Tax Contributions, Visa Thresholds, Voting Power, and Program Pauses | Immigration Newsletter

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Latest Updates on U.S. Immigration

Every week we put together this newsletter to keep our readers informed.

USCIS Increases Investment Threshold for Foreign Entrepreneurs

USCIS announced it would increase the investment and revenue thresholds for foreign startup founders applying for a visa under the International Entrepreneur Rule.

Key Updates Starting October 1, 2024:

1. Initial Application Requirements:Investment: At least $311,071 (up from $264,147).Government Awards/Grants: At least $124,429 (up from $105,659).
2. Renewal Application Requirements:Investment: At least $622,142 (up from $528,293).Job Creation: At least five jobs.Annual Revenue: At least $622,142 (up from $528,293).
3. Investor Criteria:Total Investment: At least $746,571 (up from $633,952) in startups.Success Metrics: At least two startups must have created at least five jobs or generated $622,142 in revenue with an average annual growth of at least 20%.

About the International Entrepreneur Rule (IER):

• Established in January 2017 to allow foreign entrepreneurs to stay in the U.S. to grow their businesses.
• Faced suspension under the Trump administration but was reinstated by court order.
• The Biden administration supports the IER for its economic benefits.

Program Performance:

• Since FY 2021, USCIS received 94 applications: 26 approved, 28 rejected, and 40 pending or withdrawn cases.

Additional Eligibility Criteria:

• Entrepreneurs must be involved with a U.S. startup formed within the past five years.
• Up to three entrepreneurs per startup can be eligible.
• Entrepreneurs can receive an initial stay of up to 2.5 years, with a possible extension of an additional 2.5 years if substantial growth is demonstrated.
• Spouses of entrepreneurs can apply for work authorization.

USCIS aims to boost the program by updating information and providing detailed FAQs on its website.

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H1B Lottery 2nd Round Completed

USCIS announced last week that they would be doing a 2nd round of the H1B lottery. Today, they announced that they have completed that selection. So, if you weren't notified, you likely were not selected this year. Time to search for backup options. Contact us to assist you in your search.

US Temporarily Pauses Humanitarian Program for Citizens of Four Countries

The Biden administration announced a temporary suspension of a humanitarian program allowing citizens from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to enter the U.S. The pause aims to review vetting and screening processes for sponsor applications, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

• Program Details: Up to 30,000 people per month from these countries can enter the U.S. if they have sponsors and meet other conditions. Sponsors must be legally in the U.S. and financially capable of supporting the individual.
• Reason for Pause: DHS cited an "abundance of caution" and intends to strengthen screening and vetting processes. The suspension began in mid-July, but the application portal remains open. DHS anticipates resuming approvals soon.
• Fraud Concerns: An internal review found potential fraud, including fake Social Security numbers and multiple applications listing the same address. DHS is reviewing these cases further but has not identified significant issues in beneficiary vetting.
• Program Impact: Since its inception (2022 for Venezuelans, 2023 for others), approximately 495,000 individuals have entered the U.S. under this program.

The review and pause reflect ongoing efforts to ensure the program's integrity while addressing border security and immigration concerns.

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Undocumented Immigrants Contributed $96.7 Billion in Taxes in 2022

Undocumented immigrants paid $96.7 billion in taxes in 2022, averaging about $9,000 per person, according to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. Despite lower incomes, they paid roughly 26% of their income in taxes, similar to the median taxpayer.

A significant portion of these taxes supports programs like Social Security and Medicare, which they are largely ineligible to use. Concentrated in states like California and Texas, granting work authorization could boost tax revenue by $40 billion annually. This underscores the impact of border policies on tax collections and challenges common arguments against immigration based on government costs.

New US Citizens Could Determine Outcomes of Key Elections

As the United States approaches the November elections, millions of new Americans are gearing up to vote for the first time. According to the American Immigration Council (AIC), "More than 3 out of every 4 naturalization-eligible immigrants?in the United States have become naturalized citizens." In several key states, the number of immigrants eligible to naturalize exceeds the margins of victory in the presidential election.

• Impact on Elections: New citizens could significantly influence election outcomes, especially in swing states with large immigrant populations. For example, in Arizona, the number of new citizens who naturalized between 2016 and 2020 was more than six times President Joe Biden's margin of victory in 2020.
• Demographic Influence: Groups like Asian Pacific Islander Americans (AAPI) have seen substantial growth in voter registration and participation. In battleground states like Georgia and Nevada, the percentage of first-time AAPI voters was notably high.
• Challenges: Despite the potential impact, newly naturalized citizens often face obstacles in voter turnout comparable to native-born citizens. Factors include lack of a voting tradition, intimidation by the voting process, and cultural and language barriers.
• Efforts to Increase Voter Participation: Organizations are working to engage and educate new voters about the importance of voting. Strategies include digital media outreach and emphasizing the direct impact of voting on key community issues.

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