HomeBlogImmigration ReformWhat Happened to the Start Up Visa Act?

What Happened to the Start Up Visa Act?

  • March 15, 2012
  • Category: Immigration Reform, Start Up Visa Act, Startup Visa
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As we head into the Presidential Elections, many of us are wondering what changes are in store for immigration.  Not many are predicting comprehensive immigration reform at this point.  But, what about smaller immigration bills, such as the Start Up Visa Act?  What is the current status of this bill?

Many of you already know the basics of what an immigrant entrepreneur could receive with this potential visa.  See The StartUp Visa Act of 2011

With our struggling economy, I would imagine that Congress would be highly motivated to pass this legislation.  The following announcement was made on March 14, 2011:  Senators John Kerry (D-Mass.) and Richard Lugar (R-Ind.), the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, along with Senator Mark Udall (D-Colo.), today reintroduced legislation to drive job creation and increase America’s global competitiveness by helping immigrant entrepreneurs secure visas to the United States.  Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.) plans to introduce companion legislation in the House.  John Kerry.

That was a year ago.  Where are we at now with this?  On July 16, 2011, Craig Montuori posted the following answer online:  the Startup Visa bill is stalled in the legislative process in Congress.  It was introduced on March 14, 2011, and since then, it has accumulated six supporters in the Senate and two in the House.

Govtrack.us has the following online update:  S. 565:  StartUp Visa Act of 2011.  112th Congress: 2011-2012.  A bill to establish an employment-based immigrant visa for alien entrepreneurs who have received significant capital from investors to establish a business in the United States. Sponsor: Sen. John Kerry [D-MA].  Status: This bill is in the first step in the legislative process. Explanation: Introduced bills and resolutions first go to committees that deliberate, investigate, and revise them before they go to general debate. The majority of bills and resolutions never make it out of committee. [Last Updated: Sep 7, 2011 6:14AM].  SOURCE.

Is that it?  A Bill that creates jobs and opportunities should have more traction.  I have sent an email to Senator Kerry asking for an update on this legislation.  I will update this blog if I hear from the Senator’s office. 



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