USCIS Relaunches International Entrepreneur Parole Program
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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services declared today that the Department of Homeland Security is pulling out a 2018 notice of proposed rulemaking that proposed to eliminate the International Entrepreneur program from DHS regulations. The International Entrepreneur (IE) parole program, first introduced in 2017, will remain a viable program for foreign entrepreneurs to create and develop start-up entities with high development potential in the United States. The program will assist with strengthening and develop our country’s economy through increased capital spending, innovation, and job creation.
Today’s announcement is consistent with President Biden’s Executive Order 14012. “Restoring Faith in Our Legal Immigration Systems and Strengthening Integration and Inclusion Efforts for New Americans“. The executive order requires the secretary of homeland security to “identify any agency actions that fail to promote access to the legal immigration system.”
“Immigrants in the United States have a long history of entrepreneurship, hard work, and creativity. Also, their contributions to this country are incredibly valuable,” said Acting USCIS Director Tracy Renaud. “The International Entrepreneur parole program goes hand-in-hand with our nation’s spirit. Of welcoming entrepreneurship and USCIS encourages those who are eligible to take advantage of the program.”
DHS Relaunches International Entrepreneur Parole Program
The initial IE final rule published on 17th Jan 2017 and scheduled to take effect on 17th July 2017. This final rule guided DHS in the utilization of its parole authority to grant a period of authorized stay. On a case-by-case basis, to foreign entrepreneurs who show that their stay in the United States. It would give a significant public benefit through the potential for rapid business growth and job creation.
Prior to the effective date, DHS issued a final rule to delay the implementation date of the IE final rule to 14th March 2018. This permitted DHS extra an ideal opportunity to draft and look for public comments on a proposal to revoke the IE final rule.
[USCIS Announces Two Year Suspension of Biometric Screening Requirement for H-4, L-2, and E visa holders]
However, in December 2017, a federal court vacated the delay. Requiring USCIS to start accepting international entrepreneur parole applications consistent with the IE final rule. Since then, the program has been up and running. And USCIS continues to accept and adjudicate applications consistent with current DHS regulations.
Under the IE program, parole might be granted to up to three entrepreneurs per start-up entity, as well as their spouses and children. Entrepreneurs granted parole are eligible to work only for their start-up business. Their spouses may apply for employment authorization in the United States. But their children are not eligible for such authorization based on this parole. Extra data on eligibility and how to apply is available on the International Entrepreneur Parole page. USCIS will plan information sessions and other outreach activities. To ensure foreign entrepreneurs are aware of this opportunity and how to pursue it.
