Weekly News Summary – March 24–30 – BAI Capital
The last week of March sent a clear message: the U.S. is solidifying a sustainable economic recovery, with more open policies toward foreign capital and talent.
From positive GDP numbers to new initiatives to attract international investors and improved migration flows, the country reinforced its position as the most attractive place to invest, live, and grow.
1. U.S. GDP Exceeds Expectations: Revised Up to 3.4%
The U.S. Department of Commerce raised its final estimate for Q4 2024 GDP to 3.4%, beating the previous 3.2% projection. This figure reflects a strong economy driven by domestic consumption, infrastructure investment, and stronger exports.
The revision reinforces the Federal Reserve’s goal of a “soft landing,” with stable growth and declining inflation. Markets responded optimistically, creating an appealing environment for new foreign investment.
2. New Strategy to Attract Foreign Direct Investment
The White House introduced the Strategic Investor Incentive Plan, offering tax and immigration benefits to foreigners investing over $1 million in key sectors such as renewable energy, biotech, and advanced manufacturing.
This initiative is designed to complement programs like EB-5, but with faster processing times. The government aims to attract more than $30 billion in private capital by 2026, revitalizing underdeveloped regions.
3. Consular Acceleration: More Interviews for Work and Study Visas
The State Department has significantly increased the availability of consular interviews in countries like India, Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia, where wait times had surpassed 200 days. This benefits applicants for H-1B, F-1, B1/B2, and EB-5 visas.
Pilot programs for virtual interviews are also being implemented for renewals, streamlining the immigration process and helping thousands of students, workers, and international businesspeople plan their travel more easily.
4. Latin American Investment Leads Miami Real Estate Market
A report by the Miami Association of Realtors revealed that Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, and Mexico are leading foreign buyers of real estate in Miami in 2025. The most sought-after areas include Brickell,
Doral, Sunny Isles, and Aventura.
These investors see Florida real estate as a safe haven against regional instability and a gateway to U.S. immigration programs like the E-2 and EB-5 through qualified real estate investments.
5. Bill Introduced to Attract High-Skilled Global Talent
Bipartisan senators reintroduced the Global Talent Pathway Act, a bill aimed at simplifying H-1B, O-1, and EB-2 NIW visa processes in fields like healthcare, technology, and artificial intelligence.
The proposal seeks to reduce processing times, remove caps in critical sectors, and improve retention of global talent, strengthening the U.S. as a top destination for highly skilled professionals.
6. Blackstone and Brookfield Launch $2.2 Billion Real Estate Fund in Florida
Financial giants Blackstone and Brookfield announced a joint fund targeting Florida’s residential real estate market, focusing on investments in Miami, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale.
The fund will acquire and develop multifamily properties, condo-hotels, and rental units, capitalizing on high housing demand in one of the fastest-growing U.S. regions.
7. EB-5 Projects Set Rural Job Creation Record
The USDA and USCIS reported that 40% of jobs created in 2024 through EB-5 projects were in rural areas such as Texas, North Carolina, and Georgia.
This demonstrates the program’s success in driving foreign investment into underdeveloped regions and supporting the government’s goal of economic decentralization.
8. Housing Market Shows Signs of Recovery
The National Association of Realtors reported a 7.2% increase in new home sales in February. Although mortgage rates remain high, buyers have returned amid expectations of rate cuts in the second half of the year.
Cities like Orlando, Austin, Charlotte, and Phoenix are leading the rebound, especially in the multifamily and suburban segments, where supply remains limited.
9. More Professionals Choose Adjustment of Status via EB-2 and EB-3
Immigration law firms have reported a rise in adjustment of status applications within the U.S. under EB-2 and EB-3 categories, particularly from individuals holding F-1 and H-1B visas.
Many choose this path to avoid long consular wait times and processing delays. Additionally, recent visa bulletins show forward movement in priority dates, boosting the appeal of this strategy.
10. E-2 Visa Gains Popularity Among Treaty Country Investors
The E-2 visa saw a 20% increase in approvals during Q1 2025, particularly among citizens of Spain, Italy, Japan, Canada, and Turkey.
This visa allows investors to operate a U.S.-based business with more flexibility than other immigration categories. It’s ideal for entrepreneurs seeking to establish themselves quickly without going through the longer EB-5 process.
