Originally published in The Colorado Real Estate Journal - JUNE 6, 2012 – JUNE 19, 2012.

As we begin to navigate our way out of the recent recession, hoping that it is actually over and that the market for commercial real estate is really on the rebound, the capital market investment profile for commercial real estate has changed and new and different forms of investment are emerging. With our economy becoming more and more tied to the global markets, foreign investments are increasing in amount, frequency and format. Combined with an increased interest in jobs, investments that result in job creation have had additional focus.

One vehicle that combines these trends is the EB-5 program. The EB-5 program allows foreign nationals to obtain permanent residence (i.e., green cards) if they place capital at risk in and manage a qualifying commercial enterprise that creates jobs.