BAI Capital Weekly News Summary: Investment, Macroeconomics, Migration, and Real Estate in the U.S. | Week of April 14–20, 2025

During the third week of April, the United States saw key updates in economic, immigration, and investment policy. From new IMF projections to state-level measures in Florida to support the housing market, this summary highlights the 10 most important developments for investors, migrants, and businesspeople targeting the U.S. as a strategic destination.

1. IMF raises U.S. growth forecast for 2025 

The International Monetary Fund revised upward its forecast for U.S. economic growth, projecting a 2.6% GDP increase in 2025, up from the previously estimated 2.1%. The revision is based on strong consumer spending and a rebound in the industrial sector.

The report also notes that the U.S. is leading among advanced economies, even with elevated interest rates, and forecasts a gradual decline in inflation to 2.4% annually.

This news strengthens the U.S.’s position as a stable and attractive economic environment for foreign direct investment, particularly in real estate, technology, and advanced manufacturing.

2. Florida launches state fund to boost affordable housing construction 

Florida’s governor announced the creation of a $1 billion fund aimed at supporting affordable housing developments in high-demand urban areas. The fund will provide tax credits, subsidized loans, and technical assistance for private-sector projects.

This measure seeks to counteract housing shortages and rising prices, affecting both local residents and new migrants and foreign professionals settling in the state.

For developers and investors, the fund presents an opportunity to access strategic land and competitive financing for multifamily projects in cities like Miami, Orlando, and Tampa.

3. USCIS updates EB-5 visa processing times 

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) released updated estimated processing times for I-526E petitions under the EB-5 program, setting a range of 28 to 40 months for standard applications and 12 to 18 months for rural projects.

The agency also reaffirmed that concurrent filings (I-526E + I-485) may be expedited if the project already has I-956F approval. This directly benefits advanced developments like Archer Place.

Greater transparency and specificity in processing times allow investors to plan their immigration and financial strategies with more certainty.

4. Interest in E-2 visas grows across Latin America and Europe 

Immigration firms reported a 23% increase in E-2 visa inquiries and applications from investors in countries such as Spain, Italy, Mexico, Chile, and Argentina. This visa category allows applicants to establish a business in the U.S. with a substantial investment.

Its flexibility, speed, and the ability to include spouses and children make the E-2 an appealing option for those seeking a business-based migration path.

States like Florida, Texas, and Georgia host the majority of E-2-based businesses, particularly in hospitality, tech, tourism, and financial services.

5. U.S. mortgage rates edge down slightly 

The average 30-year mortgage rate dropped to 6.68%, a slight decline from the previous week’s 6.78%, according to Freddie Mac. This marks the third consecutive week of rate decreases, sparking a modest uptick in residential buying activity.

Though still far from pre-pandemic levels, this decline improves affordability for both domestic and international buyers seeking opportunities in high-growth regions.

Pre-construction developments projected for delivery between 2026 and 2027 remain especially attractive, as buyers anticipate refinancing under more favorable terms within the next 24 to 36 months.

6. Humanitarian parole program expanded for Venezuelans and Haitians 

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced an expansion of the monthly quota for the humanitarian parole program, raising it to 40,000 monthly authorizations.

This move addresses the high volume of requests since January and aims to provide a safe and orderly entry pathway for individuals with U.S.-based sponsors.

The program continues to attract interest from professionals and families seeking a legally supported migration route, which also drives temporary housing demand in host cities like Miami, Houston, and New York.

7. Miami luxury real estate inventory declines 

A Knight Frank report revealed that luxury residential inventory in Miami dropped 15% year-over-year in March, reaching its lowest level since 2021. International buyer demand remains strong, while supply fails to keep pace.

Areas like Brickell, Coconut Grove, and Bay Harbor Islands top the list of neighborhoods with luxury housing shortages. This dynamic has pushed up price per square foot, especially in waterfront developments.

The current environment reinforces the logic of investing in early-stage construction projects, where buyers can still access preferential pricing and secure in-demand units.

8. U.S.-Brazil real estate ties grow stronger 

During the Hemispheric Investment Summit in Miami, officials from both countries highlighted the growing flow of Brazilian real estate investment into the United States. In 2024, Brazil was the second-largest Latin American investor in U.S. property, behind only Mexico.

Brazilian developers and investment funds are expanding in Florida and Texas, while thousands of individuals seek residential and commercial properties to diversify their portfolios in U.S. dollars.

This bilateral relationship is fueled by a desire for legal security, stable returns, and access to migration pathways like the E-2 visa and the EB-5 program.

9. Foreign LLC registrations increase in Florida 

Florida’s Department of State reported an 18% increase in foreign-registered LLCs (Limited Liability Companies) during Q1 2025. This legal structure is widely used to facilitate real estate investment, family business setups, and migration planning.

Colombian, Argentine, Mexican, Spanish, and Italian nationals top the list of non-residents forming new LLCs.

Creating an LLC enables foreign nationals to open bank accounts, sign purchase agreements, and participate in immigration programs in a structured and legally compliant way.

10. More F-1 visa holders adjusting status via OPT work experience 

Immigration experts highlighted a rise in approved status adjustments (I-485) from F-1 visa holders with Optional Practical Training (OPT), especially in STEM fields.

Thanks to improvements in visa bulletin timelines, F-1 holders already employed by U.S. companies have been able to transition more quickly to categories like EB-2 NIW or even EB-5 if they combine work with qualifying investments.

This path is increasingly recommended for international students looking to extend their stay in the U.S., while also building a professional career or exploring business opportunities related to their academic background.