WASHINGTON – Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC) Chair David N. Cicilline (RI-01) introduced the Advancing Mutual Interests and Growing Our Success (AMIGOS) Act today to grant Portuguese citizens eligibility for E-1 and E-2 Visas, which allow individuals to enter the United States to conduct “substantial trade” or invest a “substantial amount of capital” respectively.

“The United States has no better friend than the country of Portugal,” said Cicilline. “Rhode Islanders know this better than most. The members of our thriving Portuguese American community make rich contributions to the fabric of our state in the arts, culture, business, and public service. I’m proud to introduce this legislation today. As we move ahead, it’s important that we build on the strong ties between our two countries.”

Cicilline, who represents a significant Portuguese population in Rhode Island’s First District, serves as a co-chair of the Congressional Portuguese Caucus. He has previously introduced legislation to protect U.S. national security interests in the Azores and welcomed Portugal’s Ambassador to the United States for an official visit to Rhode Island.  

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, “The E-1 nonimmigrant classification allows a national of a treaty country (a country with which the United States maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation) to be admitted to the United States solely to engage in international trade on his or her own behalf.  Certain employees of such a person or of a qualifying organization may also be eligible for this classification.”

Similarly, an E-2 nonimmigrant classification “allows a national of a treaty country (a country with which the United States maintains a treaty of commerce and navigation) to be admitted to the United States when investing a substantial amount of capital in a U.S. business.”

-30-