Parole Program for Entrepreneurs Delayed, Risks Being Cancelled

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) delayed the effective start date of the parole program for entrepreneurs until March 14, 2018. The DHS apparently will use the additional time to evaluate whether the proposed entrepreneur program should be eliminated altogether, in light of President Trump’s January 25, 2017 executive order. This executive order calls for parole to be granted “… only on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the plain language of the statute, and in all circumstances only when an individual demonstrates urgent humanitarian reasons or a significant public benefit derived from such parole.” Anyone interested in providing feedback should submit comments to the DHS by August 10, 2017.

Background

This international entrepreneur rule was initially scheduled to go into effect on July 17, 2017. The program was designed to encourage foreign nationals to invest in startup businesses in the U.S. that likely would create jobs for U.S. workers and/or grow the U.S. economy. More details on the program are available in the MurthyDotCom NewsBrief, Final Rule to Create Parole Program for Entrepreneurs Published (01.Feb.2017).

Conclusion

It is unfortunate that the DHS has delayed and potentially may eliminate the entrepreneur program. Even though the eligibility criteria were stringent, it affords opportunities for entrepreneurs, who, in turn, benefit the U.S. economy and obtain an immigration benefit for their time, talent, and investment or ability to attract investment. Anyone interested is encouraged to submit comments to the DHS before the August 10th deadline.

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