PERU Act of 2025
The PERU Act of 2025 would add Peru to the list of countries whose nationals are eligible to enter the United States in the E-1 (treaty trader) and E-2 (treaty investor) nonimmigrant categories, but only if Peru grants U.S. nationals a similar nonimmigrant status. In other words, Peru’s inclusion hinges on reciprocity: if the Government of Peru provides comparable E-status to American nationals, Peru would be treated as a qualifying foreign state for E-1/E-2 purposes under the Immigration and Nationality Act. The bill’s short title designates it as the Promoting Economic Resilience and Unity Act of 2025 (the PERU Act of 2025). It does not create new visa categories or funding; rather, it conditions eligibility on reciprocal treatment and adjusts the statutory list of eligible foreign states accordingly. Potential impact includes expanded access for Peruvian entrepreneurs, investors, and businesspeople to the United States if Peru mirrors U.S. nonimmigrant treatment for its own nationals. This could bolster bilateral trade and investment and strengthen economic ties, contingent on Peru’s actions toward U.S. nationals.
Key Points
- 1Short title: The act may be cited as the Promoting Economic Resilience and Unity Act of 2025, or the PERU Act of 2025.
- 2Purpose and scope: Expands E-1 and E-2 nonimmigrant eligibility to Peru, subject to reciprocity.
- 3Reciprocity condition: Peru shall be considered a foreign state described in 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(E) if the Government of Peru provides similar nonimmigrant status to United States nationals.
- 4Legal mechanism: Amends the treatment of Peru under the E-1/E-2 provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(E)) by tying eligibility to reciprocal treatment.
- 5Status and sponsorship: Introduced in the House on September 11, 2025, sponsored by Ms. Pou (for herself and Ms. Salazar); referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. No other substantive provisions are included.