PERU Act of 2025
The PERU Act of 2025 would add Peru to the list of foreign states whose nationals are eligible for the U.S. E-1 (treaty trader) and E-2 (treaty investor) nonimmigrant visa programs, but only if Peru provides similar nonimmigrant status to United States nationals. In practical terms, Peruvian traders and investors would be able to pursue E-1/E-2 visas to operate or invest in the United States if Peru grants comparable visa rights to U.S. nationals within Peru. This creates a reciprocal condition: the eligibility expansion hinges on Peru offering U.S. nationals a similar treatment, rather than being automatic. The bill names itself the Promoting Economic Resilience and Unity Act of 2025 (the PERU Act of 2025) and references the standard E-1/E-2 framework in the Immigration and Nationality Act. It does not create new visa categories or funding; it simply links Peru’s eligibility to reciprocal nonimmigrant rights for U.S. nationals.
Key Points
- 1Adds Peru to the list of foreign states described in INA 101(a)(15)(E) for E-1/E-2 eligibility, subject to reciprocity.
- 2The reciprocity test requires Peru to provide “similar nonimmigrant status” to nationals of the United States operating or residing in Peru.
- 3E-1 is for treaty traders with substantial trade between the U.S. and Peru; E-2 is for treaty investors who invest a substantial amount in a U.S. enterprise.
- 4The bill relies on the existing framework of E-1/E-2 visas (no new visa categories created).
- 5Introduced in the House on September 11, 2025, and referred to the Judiciary Committee.