Immigrant visa program to stimulate Maine business



AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) -- A visa program to stimulate business in western Maine is being announced.

State and federal officials on Tuesday said the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has authorized a regional center in Rangeley to coordinate foreign investment and new job creation as part of the EB-5 employment-based visa program.

Under the program, a potential immigrant can apply for a U.S. visa by agreeing to invest in an American business that creates at least 10 new jobs directly or indirectly for U.S. workers.

The regional center will coordinate investments in industries directly supporting jobs in lodging, construction and restaurants, among others. The program covers Franklin County and Livermore Falls in Androscoggin.

Maine Economic Development Commissioner George Gervais says a group in Franklin County is signed on to the program.

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