Very generally, the EB-5 program provides a pathway to legal permanent residence to eligible foreign investors who invest $1M into a new commercial enterprise, or at least $500k in rural or high unemployment areas. There are certain requirements of job creation (must create at least 10 jobs in two years), and on its face, the program appears to be a win-win for both foreign nationals eager to i.e., get their students educated in the U.S., and for the local, regional, or the national economy. However, with very little oversight by an agency (USCIS) ill-equipped to assess business plans, risks or securities, there is a dark side to this buy-your-birthright program. This article details a prime example of issues arising from a well-meaning program that in practice is wrought with corruption.
http://fortune.com/2014/07/24/immigration-eb-5-visa-for-sale/
In 2014, the EB-5 applicants maxed out the allotment of visas for the first time in its history. There are also procedural changes planned for next year will bring greater delays in obtaining visas.”
http://www.latimes.com/local/la-me-0830-chinese-visas-20140830-story.html
Looks like the EB-5 applicants also maxed out this year as well. The current waiting period for an EB-5 visa is estimated to stretch two to three years. Also interesting, in 2014, Chinese nationals accounted for 90% of EB-5 visas issued, compared to just 13% in 2004.
The following article has more info.
http://www.hartfordbusiness.com/article/20150415/NEWS02/304159993