E2 Visa Lobby advocates based on three principles: 1) Immigration reform allowing foreign nationals with self-sustaining, independent US businesses a path to permanent residence; 2) entrepreneurship builds a stronger US economy; 3) Support for foreign nationals in becoming successful independent business owners. E-2 Treaty Investors (natives of countries with whom the US has a treaty of commerce),
can reside in the US via a temporary, renewable E-2 visa. The visa allows foreign nationals to start and run an enterprise in which they invest a substantial amount of capital. The visa must be renewed every two to three years. Applying for E-2 visa renewal every few years is expensive and displaces activities that grow the business, like business development, hiring, and engaging in research and development (R&D). It is a time-consuming process that places extraordinary stress on owners. The E-2 visa in its current form is a nonimmigrant visa, meaning there is no path to permanent residence. With the certainty of a future in the United States, E-2 Treaty Investors could more easily transfer financial assets, buy homes and fully commit to the United States—their nation of choice. They could grow even larger US businesses if given the stability that comes with permanent residence. E2 Visa Lobby is a nonprofit group and is headquartered in New York City.
