In 2017, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) implemented the International Entrepreneur (IE) parole program. This program allowed the DHS to grant foreign entrepreneurs a temporary period of authorized stay on a case-by-case basis. To qualify for this parole, the foreign entrepreneur must demonstrate that their activity in the United States will significantly contribute to the public good through possible job creation and the expansion of their business.This program allocated up three IE slots per start-up including the parolees spouses and children. The parolees are required to only work for their start-up. Their spouses are eligible to apply for employment authorization in the United States, while their children are not eligible.
In March 2018, the DHS sought to delay the IE program, in order to provide the time for DHS to conduct a comment and notice on rulemaking. The purpose of this comment period was to consider revoking the IE program altogether. However, in December 2017, a federal court ruled against the DHS and ordered the agency to accept IE applications. Since 2017, the DHS has been accepting and processing applications for the IE program.
On May 10, 2021, the DHS announced that it will withdraw and cancel the 2018 notice on proposed rulemaking, which sought to rescind the IE program. Information regarding the IE program and how to apply may be found on the International Entrepreneur Parole page.
If you have any questions regarding your immigration related matter, please do not hesitate to contact our Sacramento immigration attorney.