Houston EB5 Regional Center

08/31/2026

Our CEO Roberto Contreras IV recently sat down with Capital Analytics Associate (CAA) to discuss the state of Houston real estate.

A few themes from the conversation:

Development remains challenging nationally, with construction costs 35–40% above pre-COVID levels and financing costs elevated. But Houston's medium- and long-term fundamentals are strong — a young population, a diversified economy, and continued major investment in manufacturing, aerospace, healthcare, and energy.

Mixed-use, walkable developments are key to how Houston competes for talent. Projects like Arabella, 4411 San Felipe, and The Allen have shown that boutique, well-located mixed-use environments perform — and helped pave the way for branded residences across the city.

International capital continues to play an important role, funding mixed-use and condominium projects that often fall outside traditional institutional investment criteria.

As Roberto puts it: the question is no longer whether Houston will grow, but how much.

Read the full interview: https://bit.ly/4y4lHT4

Roberto Contreras discusses Houston’s real estate outlook, mixed-use development, international capital, and the city’s long-term growth.

08/27/2026

Why is it harder to exit an EB-5 investment today than it was before 2020?

Before COVID, the playbook was straightforward: build in 2–2.5 years, stabilize for two more, then refinance or sell. That's where the typical five-year EB-5 timeline came from.

Today, three things have changed:

📈 Construction costs are up
📈 Operating costs are up
📈 Interest rates are up

The result is a double squeeze. Hotels and multifamily properties need MORE income to support a refinance at today's rates — while actually generating LESS income than projected because costs have risen. The same math limits what buyers can pay, which pushes asset values down.

That's why our investment thesis has shifted toward asset classes built for this environment:

🏙️ Condominiums — far less interest-rate sensitive, because repayment comes from unit sales, not ongoing operating income. In markets like Miami, many luxury buyers are international cash buyers who don't rely on financing at all.

🏗️ Repositioning existing assets — the structure, mechanical systems, and steel already exist. Renovation delivers a competitive product at a fraction of ground-up construction cost, with a faster turnaround.

Because getting an EB-5 project built is only half the job. What matters is a realistic path to returning investors' capital in TODAY'S market — not the market of five years ago.

08/17/2026

A closer look at ELLE Residences Miami, the first-ever residential development from the globally recognized ELLE brand.

Located in Miami’s Edgewater neighborhood, the project brings together distinctive design, a highly desirable location, and a globally recognized brand — while offering qualified investors the opportunity to participate through the EB-5 program.

Take a look at what’s taking shape in Miami.

07/27/2026

We sat down with Joey Barnett, Partner at WR Immigration and one of the nation's leading EB-5 immigration attorneys, to discuss the upcoming increase in the EB-5 minimum investment — and what investors should understand about the timeline ahead.

On January 1, 2027, the EB-5 minimum investment amount is set to increase for the first time since the Reform and Integrity Act of 2022. The RIA is explicit on this point: an inflation-based adjustment takes effect on that date. While USCIS has not yet officially confirmed the figures, the projected new thresholds are:

· ~$1,050,000 for Rural / High Unemployment Area (TEA) projects (up from $800,000)
· ~$1,400,000 for non-TEA projects (up from $1,050,000)

Watch the full Podcast here: https://bit.ly/4yIBKaq

07/24/2026

The Allen continues to earn international recognition.

We are proud to share that Thompson Houston at The Allen has been featured by GQ México in its guide to Houston's top destinations for art and culture.

The article highlights the Thompson Houston as a hotel that embodies the city's creative spirit, recognized for its contemporary design, curated art, exceptional dining, and elevated hospitality experience.

As The Allen continues to welcome visitors from around the world, we're proud to see the project recognized by one of Latin America's leading lifestyle publications.

Read the full article: https://bit.ly/4pUxH6V

07/04/2026

For generations, people from around the world have come to the United States to build businesses, raise families, and pursue their dreams.

Every family we work with has a unique story, and we are grateful to play a small part in helping them begin their next chapter in America.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Independence Day as we celebrate America's 250th birthday.

🇺🇸 Happy Fourth of July!

07/02/2026

We recently sat down with Joey Barnett, Partner at WR Immigration and one of the nation's leading EB-5 immigration attorneys, to discuss USCIS's new Adjustment of Status (AOS) guidance—and what it actually means for EB-5 investors.

In May 2026, USCIS released Policy Memo PM-602-0199, clarifying that Adjustment of Status is considered an extraordinary form of relief, not an automatic benefit. While the memo isn't specific to EB-5, it signals that USCIS may apply greater scrutiny to in-country green card applications going forward.

Watch the full podcast here: https://youtu.be/Q0HKeztCOCs

06/23/2026

Great seeing everyone at AC26 — the AILA Annual Conference on Immigration Law — in San Diego last week!

We had a wonderful time connecting with immigration attorneys and professionals from across the country. Always a great reminder of how strong and dedicated this community is.

Thank you to AILA for putting together another incredible conference. Until next year!

06/19/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us across Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, and Shanghai for the 2026 IIUSA EB-5 Event Passport Series.

Our CEO, Roberto Contreras IV, had the opportunity to meet with investors, migration professionals, and industry partners from across Asia, with discussions covering the latest developments in the EB-5 program, current market trends, and project due diligence.

We're grateful for the meaningful conversations and connections made throughout the tour, and we look forward to continuing the dialogue as we help more families explore the EB-5 pathway to U.S. permanent residency.

06/15/2026

Houston EB5 will be at the AILA Annual Conference and Webcast on Immigration Law — in San Diego this June 17–20.

Our team, Simon Weiner and James Kelly , will be on the ground connecting with immigration attorneys and investors from across the country.

Come visit us at Booth 814. If you want to learn more about Houston EB5 and our current projects, we'd love to connect.