As Thanksgiving approaches, it is a great time to reflect on the things we are grateful for, and for many foreign nationals, one of the greatest blessings they may have received is the opportunity to become a U.S. Green Card holder. A Green Card, also known as permanent resident status, offers numerous benefits that can improve your quality of life and open doors to opportunities in the United States.
In this article, we will explore 10 reasons why holding an EB-5 Green Card is something to be thankful for this holiday season.
1. Unlimited Employment Opportunities
2. Access to U.S. Public Schools for Children
3. Better Chances of Admission to U.S. Universities
4. Path to U.S. Citizenship
5. Freedom to Live Anywhere in the U.S. and Travel Abroad
6. Access to High-Quality Healthcare Services
7. Eligibility for Social Security and Retirement Support
8. Building a Life and Future in the U.S. With Your Family
9. Enjoying Political and Economic Security
10. Tax Provisions and Benefits
A Decision Toward a Better Future
1. Unlimited Employment Opportunities
One of the biggest advantages of having a U.S. Green Card is the ability to work anywhere and for any employer in the United States. EB-5 Green Card holders are not restricted by employer sponsorship, as is the case for certain visa holders, especially H-1B. This means that they have the freedom to pursue careers in any industry, switch jobs, or start their own business without worrying about visa limitations.
Even before obtaining their Green Cards, eligible EB-5 investors in the U.S. can apply for an employment authorization document (EAD) to work freely while their application is being processed.
2. Access to U.S. Public Schools for Children
For families with children, obtaining a Green Card is especially beneficial. U.S. Green Card holders’ children are eligible for Green Cards themselves. Children can enroll in U.S. public schools, which offer high-quality education and a wide range of extracurricular activities. Public schooling in the U.S. is free, providing your children with an opportunity to receive an education that can help them thrive and succeed in life.
3. Better Chances of Admission to U.S. Universities
Holding a Green Card can significantly improve a student’s chances of being admitted to a U.S. university. U.S. colleges and universities tend to favor Green Card holders because they are considered domestic students, unlike international students who may face higher tuition rates and more complex application processes.
EB-5 Green Card holders may also have access to in-state tuition rates, which can be a significant cost-saving benefit. This advantage can make a huge difference in ensuring that your children or yourself have the best opportunities for higher education in the U.S.
4. Path to U.S. Citizenship
One of the most significant advantages of holding a Green Card is the opportunity it provides to eventually become a U.S. citizen. After holding an EB-5 Green Card five years (including the initial two years of conditional permanent residency), foreign investors are eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship through naturalization.
5. Freedom to Live Anywhere in the U.S. and Travel Abroad
EB-5 visa holders or permanent residents enjoy the flexibility to live anywhere within the United States. This is a great advantage, as it allows individuals to choose where they want to live based on career opportunities, lifestyle preferences, or family needs.
Moreover, Green Card holders can travel in and out of the U.S. without the limitations that apply to many visa holders. While they must maintain their permanent resident status by residing in the U.S. for a certain period of time per year, they can generally leave the country for vacations or business trips without jeopardizing their status.
Through the concurrent filing opportunity, qualifying EB-5 investors in the U.S. can also apply for advance parole (AP) along with their Form I-526E and Form I-485 petitions to obtain a travel permit before they become Green Card holders.
6. Access to High-Quality Healthcare Services
Healthcare in the U.S. is among the best in the world, and as an EB-5 Green Card holder, you have access to a wide range of medical services. Unlike individuals on temporary visas, Green Card holders are eligible for government health programs such as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace insurance plans, employer-sponsored plans, and private insurance.
Additionally, they have access to high-quality hospitals, doctors, and specialists across the country, providing peace of mind when it comes to health and well-being.
7. Eligibility for Social Security and Retirement Support
Another reason to be thankful for your Green Card is the ability to qualify for Social Security benefits and other forms of retirement support. U.S. permanent residents who work and pay into Social Security are eligible for benefits when they reach retirement age. This provides financial security in your later years, helping to ensure a comfortable and stable retirement.
8. Building a Life and Future in the U.S. With Your Family
A Green Card offers a sense of stability and permanence that is hard to find with other forms of immigration status. As part of your EB-5 visa, your immediate family members (spouse and unmarried children under 21) can come to live with you in the U.S. and qualify for Green Cards alongside you. This means that you can create a stable life in the country, with access to opportunities for work, education, healthcare, and more.
9. Enjoying Political and Economic Security
The U.S. is known for its political stability, economic opportunities, and the rule of law. The choice to become an EB-5 investor is deeply rooted in the desire to secure a promising future. As a Green Card holder, you can enjoy the security of living in a country with a strong economy and a stable political system. This can be particularly valuable for individuals who have come from countries with economic uncertainty or less political stability.
10. Tax Provisions and Benefits
Another financial benefit of being a Green Card holder is access to certain tax provisions not available to non-residents, such as the ability to exclude gains from the sale of a primary residence. This can provide a valuable advantage for those looking to buy and sell real estate or invest in the U.S. market.
A Decision Toward a Better Future
The U.S. Green Card is much more than just a piece of paper; it is a gateway to countless opportunities and benefits for individuals and their families. Whether it is the ability to pursue unlimited job opportunities, access quality education and healthcare, or build a secure future in the U.S., there are many reasons to be thankful for holding an EB-5 Green Card this Thanksgiving.
If you’ve been considering embarking on your own Green Card journey, now is the perfect time to take action. With advantages like set-aside visa quotas, priority processing for rural TEA investments, and the option for concurrent filing, the EB-5 visa program has never been more appealing. Working with experienced industry leaders can make the process easier and set you up for success as you pursue this life-changing opportunity for yourself and your family.
If you would like to know more about your EB-5 investment options, book a free call with our expert team today.
