A new report by Fourth Economy reveals that the EB-5 Program spurred $75.2 billion in private investment, created 1.7 million jobs, and contributed $184 billion to the U.S. GDP between 2016 and 2019 — all at no cost to taxpayers. Discover how this investment immigration tool is transforming communities across the nation.

When people think of the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, most imagine it as a legal pathway for foreign investors and their families to obtain permanent residency in the United States.

However, a new report shows that EB-5 is far more than just an immigration route: it is an economic engine driving multi-billion-dollar investments, creating high-quality jobs, and generating significant tax revenue without costing American taxpayers a dime.

The study, conducted by economic analysis firm Fourth Economy, reveals impressive data on the program’s impact between 2016 and 2019. In just four years, EB-5 mobilized $75.2 billion in private investment, contributed $184 billion to the U.S. GDP, created 1.7 million jobs, and generated $14.5 billion in taxes. All of this while strengthening key sectors such as construction, tourism, transportation, and healthcare.

In this article, we break down the report’s findings, explain the true scope of EB-5, and explore why this tool is essential for the nation’s economic and social development.

If you want to learn more about how to obtain a Green Card through investment, visit our main EB-5 Visa Program page.

1. EB-5 in Numbers: Unprecedented National Impact

According to the report, EB-5’s benefits are both measurable and compelling:

• $75.2 billion in private investment from 2016 to 2019.
  
• 1.7 million jobs created or supported.
  
• $184 billion added to GDP.
  
• $14.5 billion in federal, state, and local taxes.
  
• $74,000 average annual salary in EB-5-created jobs — 48% higher than the national private sector average.
  

In addition, each EB-5 investor created an average of 45 U.S. jobs, and every $500,000 invested generated a multiplier effect attracting an additional $1.6 million in private capital.

This impact was not limited to a few major cities; while states like California, New York, Texas, and Florida were major beneficiaries, EB-5 funds also reached projects in urban, suburban, and rural communities nationwide.

2. Job Creation: 1.7 Million Employment Opportunities

One of EB-5’s primary goals is job creation, and this report shows it delivers well beyond expectations. The 1.7 million jobs created were not temporary or low-wage positions:

• 48% higher pay than the national average.
  
• Presence in strategic sectors such as construction, hospitality, transportation, healthcare, and education.
  
• Geographic spread from large-scale urban projects to rural developments in areas with high investment needs.
  

For example, EB-5 capital has revitalized declining downtowns, built residential and commercial complexes, and expanded hospitals and universities.

3. Investment at No Cost to Taxpayers

Unlike other economic stimulus programs, EB-5 requires no public expenditure. All investments come from foreign private capital willing to take on U.S. market risk in exchange for the opportunity to obtain permanent residency.

This design makes it attractive to lawmakers across the political spectrum because it combines:

• An injection of fresh capital into the economy.
  
• Direct and indirect job creation.
  
• Significant tax revenue ($14.5 billion in four years).
  

All without increasing the fiscal deficit or requiring federal funding.

4. A Powerful Economic Multiplier

The report also highlights EB-5’s multiplier effect. Each minimum $500,000 investment not only funds a project but also attracts additional capital from private and public sources.

On average, every EB-5 dollar generates $3.20 in total investment, thanks to:

• Co-investments from banks, private funds, and local governments.
  
• Synergies with urban development and economic revitalization programs.
  
• Increased confidence from other investors upon seeing committed foreign capital.
  

This means EB-5 doesn’t just finance a building or infrastructure — it drives entire value chains, from material purchases to the creation of complementary businesses.

5. Florida: A Key EB-5 Beneficiary

The report confirms Florida as one of EB-5’s top beneficiary states, alongside California, New York, and Texas.

In our state, EB-5 capital has funded projects such as:

• Luxury and mixed-use real estate developments in Miami and Orlando.
  
• Hotels and tourist resorts strengthening the hospitality industry.
  
• Transportation infrastructure improving connectivity.
  
• Student housing and residences for international students, like those BAI Capital is developing in Gainesville.
  

This steady flow of foreign investment has not only generated local jobs but also helped diversify the economy beyond tourism and traditional construction.

6. EB-5 as a Cornerstone of Future Immigration Policy

This report comes at a time when new investor visa proposals are being discussed, such as the “Gold Card” idea backed by former President Donald Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.

IIUSA argues that EB-5 should not only be maintained but integrated into any investment immigration policy as a fundamental pillar, for three main reasons:

• Proven track record: more than three decades of positive results.
  
• Decentralized impact: benefits across all regions of the country.
  
• Compatibility with new programs: can coexist with other visas to expand opportunities.
  

7. Real-World Cases: From Foreign Capital to Local Growth

Beyond the figures, EB-5 has financed tangible success stories. For example:

• In New York, the program helped fund the expansion of a hospital that now serves thousands of additional patients each year.
  
• In Texas, it supported the construction of an industrial complex employing over 800 people.
  
• In Florida, it contributed to developing student housing projects providing modern accommodations to thousands of students, boosting the local university economy.
  

These projects not only create jobs but also transform entire communities.

Conclusion: EB-5, an Investment in America’s Future

The new IIUSA report confirms what we at BAI Capital have seen firsthand: EB-5 is a strategic tool that benefits both investors and American communities.

Between 2016 and 2019, the program:

• Mobilized $75.2 billion in private investment.
  
• Created 1.7 million well-paying jobs.
  
• Added $184 billion to GDP.
  
• Generated $14.5 billion in taxes.
  

All of this at no cost to taxpayers and with a positive impact on key sectors of the economy.

At a time when the United States seeks to strengthen its global competitiveness, attract foreign investment, and create quality jobs, EB-5 stands out as a proven and effective solution.

At BAI Capital, we remain committed to projects that not only meet immigration requirements but also contribute to sustainable economic growth. If you are interested in investing in a solid, profitable project with real community impact, EB-5 is an opportunity you should not miss.