The EB-5 regulations define a TEA as an area of low population (outside a metropolitan statistical area and any city of 20,000 people or more) or an area of high unemployment (50% higher than the national average). Each state has a different process by which investors can determine whether an area is or is not classified as a TEA. In some states, if an area is not already classified as a TEA, it may be possible to gain special TEA designation. It would be prudent for an EB-5 investor to retain an experienced immigration attorney to help determine whether a project qualifies for the lower TEA investment amount.