1. Student housing demand spikes as fall semester approaches
Universities across the U.S. are reporting a surge in housing applications for the upcoming academic year, with occupancy rates exceeding 95% in student housing complexes. Markets such as Florida, Texas, and North Carolina are leading the trend, fueled by international enrollments and post-pandemic return-to-campus behavior. This reinforces the value proposition of projects like Archer Place, as investors increasingly look to student housing for stable, counter-cyclical returns.
2. Markets stabilize after Trump clarifies Powell’s position
On July 17, Trump stated it was “highly unlikely” he would fire Fed Chairman Jerome Powell, easing markets after previous drops in Treasury yields and the dollar. Additionally, indicators such as industrial production and producer prices showed strength, although challenges remain due to labor shortages tied to immigration policies.
This confirms the Fed will likely maintain a stable stance while monitoring economic dynamics, offering a more predictable environment for investors.
3. Companies warn SEC of risks from mass deportations
More than 40 companies, including those in agriculture, tech, and hospitality, warned the SEC that mass deportations could lead to labor shortages and hurt their business models, even hastening a potential recession.
This highlights how immigration policy directly impacts the operational and financial stability of firms dependent on foreign labor.
For foreign investors, it’s a signal of potential volatility and the need to evaluate risks tied to regulatory shifts.
4. USCIS launches enhanced online filing system for visa applications
On July 16, USCIS launched a major upgrade to its online platform to simplify and speed up visa petition processes. The system now supports concurrent filing for more visa categories, including EB-5, NIW, and E-2. This digital transformation aims to reduce backlogs and improve transparency for both applicants and legal representatives. For foreign investors, this represents a crucial opportunity to navigate immigration with greater speed and efficiency.
5. Indian REITs and InvITs raise over $2 billion in debt issuance
In the first half of 2025, Indian real estate and infrastructure investment trusts raised more than $2 billion in debt, taking advantage of favorable yields. While not U.S.-specific, this highlights global capital flows into low-risk, income-generating assets. For U.S. investors, it signals broader interest in protected-return instruments, possibly influencing asset allocation decisions.
6. Trump signs order opening retirement plans to private investments
On July 15, Trump signed an executive order allowing 401(k) retirement plans to include alternative assets such as private equity, private credit, and real estate. This could mobilize trillions of dollars toward real estate investments, increasing liquidity and demand in sectors like multifamily and student housing. It presents a strategic opportunity to develop products compatible with retirement investment vehicles.
7. Immigration fee increase effective July 22
USCIS announced that starting July 22, new fees will apply to certain immigration applications, and those submitted after August 21 without proper payment will be rejected. This directly affects applicants for EB-5, E-2, NIW visas, and work permits, increasing operational costs.
Being aware of these changes is critical to avoid delays or denials in immigration projects.
8. Growing market concern over migration restrictions
Reuters reported that, aside from tariff tensions, financial markets are increasingly focused on the economic impact of shrinking legal immigration, potentially removing up to 150,000 workers per month from the labor force.
Immigration structure is becoming more relevant for macroeconomic and financial planning. For international investors, this underscores the need to monitor legislation that could affect labor supply and investment flows.
9. S&P 500 and Nasdaq hit new records despite uncertainty
As of July 18, the main U.S. stock indexes reached record highs driven by strong retail sales, low unemployment, and high business confidence.
This robust context offers stability for financing costs and capital inflow, benefiting sectors like real estate, infrastructure, and energy.
International investors should seize this momentum to position themselves before the next economic cycle shift.
10. Single-family housing contraction accelerates residential investment decline
According to a Reuters report, while total construction rose 4.6% thanks to multifamily projects, single-family residential investment remains in negative territory. High financing costs and labor shortages—partly due to restrictive immigration policies—are stalling immediate recovery.
Funds and developers should consider diversifying toward multifamily and more adaptable investment strategies.