Costa, Valadao launch Congressional Portuguese Caucus

WASHINGTON – U.S. Representatives Jim Costa (CA-21) and David Valadao (CA-22) relaunched the Congressional Portuguese Caucus.

The Congressional Portuguese Caucus aims to strengthen the long-standing ties between the United States and Portugal, including increased awareness of the achievements and contributions of over 1.5 million Portuguese Americans.

“America’s rich culture of diversity includes generations of Portuguese Americans who are a part of the fabric of this great nation,” said Costa. “As the grandson of four Portuguese immigrants, I am proud to relaunch the Congressional Portuguese Caucus to advance mutual interests and strengthen the bonds between the United States and Portugal.”

“My family immigrated to the United States from the Azores Islands of Portugal in search of the American dream,”said Valadao.“With more than one million individuals of Portuguese descent living in the United States, many share stories like my family’s. Portuguese Americans have made countless contributions to our country, and I’m proud to represent this community in Washington as co-chair of the Portuguese Caucus.” 

In the 117th Congress, under the leadership of Representatives Costa, Valadao and Cicilline, they helped pass the bipartisan Advancing Mutual Interests and Growing our Success (AMIGOS) Act, which grants Portuguese citizens eligibility for E-1 and E-2 Visas. These Visas allow individuals to enter the United States to conduct "substantial trade" or invest a "substantial amount of capital" respectively.