In the past sixteen months, we’ve seen the critical importance of immigration. The advantages of immigration cannot be understated. Immigrants from all around the world have contributed their skills and culture for the betterment of our nation. Immigrants have served a vital role in sharing new ideas and values that have accelerated small business development and have paved the way for technological advancements. There is no hesitancy when commending immigrants for their essential role in our country’s Covid-19 recovery efforts. A majority of immigrants worked in “essential” positions during the onslaught of the pandemic demonstrating their value and importance to our nation. As our nation reopens, we need to welcome back foreign talent, Covid-19 recovery will require it.
Under the Trump administration, immigrants were disregarded and left unwelcomed. Restrictive policies were purposefully embedded into our immigration system to delay and at times halt immigration. Former President Trump was consistent at dismantling the very framework that welcomed many members of his family. Subsequently, Trump neglected to recognize the correlation between his economic and immigration policies. Not only are the two areas intertwined, but one cannot be compensated for the other without significant consequences. In the early 1900s, the United States saw an overwhelming boom in economic growth, in part because of the high influx of immigrants into our nation. It is time to return to commonsense immigration practices.
Fortunately, The Biden administration understands immigration’s imperative role. Biden is reinstating policies that bring about crucial societal change to our country and specifically our economy. As foreign adversaries continue to grow and develop their economies at a rapid pace, the United States is falling behind. The United States will not maintain the growth it once saw without recognizing the need for effective policies that invite foreign talent and streamline our immigration process. The Department of Homeland Security is aiming to re-establish the framework for a just and ethical immigration system. In a series of interim memos and policy adjustments, we have seen the starting foundation for a new system that prioritizes humanitarian and economic efforts.
In early May of 2021, the Department of Homeland Security took action to terminate a 2018 notice that halted the Obama administration’s “International Entrepreneur Program.” The program was first launched on January 17, 2017, but met a swift downfall under the Trump administration. According to an official DHS announcement the program “will remain a viable program for foreign entrepreneurs to create and develop start-up entities with high growth potential in the United States. The program will help to strengthen and grow our nation’s economy through increased capital spending, innovation, and job creation.”
What is the International Entrepreneur Program
According to USCIS, the program grants a period of authorized stay for immigrant entrepreneurs on a case-by-case basis for up to five years. Specific eligibility requirements must be met to qualify for the program’s benefits. USCIS has also outlined the entrepreneur would need to prove that their permitted parole would bring a “significant public benefit” through job creation. The program aids potential entrepreneurs in several ways. Specifically by ensuring they get a jumpstart to their business activities while in the United States. The program doesn’t stifle their talent but holds it to specific guidelines and standards.
Note: the program doesn’t offer legal status for entrepreneurs.
Am I Eligible?
The reinstatement of the International Entrepreneur Program comes with specific requirements that immigrant entrepreneurs will need to meet in order to operate and reside in the United States.
They include the following standards as outlined by USCIS:
● An entrepreneur must have established the business within the last five years while holding at least a 10% interest;
● The business is capable of executing significant job additions while demonstrating a public benefit;
● Applicant must hold an active position in the business while ensuring they assist in its growth;
● The applicant will play a critical role in the achievement of the public benefit;
● The business must receive ($250,000) in capital investments from a qualified investor within the United States. The investor must also have a history of positive business ventures;
● Or it received grants or awards from local, state, or federal entities for economic development, research, or job creation;
● Additional evidence may be provided if the above are not fully met.
What are the Requirements
If you believe you’re eligible for the International Entrepreneur Program, there are key requirements that will need to be followed to stay in good status. Note, additional requirements may be subjected to your case.
They include the following as outlined by USCIS:
● If granted parole, the Entrepreneur will be required to work only for their start-up
● The family members (Spouse, Children, and Parents) of an International Entrepreneur “parolee” may also qualify for a parole period
● Only spouses of recipients will be eligible for work authorization
● Each business entity is limited to three International Entrepreneur Parole applicants
Have Questions About the Application Process?
Consult with a member of our team to help you file the following forms (if necessary) in your case:
● Filing Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
● Filing Form I-131, Application for Travel Document
● Filing Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
Are you an immigrant entrepreneur and not sure how this program may impact your case? You should contact a skilled and competent Connecticut immigration attorney to address your concerns. Not only will an attorney guide you in the right direction but they’ll also advocate on your behalf, not neglecting to take essential actions that will benefit you. When searching for an attorney there are some things you should know. Specifically, will the attorney be directly working on your case, will they be available to answer your questions, and if they have experience working on cases similar to yours? These are just a few questions you should ask an immigration attorney before retaining their services. You need to know that your case is a
priority, and at the Law Offices of James A. Welcome, we ensure it is. From your initial contact with our firm, we’ll be sure to gather your case details so that we can thoroughly review the best course of action. It is important to provide as much information as possible so that we can have a superior understanding of your case, so please don’t hesitate to let us know the details.
Typical questions we may ask of you include the following:
● How many years have you resided in the United States?
● What is your country of origin?
● What are your background details?
● Do you have other family members that you’ll be applying for?
● Are you currently facing criminal charges?
● Do you currently work/ or pay taxes in the United States?
● Why do you want to obtain legal status?
We’ll securely collect your personal information and responses to a few of our questions. When you’re ready, we’ll set you up with a confidential immigration consultation via a phone or video call. At this time, we are only offering in-person consultations on a case-by-case basis for the health and safety of our team and loyal clients. During your initial consultation, you’ll be able to ask an attorney a variety of your most pressing questions. Not only will you hear directly from a reputable and qualified attorney, but you’ll be recommended the best avenues for your case. If you choose to retain our services, we’ll get your case moving as quickly as possible, while ensuring a significant emphasis on quality representation is upheld at the same time. If you’re looking for an experienced and qualified Connecticut Immigration law firm, reach out to the Law Offices of James A. Welcome today.
Our Mission
For nearly two decades, Attorney James A. Welcome has represented thousands of clients, securing favorable outcomes on their behalf. In each case, we strive to deliver personal and prompt representation. When you partner with our team, you can rest assured knowing your case is of critical importance. Attorney James A. Welcome believes in delivering justice on your behalf and that takes swift and strategic action. As an advocate for immigrant rights, Attorney James A. Welcome has your best interests in mind at all times. Our diverse team brings different levels of knowledge to solidify our results-oriented practice. To us, our clients will always be of utmost importance. We deliver exceptional representation and our results prove it. Reach out to our team at your convenience. Call (203) 753-7300 to reach a Connecticut Immigration Lawyer.