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Immigration or Emigration? Since 1996, Zhang and Associates, P.C. has helped thousands of foreign nationals obtain green cards. We work on a variety of immigration-related cases. Recently, some clients have requested to either withdraw pending I-485 applications or revoke their green card. Upon learning that his wife was about to go into labor, one client decided to discontinue his USCIS application, even though his pending I-485 was about to be approved. Another client of ours also decided to withdraw his EB-1(a) application. For this client, he felt that he had more job opportunities back home as opposed to in the United States. Most recently, our firm handled the case of a Chinese company manager. Even though he lived and worked in China, he was still a permanent resident of the United States. He obtained his green card two years ago. After thorough consideration, this client chose to have his green card status revoked. Immigrants in the United States Today The United States of America has often been dubbed popular names like “the promise land” and “the land of opportunity”. Of course, America has not always been known as such. As a relatively “young” country, America began quite humbly. Over the course of the past two hundred years, this country has drastically changed both its infrastructure and economic situation. However, it was not until the aftermath of World War II did the United States of America secure its place as a leading power. America’s comparatively stable economy makes it a very attractive place to settle, particularly for foreigners. In 2006, a census showed that America housed over 30 million immigrants, the largest out of all countries in the world. People are drawn here for a number of different reasons—better educational and economic opportunities, and a fair judicial and political system. Especially in the latter half of the twentieth century, America has grown to rely heavily on its immigrants. The National Science Foundation in 2000 reported that “foreign-born scientists accounted for over fifty percent of U.S. engineers with a Ph.D., and forty-five percent of our life scientists, physical scientists and math and computer scientists holding doctoral degrees”. Furthermore, James Smith, an economist at RAND Corporation, estimated that immigrants account for $10 billion dollars each year of the U.S. economy. Economies on the Rise For the emerging class of immigrants mentioned above, “finding better economic opportunity” is a term no longer exclusive to the United States of America. After Deng Xiaoping enacted a series of economic reforms in the 1980’s, China quickly entered into the world market. Currently, China enjoys rapid economic growth. From 1990-2004, the Chinese economy grew by an average of about 10 percent each year. A recent documentary by Melissa Lee on CNN even documented the ever-growing noveau rich in China. Like China, India is also experiencing rapid economic development. Currently, it is the fourth largest purchasing power in the world. With its extensive service sector, it has been predicted that the GDP per capita could possibly quadruple in the next thirteen years. Special EB-1 and EB-5 applicants In terms of employment based law, both an EB-1 and EB-5 best fulfill the needs of these upper echelon immigrants. The EB-1 category constitutes “Alien of Extraordinary Abilities”, “Outstanding Researchers”, and “Executives and Managers”. Those considered “Executives and Managers” must have at least three years of experience at a foreign branch of an American company in an executive or managerial position in order to be transferred to the United States to work for that same company. An EB-5 visa is reserved for foreigners who want to make a personal investment in the American economy. In order to qualify, one must invest anywhere from $500,000 to $1,000,000 dollars, depending on the economy of the area in which one moves to. In addition to fronting money, one must also create at least 10 new, full-time jobs for other residents and citizens. With the recent economic downturn in the U.S., coupled with improving conditions elsewhere, we certainly expect more cases like this in the future. It is hard to believe that anyone actually wants to move. Immigration is usually done out of necessity rather than desire. We understand that everyone has their own professional goals. More importantly, everyone has their own personal goals. Monetary value cannot be placed on family, friends, and general comfort. A home is more than just your physical address; rather, it is a place that evokes a warm emotional response and personal connection. Some people immigrate, while others emigrate. As the popular Chinese sayings go, “You Ren Xing Ye Gan Kao Chang” (some people rush in the early morning to the exam post) and “You Ren Gao Lao Huan Gu Xiang” (some people take a retirement and go homeland). ------ (10/10/2009) For more immigration news, please click here |
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