In another move against immigrants, the Trump administration has placed a hold on an Obama-era policy that was intended to encourage foreign entrepreneurs to invest in the U.S. and immigrate to build their companies. The administration reported that the decision was made due to them being overwhelmed with more important issues to attend to.
Before the program was halted, immigrants were allowed to come into the U.S. on parole, provided they met a set of strict requirements for their investments and companies. Investors were offered legal status and a work permit to allow them to grow their company and create jobs. The program also offered the eventual opportunity to become a citizen. According to the Obama administration, this parole was an example of discretionary authority.
Trump, however, decided that his predecessor had been too generous, and order the Homeland Security Department to revoke these programs. The rule is expected to be delayed until March 2018, after which it is likely to be canceled completely.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which oversees the program, is also responsible for legal immigration benefits, such as business visas, tentative deportation amnesties, and work permits. The Trump administration argues that the USCIS is already overwhelmed and doesn’t have the time to hire and train more personnel for those duties.
Immigrant advocates argue that the move is short-sighted, and will result in damage to the U.S. economy. The move prevents international talent from immigrating to the U.S. and may encourage investors to start their companies in competing countries. This could be disastrous for the U.S. as a leader in many industries.
If you or a loved one has questions about the end of the immigrant investor program, please don’t hesitate to ask our York immigration attorney. At The Law Offices of Rosina C. Stambaugh, we are committed to helping our clients with all immigration issues, including visas and relief from removal proceedings. Learn how our experienced and compassionate team can help by scheduling a consultation today.
Contact our offices by calling 717-900-1818.
