in a high unemployment or rural area. When they make their investment, investors receive a “conditional green card” good for two years. After that time, investors must prove to have maintained their investments having created or saved at least 10 jobs. Then, their conditional status can be converted to permanent residency. For more information, visit the South Florida Investment Regional Center’s web site at www.eb5regional.com.