The United States has often used its immigration law as a means to achieve additional goals beyond the obvious goal of allowing for a fair system for foreign persons to come to this country legally. In the instances of interpreters from Iraq or Afghanistan who aided coalition forces in the recent wars, the law provides for them to apply for residency here. And for residents who fear violence or persecution if they were to return to their foreign homeland, immigration law allows the chance for asylum. These laws recognize the value of this country serving as a beacon for those who have no choice to return or live in the land of their birth.
But immigration policy also seeks to attract skilled foreign workers and entrepreneurs because it is believed their contributions will constitute a net positive for the national economy. Accordingly, entrepreneurs who make an investment in a commercial enterprise in the United States may qualify for a green card upon submission of a Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur. If approved, the holder of the visa can also obtain green cards for their wife and any unmarried children under the age of 21.
The law provides a cap of 10,000 visas annually for entrepreneurs who qualify. They must be able to establish that they intend to invest $1,000,000, or at least $500,000 in a targeted employment area (high unemployment or rural area). Furthermore, they must plan to create or preserve ten permanent full time jobs for qualified United States workers. Provided they meet these requirements, they can receive conditional permanent residence in the United States.
For foreign entrepreneurs who wish to start such a commercial enterprise in this country, it is critical that they consult with and retain immigration counsel with experience in preparing the type of supporting documentation which will stand up to close scrutiny by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) which has the authority to grant these petitions by foreign businessmen and businesswomen.
As a country which conceives of itself as a center globally for free enterprise, it provides incentives, through its immigration law, for entrepreneurs to bring their talents to this country and take a stab at creating a business which generates economic growth and creates new jobs.
The Shulman Law Group, LLC has successfully prepared and filed many petitions on behalf of its clients who seek to start a business or work in the United States. Its comprehensive experience in the field enables the firm’s attorneys and professional staff to understand what information and materials needs to be produced in order to ensure petitions receive appropriate consideration. The firm’s excellence is fortified by its rigorous determination to ensure that all procedural matters are properly addressed.