Starting in 1990, 10,000 visas have been set aside each year for the EB-category. The program was designed to encourage foreign investors to create jobs by starting a new business or preserve jobs by investing in money-losing businesses. If they agree to invest $1 million, foreigners can get a visa, apply for green cards, and become conditional permanent residents.
After two years, provided they've made good on their promise to invest, created 10 jobs, and the business is still an ongoing concern, they can apply to have those conditions removed. And after five years with a green card, holders can apply for citizenship.
Of the 10,000 visas in the program, 3,000 are set aside for "targeted employment areas" -- rural areas, or places with an unemployment rate that's 150 percent or more of the national average. For these visas, the threshold is lowered to $500,000.
Now you know why people from other countries are taking over all gas stations and motels.
United states of America.
