What are NACARA and HRIFA in the EB-5 context?

In the context of EB-5, it is common to confuse it with other immigration laws that have nothing to do with investment. NACARA and HRIFA are examples: immigration relief measures created for specific groups, not steps or criteria within the investor program.

In general terms:

• The NACARA (Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act) offers pathways to regularization for certain individuals from Central America, with particular attention to Nicaraguans and groups affected by instability in the region.
• The HRIFA (Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act) provides humanitarian relief to certain Haitians who faced difficulties regularizing their status in the United States.

The EB-5 follows a completely different logic: it grants the green card to those who invest capital in a business that creates jobs, with no connection to the humanitarian criteria of those laws. Even so, it is worth knowing about them, because an investor or their family members may have an immigration history that touches on these topics.

Since each situation is unique, the best approach is to review the case with specialized professionals and confirm the current rules at the official source (USCIS), avoiding offers that promise miracle solutions.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.