Court Re-in-states International Entrepreneur Parole Program

Immigrant Entrepreneurs

Court Re-in-states International Entrepreneur Parole Program Entrepreneurs, start-up companies and a trade association joined together to oppose the postponement of the International Entrepreneur Rule (IER). This rule, with an effective date of July 17, 2017, would have permitted immigrant entrepreneurs to travel to or stay in the United States to grow new businesses. Less than a week before the IER was scheduled to take effect, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a Federal Register notice announcing that its implementation would be significantly delayed and suggesting that it ultimately intends to rescind the IER.

Immigrant entrepreneurs, who bring their talents, ideas, and initiative with them to the United States often face significant barriers to obtaining permission to travel and work in the United States. The IER was promulgated to address these problems and was informed by extensive input from affected entrepreneurs, the business community, and the American people.

The Plaintiffs are prospective entrepreneur applicants under the IER or companies founded by potential applicants. Unable to otherwise travel to or work in the United States due to ineligibility for existing visa categories or numerical caps, these plaintiffs are being forced to move their businesses and accompanying jobs elsewhere.

The Council, in cooperation with the Washington, D.C. office of Mayer Brown LLP, filed the lawsuit against DHS. The complaint alleges that Defendants failed to comply with the APA’s notice and comment requirement. Plaintiffs seeks to compel Defendants to implement the IER and to begin accepting and adjudicating parole applications from international entrepreneurs.

On December 1, the Court granted summary judgment for the Plaintiffs and vacated the postponement rule. With this ruling, the long-awaited entrepreneur parole program will soon start barring any last-minute appeal. If you or any one you know have interest in this program, please contact one of our professional staff either by phone: (813) 298-7222 or email: info@cfuis.com to discuss your options.

Reference: American Immigration Council (Dec.1, 2017).