Productivity 

Executive Global: Tell us about the EB-5 investment programme and how you can assist with the requirements for international clients?

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Jinhee Wilde: The EB-5 program is an investment immigration program authorised by Congress to stimulate the U.S. economy through job creation while offering a path to a green card and citizenship via capital investment to foreign investors. WA Law Group, LLC has assisted numerous foreign investors since 2007 to obtain their green card and then citizenship through this program, by preparing meticulous immigrant petitions and applications to obtain 100% approvals with very little (only four) source of funds-related requests for evidence in 15 years.

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EG: Why may it be advantageous to foreign investors to stimulate the U.S. economy through job creation and capital investment via the EB-5 Immigrant Investor process?  

JW: This is a win-win scenario for both U.S. and foreign investors. The U.S. economy benefits from an infusion of foreign capital by creating jobs and foreign investors benefit from obtaining a coveted U.S. permanent residency and then citizenship, with much less capital ($800,000 or $1,050,000) required than for any other sought after countries such as Germany, France or United Kingdom.
   

EG: What factors should busy executives consider to make the best use of their time when choosing an immigration attorney?
 

JW: The most important things to consider is whether the attorney has the qualifications and track record to assure that their applications will be approved. EB-5 is a very specialised practice area within the immigration field, because it requires the attorney to understand project documents and financial documents as well as immigration petition forms. Just choosing any immigration lawyer who quotes a low fee is a mistake that several of our clients have learned the hard way -reminding me of the old axiom: “You get what you pay for.” Another thing to consider is whether your case will be prepared by paralegals or assistants, or whether you will get personal attention from lawyers. At WA Law Group, EB-5 clients get personal and prompt attention from the two partners of the law firm. Ms. Wilde, CEO of the firm, personally answers emails well past midnight and clients’ communications are answered within 24 hours.

EG: What is the minimum amount of investment capital required for EB-5 and why?

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JW: The minimum investment amount is $1,050,000, except if the job creation project is located in a rural or 150% higher than national average unemployment area, where the minimum is $800,000. This is because the EB-5 program is designed as a job creation program – the U.S. government is interested in having foreign capital infusion in areas where jobs are needed and if you invest in high unemployment or rural areas, they will allow a lower investment amount of $800,000.
 

EG: What would you say are the core differences between Employment-based immigration and Family-based immigration?

JW: The core difference is employment-based immigration is based on jobs; either being sponsored by an employer for a job that cannot be filled with U.S. workers or creating jobs by investing in the U.S. economy. Family-based immigration is solely based on the familial relationships of either U.S. citizens or permanent residents, which is designed to help keep families together.

EG: How may the process of Naturalization in the United States, differ to Citizenship By Investment programmes in other countries?

JW: Whilst I cannot speak on the process for other countries, I can tell you that the U.S. immigration and naturalization process is long and complicated, because so many people want to immigrate to the U.S. for the exceptional education system, freedom of speech, religion and to achieve anything they want in life, along with the economic opportunities. Because the system and process is complicated and long, it is imperative that you choose an attorney who will stand by you until the end when you obtain citizenship and one that provides exceptional customer service, along with timely advice.

EG: What can High Net Worth investors look forward to when employing your counsel?

JW: At WA Law Group, we take care of our clients’ cases as if they were our own. We provide unparalleled services, including response to our clients within 24 hours and taking the time to explain and educate our clients on the complexity of their immigration process. Our CEO, Ms. Jinhee Wilde, has been awarded numerous awards recognising her as one of the best immigration lawyers in the country and she often stays up well past midnight to answer clients’ emails and calls. Our fees are flat-fee based, because we want to spend as much time answering and taking care of our clients without being tied to billable hours that so many large law firms charge. Also, at WA Law Group, EB-5 clients receive the personal attention of top two partners of the law firm, instead of assistants and paralegals.   EG