The EB-5 program isn’t merit based unless you think merit is something you can buy.
America doesn’t need to let people buy legal status just to get access to their capital. There’s plenty of capital floating around this country already.
If we want to encourage investment in disadvantaged areas we can do that via favorable tax treatment, etc. We don’t need to sell legal immigration status.
In a merit system we should look to encourage people who can provide ideas, energy and entrepreneurial initiative, not just wealthy people who have already built something elsewhere and may be heading into retirement.
For our country to grow we need smart, motivated and educated young people who are going to create their wealth here.
“disadvantaged areas”
These tend to have governments run by Democrats.
“wealthy people who have already built something elsewhere and may be heading into retirement.”
They generally would desirable immigrants.
The Brits make lots of money selling high-priced real estate.