# Scholar-in-Residence Gary Friedland offers his thoughts on EB-5 investment in Boston based on joint research with Professor Jeanne Calderon

1 Faculty News August 5, 2017 ![Boston Globe logo](/sites/default/files/styles/246w/public/assets/images/con_030922.jpg?itok=mRV2WGZx)>

Excerpt from the [Boston Globe](https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2017/08/05/high-jobless-rate-helped-seaport-project-attract-loans/2AaZ1JvgiF8j5K9D6Vx83O/story.html) -- "The annual interest rate on a loan funded through the visa program typically runs about 5 percent, say EB-5 financing experts, about half the rate charged by more traditional investment firms. On a five-year, $225 million loan, the difference could easily top $50 million. 'It’s the cheapest source of capital they can find,' Friedland said. 'The reason it’s cheaper is because the immigrant investors are making the loan strictly to qualify for a visa. They’re willing to accept a negligible return."

[Read more](https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2017/08/05/high-jobless-rate-helped-seaport-project-attract-loans/2AaZ1JvgiF8j5K9D6Vx83O/story.html)