Under the Game of Two Political Parties in the United States: Immigration "Safe Zones"

April 28, 2025, a news about the annual industry summit of the Investment Immigration Association of the United States (IIUSA) held in Houston has attracted widespread attention. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released the quarterly statistical data for the first quarter of fiscal year 2025, including the latest data of I - 526 cases before the RIA (Immigration Reform Act) in the first quarter of the new fiscal year, as well as the latest data of I - 526E and I - 526 applications after the RIA. The latest data reveals the trends of EB - 5 demand, financing and case processing.

Source: IIUSA REPORT ON I-526/E DATA FOR Q1 FY2025

Summit data shows that from April 2022 to April 2025, Chinese mainland applicants dominated EB-5 investment immigration, maintaining the top position in filing volume at approximately 53% to 54%. This data undoubtedly reflects the current upsurge in immigrating to the United States. But behind this trend, what is the actual direction of U.S. immigration trends? And what kind of life will immigrants face after moving there? Today, let’s delve into an in-depth discussion.

Immigration Trends: The New Landscape of E-2 Visa under Policy Changes

In the ever-shifting landscape of U.S. immigration policies, disagreements and games between the two parties have never ceased. From border control to green card quotas, every policy triggers fierce debates. However, amid this whirlpool of policies, the E-2 visa has unexpectedly become a rare "safe zone" for both parties. What is the underlying logic behind this?

From the perspective of the Republican Party, the small-scale investment model brought by the E-2 visa is highly consistent with the demand for economic stimulus. The Republican Party has always attached importance to the vitality of the market economy and commercial development. The E-2 visa encourages foreign investors to establish or acquire enterprises in the United States. Through the injection of small-scale funds, a large number of job opportunities are created. This not only drives local economic growth, but also provides more job opportunities for native residents, effectively alleviating employment pressure. Taking a state in the Midwest as an example, projects brought by a large number of E-2 visa investors have revitalized the originally depressed industrial zone, and the unemployment rate has significantly declined. This model that can effectively promote economic development has naturally won the recognition and support of the Republican Party.

The Democratic Party also holds an inclusive attitude towards the E-2 visa, and the key lies in its characteristic of not occupying green card quotas. The Democratic Party tends to protect the rights and interests of immigrants in immigration policies, while also needing to balance the allocation of domestic resources. The E-2 visa belongs to the category of non-immigrant visas, and will not compete with U.S. green card applicants for limited quota resources, avoiding controversies such as social resource shortages caused by excessive immigration. This enables the Democratic Party to maintain a relatively stable policy environment for the E-2 visa without worrying that it will bring additional social contradictions and pressures when promoting immigration-related policies.

The President of the New York Immigration Lawyers Association even stated frankly: "E-2 is the option with the lowest policy risk at present." From the perspective of professional lawyers, in the current environment of frequent changes and increasing uncertainties in U.S. immigration policies, the E-2 visa has become the ideal choice for many immigration applicants by virtue of its stable policy environment, clear application process, and high approval probability. Whether for entrepreneurs who want to expand their overseas business territory or families who hope to live in the U.S. and create a high-quality educational environment for their children, the E-2 visa can provide them with a relatively safe and efficient path.

Living Costs: High Incomes Struggle to Cope  

When immigrating to the U.S., living costs are an important factor that must be considered. Once upon a time, a six-figure salary in the U.S. was considered part of the wealthy class, but the situation is very different today. According to an analysis of 2023 data from the U.S. Census Bureau, families with an annual income of $100,000 are considered "middle class" in every state. In some states, such as Massachusetts and New Jersey, families with an annual income of $199,000 are still classified as middle class. Even in Mississippi, the state with the lowest median middle-class income in the U.S., an annual income of more than $108,000 is required to be considered a well-off family.

A 2023 report by PYMNTS and LendingClub shows that in 2022, more than half of Americans with annual incomes above $100,000 became "monthly broke," an increase of 7% from the previous year. Hyperinflation and changes in the national salary structure are the main causes of this phenomenon. Some workers face shrinking wages: the latest data from the Atlanta Fed shows that from January to February this year, wages for those who stayed in their jobs increased by only 4.6%, while job changers saw a meager 4.8% increase. At the same time, inflation has comprehensively driven up living costs: the price of eggs in the U.S. rose by more than 60% last year, and the real estate market fell into a slump due to soaring costs. A 2024 survey by financial services company Primerica found that 67% of middle-class families admitted that their income growth cannot keep up with living costs. This means that even if immigrants secure a seemingly good job, facing high living expenses, it is not easy to lead a wealthy and comfortable life.

Source: Three in Five Americans Live Paycheck to Paycheck: More People Are Living Paycheck to Paycheck but Making Ends Meet Than Not Living Paycheck to Paycheck | LendingClub Corporation

Healthcare System: Coexistence of Advantages and Dilemmas

The U.S. healthcare system enjoys global reputation for its advanced medical technologies and facilities, with leading positions in the research and treatment of major diseases. Many top-tier medical institutions attract patients worldwide. However, the exorbitant medical costs in the U.S. are equally staggering.

For immigrants, the lack of comprehensive health insurance can impose heavy financial burdens even for routine medical visits. The U.S. health insurance system is complex and diverse, with varying coverage scopes, reimbursement ratios, and premiums across different plans. Some immigrants may opt for low-premium insurance to cut costs, only to find limited reimbursement limits when seeking medical services—leaving them liable for high out-of-pocket expenses. Additionally, due to unequal distribution of medical resources, prolonged waiting times for treatment in certain regions pose critical challenges for patients in urgent need.

Immigrating to the U.S. is far from a smooth path paved with roses. From the perspective of immigration trends, policy fluctuations necessitate cautious selection of immigration programs; high living costs demand strong economic capabilities; and while the healthcare system offers advantages, its cost and resource allocation issues cannot be overlooked. Before deciding to immigrate, a comprehensive understanding of these factors is essential—weighing benefits against drawbacks to make choices best suited for oneself and one’s family.