The E2 Visa in 2018 Under the Trump Administration – Opportunities and Risks
After the 2016 election and inauguration of President Trump in 2017, many immigrants and potential immigrants to the United States were rightfully concerned about his hardline stance on immigration. Although the initial focus appeared to be only on certain types of immigration, he has since broadened his scope to include various types of immigration, including business and investment visas.
One area for potential concern lies with the E-2 investor visa. While it has not been specifically targeted by Trump as a potential source of restriction, the overall policies of his administration make it likely that immigration under this type of visa could be restricted or subject to increased scrutiny.
The Buy American, Hire American Executive Order
In April 2016, President Trump signed what is known as the Buy American, Hire American Executive Order. In doing so, he placed a priority on American-run businesses and in hiring American employees. This has created a specific mandate within the American government to protect the interests of American workers. For investors seeking to invest in the United States, this could create difficulties as they attempt to secure approval of their visas.
To obtain an E-2 visa, an applicant must be a national of a country that has a commerce treaty with the United States. He or she then must make a “substantial investment” in a business or commercial enterprise the United States. The investment must be in a real operating enterprise, and must not be marginal, and the investor must be coming to the United States to develop and direct the enterprise. The E-2 visa gives the investor temporary residence for a period of two to five years, with the opportunity to extend it indefinitely.
Under the Trump administration’s new direction, Consular Officers are taking a harder look at E-2 visa applications to ensure that they are not in any way fraudulent and that the business itself will not displace American workers. This higher level of examination may lead to more denials of E-2 visas which makes it even more important that you ensure that your E-2 application is diligently prepared.
Well-Prepared E-2 Visas Are Still Approved at US Consulates
Fortunately, E-2 visas are still being approved for qualified investors. The E-2 visa program is still open, and approximately 36,000 visas are being approved every year. The key to a successful application lies in the details, and in having a tightly drafted, meticulously-prepared application. While in the past, the standards for receiving an E-2 visa may have been less rigorous, applicants should expect that they will be questioned extensively about the nature of their commercial enterprise.
