EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa Program allows the Indian immigrant-investors to become lawful permanent residents, the green cardholders. They can do this by investing at least $500,000 or $900,000 after November 21, 2019, in a US business that employees at least 10 American workers. An E-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa program which allows a foreign individual to set up a business and work in the US at an investment of $100,000 dollars.

Why is the E-2 Visa Much More Attractive?

The process of getting an H-1B visa or an EB-5 visa is very restrictive. In addition to these restrictions, the US government is not keen on inviting immigrants from these programs.

If one looks for a simpler alternative, an E-2 visa is what attracts the immigrants. The process of getting this visa is much simpler. You apply for a Grenada passport which takes 3-6 months and then you apply for an E-2 visa.

If your business is successful in the future, your E-2 visa can be easily converted to a green card.

The E-2 visa is issued for a period of 5 years but can be renewed for a lifetime.

What are the Issues With the EB-5 Visa?

The US government announced a new limit for investment under the EB-5 visa. The minimum investment limit for Target Employment Areas (TEA) is $900,000. The areas outside TEA will have a minimum investment limit of $1.8 million.

The change took place from November 21, 2019.

The EB-5 visa is seen as an alternative to the H1-B visa. The waiting list for this visa is quite a long one. You will have to wait for many months to get this visa.

The USCIS allocates 10,000 EB-5 visas each year for those Indian investors who can invest the requisite amount and create and preserve employment for Americans. Ten full-time jobs for US workers.

Why E-2 Visa?

There is no limit on the number of E-2 visas issued each year.

The investment amount required is comparatively lower than the EB-5 visa. You do not get to become a US citizen but you can live and work in the US indefinitely.

Family members become eligible to be dependants under the E-2 visa. When the child reaches the age of 21, he/she has to apply for a separate visa. For a family of 5 people, you have to spend $600,000-$700,000 in an E-2 visa. In the case of EB-visa, you would have to spend $4.5 million.

30-40 people applied for an E-2 visa this year as compared to 5 people the previous year. The processing time of getting an E-2 visa is 2 to 3 months.

Once you get the Grenada passport, you are free to travel to Europe, China, the UK (pre and post Brexit), Singapore, Russia, and UAE without any visa. If you go through the Grenada passport route, you can legally avoid the Indian capital gains tax.

Conclusion

Thus we can see that an E-2 visa is a much better alternative to the traditional H-1B and EB-5 visas.

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What are the H-1B Petitions for Initial (New) Employment?

They are the primary cases of the H-1B annual limit of 65,000 and the 20,000 exemption from the limit for foreign nationals who got advanced degrees from US universities.

The initial petitions account for the new employment. The continuing petitions account for continuing employment, change of employer, and amended petitions.

What are the denial rates?

The immigration service of the US, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) has set new records in denying the H-1B primary petitions.

It is shocking to note that the rates have risen from around 6% visa refusals in 2015 to around 24% visa refusals in 2019 according to the National Foundation for American Policy analysis (https://nfap.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/H-1B-Denial-Rates-Analysis-of-FY-2019-Numbers.NFAP-Policy-Brief.October-2019.pdf).This is a high jump. Trump Administration is responsible for this.

Table 1: Shows the Denial Rate for H-1B Petitions for Initial (New) Employment

What are the denial rates for continuing petitions?

The denial rates for continuing petitions are also on the rise. This has ended the career of thousands of people, forcing them to leave the country.

The denial rates have risen from 3% in FY 2015 to 12% in FY 2019.

Table 2: Shows the Denial Rate for H-1B Petitions for Continuing Employment

Which companies are affected by this?

The denial rates have increased for companies in all sectors. The sector which is the most affected is Information Technology (IT). The government has singled out this sector for restrictive immigration policies.

These companies had denial rates of 2% to 3% in FY 2015. This increased to over 30% in the first three quarters of FY 2019.

What is the reason for this denial?

The reasons are that the USCIS has raised the legal standards to decide whether enough evidence has been given to approve the petitions. They do not have the legal authority to do this. They did not issue any public notice either. No law was passed in Congress. They silently refused the petitions without telling the public as to why they are being denied visas.

A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit was filed by the American Immigration Lawyers Association.

Following this, the USCIS released documents in September 2019. It was shown that the agency made dramatic changes to the H-1B policy without accounting for these changes in the law.

Table 3: Quarter Wise FY 2019 Denial Rate for H-1B Petitions for Initial (New) Employment

What does the future hold for H-1B petitions?

It is anticipated that a higher denial rate of initial petitions for the fourth quarter of FY 2019 is to turn up. This shows that the Trump Administration is committed to denying the foreign-born scientists and engineers to work in America. In the coming months, the procedure for hiring foreign-born individuals is to become more restrictive.

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Does the H-1B Visa Affect the Native Workers?

A major issue concerning this visa is that giving out H-1B visas to immigrants hurts the employment levels of native workers. But, many studies have found that this is not the case.

Most of the H-1B visas sought by the Indian applicants are in the field of technology. They aim at working in Silicon Valley. The US has a strict immigration system and so they select very few employs to work in these sectors. Other sectors take an even lesser number of immigrants. So, the employment levels of native-born workers are safe and secure.

Is the H-1B Visa a Permanent Visa?

No, the H-1B visa allows you to work for up to 6 months in the US. It acts as a trial period for high-skilled immigrants. You get to establish yourself and apply for a permanent residence.

Why does the US Need More of H-1B Visa Migrants?

It is a well-known fact that the Indian and Chinese migrants contribute highly to the US economy.

They help in giving rise to patent attributes. The patents with the Anglo-Saxon names do not fall by this. (2010 study by economists William Kerr and William Lincoln).

It has also been shown that companies that win the H-1B visa lottery tend to get higher venture capital funding, produce more patents, and are more successful. (Study Paper by economists Stephen Dimmock, Jiekun Huang, and Scott Weisbenner).

Do the H-1B Visa Employees Help the Natives?

Yes. Many studies show that H-1B visa workers tend to help the natives. Allowing more H-1B visa workers raises the wages of native workers who are highly skilled. It doesn’t hurt their employment levels. This is due to a phenomenon called the cluster effect.

The more H-1B visa workers move to a city, the more the tech companies locate their offices and research facilities in that city. It raises local productivity and brings a rise in wages.

Should the US welcome more H-1B visa workers?

US productivity growth and business formation are low. At such a time it needs to welcome the H-1B visa workers who bring in innovation to these companies.

The H-1B visa cap fell from 200K applicants to 85K applicants. It hasn’t been raised ever since.

Trump Policy in Action

The denial rates of the H-1B visa applications are continuously rising. Donald Trump has openly stated his views on immigrants. The denial rate rose from 10% in 2016 to 30% in 2019. The cap of 85K is being met each year as the applications are on the rise and many of the denials are overruled. But the Trump Administration is trying to reduce the inflow of the skilled workers.

Why the Hostility?

The opinion polls conducted in the US show overwhelming support for immigration. But the hostility may have something to do with the race of immigrants. China and India together constitute more than 85% of the total H-1B visa petitions. The concern is that most of the visas go to outsourcing companies who add little to American innovation. H-1B program has a link to indentured servitude. The US companies employ foreign workers to hold down the pay.

The workers accept less pay compared to their foreign counterparts as they fear that they will be forced to leave the country and so are unable to change jobs.

Is the Criticism Valid?

No. There had been a change in the H-1B visa law in the year 2000. H-1B visa workers can change companies and start working before the paperwork is done.

They also get to stay for 60 days to find a new job in case they are laid off.

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Even among backpackers, there is a variety of personalities that you can come across. Below are the 10 types of backpackers that can amaze you.

1. The Gilbert Species

Anybody who has read the book- Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert can identify with this kind of species. These travelers are usually in the 18-25 age groups who take a gap year just after or before college to explore the world.

Though this spontaneous plan to take a sabbatical can happen at an older age too. Nervous break-downs or reunions being the common reasons. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara comes to mind.

These over-enthusiastic backpackers and explorers are usually from Europe, New Zealand, Australia, and America, following round-the-world ticket route, spending most of their time in Southeast Asia, New Zealand, and Australia.

These species tend to party a lot, sleep in dorms, see the main attractions, meet other travelers, and come home with a few good stories to share before they begin their college or career.

2. The Volunteers

This kind of backpackers travels with a higher purpose which is usually saving mankind, animals, or the environment. They travel with the aim of volunteering in disaster relief efforts, wildlife conservation, community development projects, humanitarian causes, etc.

They never run out of stories and experiences to share. A common belief among them is that the tacky dorms and hostels are a big luxury from the broken huts they had to stay in without running water or electricity.

3. The Partyholics

These nocturnal creatures are the party animals shouting the loudest in the bar. They will be the first to arrive and the last to leave a pub. In the mornings you can find them in their bedrooms sleeping or recovering from a hangover.

They spend most of their time getting drunk in each new destination prioritizing their late-night drinking and socializing above all else.  They are sure to know the best clubs, bars, happy hours in a country and are usually found in party destinations like Amsterdam, Thailand, Barcelona, and Prague.

4. The Penny-Pinchers

They are those backpackers who are always envied in hostels. They prefer to stay in cheap hostels not because they can’t afford luxury but due to their interest in exploring and experiencing everything.

Their treasure includes high-end clothing, accessories, and gadgets. Their nights are reserved for fancy dinners and extravagant excursions which do not match their stay in $10 per-night tacky hostels.

These are the luxurious backpackers oozing out wealth and richness along every step of the way.

5. The Grannies

Most of the backpackers you are bound to find will be in their 20s or 30s. But among them, you are sure to come across the grannies or the oldies too. These travelers can afford to stay in high-end hotels but prefer cheap hostels due to their youthful energy, and communal spaces.

These oldies and midlifers are back on the road to once again experience their lost youth or take a leave from their fast-paced corporate lives. Lucky for you as they have some amazing stories to share.

6. The Happy Couples

These backpackers are the traveling couples out for a good time together. They can either be socializing with other couples or the oldies, partying with the group, meeting other travelers and not mind being chatty. They tend to gravitate towards romantic destinations.

Or they can be the reserved kind of couples who only want each other’s company and do not like being involved in the hostel parties. They usually book the deluxe private hostel rooms and want their privacy to be respected at all times.

7. The Hermione Species

These kinds of travelers are the know-it-all backpackers who always travel in similar ways and stay in hostels. They cannot be challenged in their history of travel and are thus unbeatable. They can tell you about the times when they went swimming with sharks when you have just been to scuba diving.

Even though they might appear to be haughty, they have a reservoir of useful information and can give you the best recommendations. Being on their good side won’t hurt you.

8. The Spiritualist

These backpackers are usually western, white, and young. Exhausted by the materialism in their world they travel to find inner peace and live a life of stoicism. They explore the local customs and cultures, read books on Buddhism and spiritualism.

Their usual destinations are temples and ashrams where you can find them doing yoga or chanting mantras. These travelers are known to have done ayahuasca in South America and yoga in Bali.

Travelers Spiritus forgo their material possessions to find themselves and blog about their new and healthy lifestyle. They boast as to how freer they feel and are usually found in South America, India, and Southeast Asia.

9. The Hippies

This species of travelers avoid tourist destinations as they are too commercial for them and are mostly found in India or some other developing country as they can’t afford anywhere else.

Their attire is their trademark as they are clothed with dreadlock and necklaces. They give out a rare appearance and seem weeks-overdue for a shower.

10. The Digital Nomad

This species is the rebellious kind who has broken free from the 9 to 5 job and have taken up location-independent, technology-enabled jobs. They work online to afford their travels and can be found on social media boasting their free lifestyle, posting beach photos on Instagram with captions like “Just another day at the office”.

They spend much of their time behind laptops and never experience the destination they are at. They live wherever there is good internet access and cheap hostels.

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So, it is important to know the British work culture which can vary hugely from the US and Europe. Read on to find out.

1. The Chatty Brits

The British are known for their straightforward talks on data and numbers but they love their chit-chats. So before getting to the crux of the matter, they spend five to ten minutes exchanging niceties. Remember, the Brits are way too well mannered.

2. Cheers Mate!

The U.K. has a widespread drinking culture and so it is not unusual to find their pubs filled with corporate bees mingling with each other or having a nice time. They believe in blowing off the steam and enjoying the end to a workweek by downing glasses of pints. So go mingle with these bees and enjoy yourself mate.

3. Seniority Matters Senorita

The Brits believe and rigorously follow their hierarchy system. You only have to take a look at the Royal Family to get the gist. They might have friendly chats in the workplace but at the end of the day never forget who the boss is. In fact, for them, seniority matters more than credentials.

4. Team Spirit is Crucial

The Brits are very proud of their morals like fairness and equality. They believe in team spirit and bring this quality in business too. Though hierarchy is present, team spirit is not too far. So, boasting about your individual achievements is not such a good idea and giving credit to the team is a plus point.

5. Work Hard, Party Harder

The British work hard but they party harder. They follow strict working hours of Monday to Friday 9 AM to 5 PM. It is very rare to find a Brit working on weekends and they would never give up a single day of their yearly four weeks leave.

You do not need to sacrifice your holidays or weekends to show your dedication to the job. So relax mate!

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The USA boasts of many wonderful attractions that the tourists can drool over. From the global finance and cultural center or more lavishly called the city that never sleeps, the New York City, to the city of angels or the la la land, Los Angeles. From the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas, to the architectural wonder, Chicago. From the spectacular Niagara Falls to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. From the Manhattan crossroads of commerce, the Times Square, to the most popular amusement park, the Walt Disney World, the country is full of wonderful and eye-catching attractions that the tourists look forward to visiting.

Thus, it is difficult to narrow down the list to only 10 attractions, but this list contains the must-see places, after taking into account the landscapes, culture, cuisine, history, politics, and religion. So, brace yourselves and read on!

The flag of the United States of America which is a powerful symbol of Americanism, the foundation of which is free speech, represents a religion like fervor, is beloved, domesticated and commercialized. Known by names like the Stars and Stripes, Old Glory, Star-Spangled Banner, the design of the flag has been modified 26 times since 1777, and the current one is the 27th design. The 50 stars represent the 50 states of the United States and the 13 stripes, the thirteen British Colonies that declared independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain.

The United States of America is the world’s third most populous country which has the world’s largest economy by nominal GDP. The capital is Washington D.C. and the largest city by population is the New York City. The country covers a huge area and is slightly smaller than the entire continent of Europe’s. The Americas which are named after the Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci is the foremost military player in the world. With the end of the cold war, the country emerged as the world’s sole superpower. It is a representative democracy where the majority rule is tempered by minority rights and the freedom of speech is highly guarded.

The civil airlines’ industry of the United States is entirely privately owned whereas the major airports are publicly owned. The ten busiest airports in the US based on the total passenger traffic are:

• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
• Los Angeles International Airport
• Chicago O’Hare International Airport
• Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
• Denver International Airport
• John F. Kennedy International Airport
• San Francisco International Airport
• Charlotte Douglas International Airport
• McCarran International Airport
• Miami International Airport

With No more wait, here’s the list of top 10 places to visit in the USA.

10. Las Vegas Strip, Las Vegas

The world’s most visited tourist attraction, the gambling mecca of the world is situated in the midst of the southern Nevada desert landscape. The strip, a stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard contains the most of the casinos and driving through the strip is like an adrenaline rush in itself. One wouldn’t want to miss the dancing Bellagio fountains and the mega-casino hotels which have names and themes decorated with lavish care where none would mind getting lost in its fantasy and so of course, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. Although it’s scorching outside the casinos are famous for their chilling AC policies and thus warm clothes are advised.

9. Times Square, New York City

This Manhattan crossroads of commerce is the most bustling square of the city that never sleeps. It is a treasure-trove of LED lighting known for its Broadway theatres, cinemas, and giant billboards. Standing at the center of the Times Square one is overcome with awe and the spark never leaves your eye. It has all sorts of exciting tours to explore other parts of the city and one can choose from walking, bike, bus, food, limo, ethnic, to water tours. As they say, the more the merrier!

8. Central Park, New York City

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the New York City, the central park stands tall and proud, where time seems to have come to a standstill and one is transformed into a fairytale. The New York city also called the concrete jungle boasts the Central Park where one can attend a concert or play in the summer or don the blades in the winter for a spot of ice skating or simply bask in the glory of the greenery that one is surrounded by. This urban park in itself has a variety of attractions like the pond and Gapstow bridge, the central park zoo, the dairy in children’s district, the chess and checker house, the carousel, and the list goes on.

7. Niagara Falls

The Niagara Falls which is the collective name of three waterfalls—the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls, is an awe-inspiring scenery. It is famous for its beauty as well as for being a valuable source of hydroelectric power. The sound of the water gushing down is like music to the ears. The Niagara Falls state park which is open 365 days a year, also features thrilling attractions, interactive exhibits, and miles of hiking trails. It is an adventure-packed experience that requires no passport and so one wouldn’t really want to miss this one.

6. Grand Central Terminal, New York City

The commuter rail terminal located at 42nd Street and Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, New York City is a historic place to visit where one gets to marvel at its architectural design. Due to its midtown location, the terminal is located near several popular attractions including Empire State building, times square, Byrant Park, New York Public Library, etc. The restored astronomical ceiling is a highlight and one must be sure to check out the Oyster Bar which is the oldest business in Grand Central.

5. Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, Orlando

The magic kingdom is a theme park at the Walt Disney World which opened on October 1, 1971, as the first of the four theme parks at the resort. The theme park with its 6 regions and 40 main rides is an unforgettable and breathtaking vacation for the entire family. It is a great place to bring out the child in you and spend time making lasting memories.

4. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee

The park boasts of scenic landscapes and lush forests with an abundance of wildflowers that bloom year-round. One gets to fish, climb, hike, bike, see the streams, rivers, waterfalls. All one has to do is be careful or on the look-out for black bears. It was once home exclusively to Paleo Indians before early European settlers arrived. The Clingmans Dome, the highest peak, offers scenic views of the mist-covered mountains.

3. Pike Place Market, Seattle

The market which is one the oldest and continuously operated public farmers’ market is a 9-acre market where one can be joyfully lost in its alleys for a one-off shopping experience. Here one is encountered with Artisan food producers, farmers, craft makers and a whole host of other curious retailers. The market proudly continues with its “Meet the Producer” tradition 363 days a year. With hundreds of shops and vendors for you to browse and choose from, the shopping experience is taken up a notch, one that is memorable and pleasurable.

2. Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

The red rafters or the Golden Gate bridge in the legendary city of San Francisco is a suspension bridge which is an iconic structure on the sea that connects San Francisco to California’s northern countries. The city is ideal for the nature lovers, a great jumping-off point for trips to the wine country of Napa Valley or the colossal tech campuses of Silicon Valley. The bridge that spans almost two miles across the Golden Gate has endured as an engineering marvel that gave steady employment to people amidst the Great Depression.

1. French Quarter, New Orleans

The French Quarter is the historic heart of the city New Orleans also called the Big Easy. It is famous for its vibrant nightlife and colorful building with cast-iron balconies. From the Mardi Gras, the city’s biggest party to Jazz Fest, one of the world’s most respected gatherings of jazz musicians, there are plenty of ways to “let the good times roll”. The quarters are just a short drive from the Frenchman Street, where you can hear the music New Orleans is famous for.