USCIS Announces 'Entrepreneurs in Residence'

Posted by: Mark Marich on October 17, 2011 Source: Policy Dialogue on Entrepreneurship

Acknowledging that something must be done to address the issue of immigration when it relates to high-skilled workers and job creators, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently announced it was turning to Silicon Valley and other experts. USCIS Director Alejandro Mayorkas announced the creation of an “Entrepreneurs in Residence” initiative last week that will “utilize industry expertise to strengthen USCIS policies and practices surrounding immigrant investors, entrepreneurs and workers with specialized skills, knowledge, or abilities.”

USCIS will launch the initiative with a series of informational summits before it pulls together a tactical team comprised of entrepreneurs and experts. The team will then work with USCIS personnel to design and implement effective solutions.

“This initiative creates additional opportunities for USCIS to gain insights in areas critical to economic growth,” said Mayorkas. “The introduction of expert views from the private and public sector will help us to ensure that our policies and processes fully realize the immigration law’s potential to create and protect American jobs.”

‘Entrepreneurs in Residence’ builds upon USCIS’s August announcement of efforts to promote startup enterprises and spur job creation, including enhancements to the EB-5 immigrant investor visa program.