Will New Law Allow Green Cards for E-2 Visa Holders?

Congresman Adam Putnam of Florida has introduced a new bill in the
House of Representatives which would allow issuance of green cards for
up to 3,000 E-2 visa holders per year.

Keep in mind that this is just proposed legislation and it faces steep odds of getting passed into law.

The bill, which is called the "E-2 Nonimmigrant Investor Adjustment Act
of 2009," carves out 3,000 green cards from the 10,000 green cards that
are available each year in the EB-5 category.

To qualify, the E-2 investor must be present in the U.S. for at least
five years, must have invested at least $200,000, and must create full
time employment for at least two individuals.

The unique thing about the proposed legislation is that the investor
would be able to apply for adjustment of status. Usually this is a
secondary step after an immigrant visa petition has been adjudicated.
By filing right away for adjustment of status, the investor and his or
her family would be eligible for temporary work cards and advance
parole travel permits. Children under 21 might be protected from aging
out.

If you support this visa, please contact your Congressman Putnam (his
Washington office number is 202-225-1252) AND contact your local
Congressperson.

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Written by Chris Jaensch

Attorney P. Christopher Jaensch received a Bachelor of Arts degree in History in 1992 and a Juris Doctor degree in 1995 from the University of Florida. While at UF, he was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity, Phi Beta Kappa Society and Florida Blue Key, the oldest and most prestigious leadership honorary in the state of Florida.

Mr. Jaensch is a member of the Florida Bar, the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and the Sarasota Bar Association. He has served as President of the Sarasota-Manatee International Trade Club and served as Regional Vice Chair, Tampa Bay, for the Central Florida Chapter of AILA. He was a member of City of Sarasota Charter Review Committee and has been active in several local organizations, including the influential Laurel Park Neighborhood Association in downtown Sarasota.

Mr. Jaensch has over 18 years of experience in the field of immigration and nationality law and focuses his practice on four primary categories (a) investors and entrepreneurs, (b) business executives, managers and professionals, (c) amateur and professional athletes and coaches and (d) performing artists and immigrants with extraordinary ability.