Best Citizenship by Investment Lawyers in Dearborn

1. About Citizenship by Investment Law in Dearborn, United States

In Dearborn, United States, there is no formal “citizenship by investment” program. The United States does not grant citizenship directly to foreign investors who make a financial contribution. Instead, eligible investors pursue paths to lawful permanent residence (green cards) and then naturalization after meeting residency requirements.

The primary investment-based pathway is the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. Under EB-5, an investor must invest in a new commercial enterprise and create or preserve a specific number of full-time jobs for U.S. workers. After obtaining conditional permanent residence for two years, investors may seek to remove the conditions and obtain permanent residency, and after meeting residency requirements, pursue naturalization as a U.S. citizen. Dearborn residents engaging in EB-5 should plan for both immigration steps and eventual citizenship timelines.

Because citizenship comes after naturalization, it is crucial to understand both the immigration process and the naturalization requirements. An immigration attorney or lawyer in Dearborn can help coordinate the sequence of filings, document submission, and timing for a smoother path. For basic milestones, refer to official guidance from U.S. government sources on immigration and naturalization timelines.

“The EB-5 program requires an investment in a new commercial enterprise and the creation of 10 full-time jobs for qualifying investments.”

Source: USCIS - EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program (https://www.uscis.gov/eb-5)

Once residency is obtained, naturalization typically requires five years of permanent residency, or three years if married to a U.S. citizen. This timeline is governed by federal naturalization rules and applies across Dearborn and the state of Michigan. For up-to-date naturalization criteria, consult USCIS guidance on citizenship eligibility.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

Consulting a qualified attorney in Dearborn can save time, money, and risk when pursuing an investment-based immigration option. Here are concrete scenarios where legal counsel is essential.

• You are evaluating an EB-5 investment in a Dearborn-area project and need a detailed due diligence review of the business plan, job-creation model, and compliance with EB-5 requirements.
• You must document the source of funds for an EB-5 investment, including cross-border transfers, gifts, or business proceeds, and you need a structured source-of-funds package reviewed by counsel.
• Your I-526 petition is initially denied or requests additional evidence, and you need strategic guidance on appeals, re-filings, or alternative visa options.
• You have a conditional green card and must file I-829 to remove conditions, with concerns about meeting the necessary 10 full-time jobs and maintaining qualifying investment in Dearborn.
• You plan to pursue U.S. citizenship after residency and require a roadmap for timely naturalization, including residency periods, taxes, and travel considerations.
• Your family seeks dependent visa or derivative residency, and you need coherent counsel for spouse and children, including potential downgrades or streamlining of filings.

3. Local Laws Overview

Citizenship by investment in the United States is governed by federal law; there are no Dearborn- or Michigan-specific statutes creating or altering an EB-5 program. However, understanding the federal framework helps Dearborn residents work efficiently with local counsel.

• Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), codified at 8 U.S.C. § 1101 et seq. This is the core federal statute governing immigrant visas, including the EB-5 path for investors.
• Immigrant Investor Program Modernization Final Rule and related regulations, including 8 C.F.R. Part 204 (Petitions for Immigrant Investors) and associated provisions for conditional residence and I-829 filings. These rules have undergone updates in recent years, including changes to minimum investment amounts and TEA definitions. Always verify current figures on the official USCIS site.
• 8 C.F.R. § 204.6 (Petitions for immigrant investors) and related sections address the EB-5 petition process, eligibility criteria, and administrative procedures. These provisions shape how petitions are prepared and adjudicated.

Recent trends emphasize stricter source-of-funds verification, enhanced regional center oversight, and periodic adjustments to investment thresholds as part of modernization efforts. For current figures and procedures, refer to official government sources cited below.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program?

The EB-5 program offers a path to lawful permanent residence for foreign investors who invest in a U.S. business and create or preserve 10 full-time jobs. The program is federal and applies nationwide, including Dearborn.

How do I start an EB-5 petition?

You typically begin with an I-526 petition filed with USCIS, supported by a business plan, job-creation projections, and documentation of the investment funds. An immigration attorney in Dearborn can help prepare and organize the filing.

What is a TEA and how is it determined?

A Targeted Employment Area (TEA) is a region that may qualify for lower investment thresholds. TEAs can be rural areas or areas with high unemployment. TEA determinations can change over time and require current economic data.

How much money do I need to invest in Dearborn for EB-5?

Investment amounts vary by TEA status and current regulations. Typically, the minimum investment is higher outside a TEA and lower within a TEA, with recent adjustments requiring verification from USCIS guidance.

Do I need a regional center for EB-5 in Dearborn?

No, you may invest directly in a new commercial enterprise or through a regional center. A local immigration attorney can explain the benefits and drawbacks of each path in your case.

How long does the EB-5 process take?

Processing times vary widely by case and consular processing vs adjustment of status. Expect multiple months to years from I-526 petition to conditional permanent residence and later to remove conditions.

Do I qualify if I own a business in Dearborn?

Ownership can be compatible with EB-5 if the investment meets program requirements and job-creation criteria. A lawyer can assess whether your business structure qualifies.

Can my family obtain green cards with me through EB-5?

Yes, EB-5 can include dependent family members, typically a spouse and unmarried children under 21, as part of the same application package. Each dependent must satisfy eligibility.

Is a lawyer required for EB-5 filings?

No, but a licensed attorney or solicitor experienced in immigration matters greatly improves the chance of timely, compliant filings and reduces risk of errors.

What are source-of-funds requirements?

You must demonstrate that the invested funds come from lawful sources, with traceable documentation. This is a common source of requests for evidence from USCIS.

How much does it cost to hire a lawyer for EB-5?

Legal fees in Dearborn vary by complexity, typically ranging from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, plus government filing fees. Budget for a comprehensive review and preparation.

What's the difference between EB-5 and other visa options?

EB-5 is investment-based and leads to permanent residency if approved and conditions are removed. Other visa routes may rely on work sponsorship or family ties and have different eligibility rules and timelines.

5. Additional Resources

• USCIS - EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program: Official federal guidance, eligibility criteria, and filing instructions for I-526 and I-829. https://www.uscis.gov/eb-5
• Travel.State.Gov - EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program: Department of State information on immigrant investor visas, travel and consular processing. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/eb-5-immigrant-investor-program.html
• SelectUSA - Government program that helps investors navigate federal resources for U.S. investment, including visa program information. https://www.selectusa.gov

6. Next Steps

1. Define your investment goals and timeline in Dearborn, including whether you prefer direct investment or a regional center approach. This helps tailor the plan within 2 weeks.
2. Consult a Dearborn immigration attorney to assess eligibility and prepare a preliminary plan, including a documents checklist. Schedule an intake within 2-4 weeks.
3. Gather documentation for source-of-funds verification, including bank statements, business records, tax documents, and cross-border transfers. Complete the collection within 4-8 weeks.
4. Develop or review the business plan, job-creation model, and financial projections with your attorney. Expect 2-6 weeks for a polished package.
5. File the I-526 petition with USCIS and monitor the case, anticipating requests for evidence or adjustments. Typical processing can span several months to over a year.
6. Choose between consular processing or adjusting status if already in the United States, and prepare for interview steps as required. Timelines vary by case and location.
7. After approval, complete conditional residency for two years and plan to file I-829 to remove conditions, including meeting job-creation requirements. This step usually occurs within 3-4 years from initial admission.
8. Maintain ongoing compliance with U.S. federal and Michigan state requirements, including taxes and employment records, as you move toward naturalization.

For ongoing guidance, always refer to official government sources and consult a Dearborn attorney who regularly handles EB-5 matters. Staying informed about current investment thresholds, TEA definitions, and documentation standards is essential because federal rules change periodically.