OMG

I feel like this was a pretty classic example of how little people know about these rules, combined with sheer naiveté about them. Also, keep in mind that my dad is a naturalized US citizen!
SciFiFisher wrote:Sigma_Orionis wrote:SciFi Chick wrote:Y'all realize that most countries give you a visa for cash and it's codified in law. It's a handy way of knowing if you'll contribute to the country. In the U.S. and Australia, the amount is $100,000.00 and it's certainly not new or exclusive to the Trump administration.
Nope, that's not the problem. The EB-5 visa program has existed for at least 20 years. (IIRC back in the late 90s, Early 2000s, the investment amount was US$ 100,000.00). That urban development companies use the EB-5 program to get investors is not particularly shady. However, the fact that such a development company, that happens to be tied to Trump's son in law is pushing it, smells funny. The fact that they are flouting their connections to Trump's family AND that they're implying that Trump has final say on which actual individuals get the visa, smells like rotten fish.
It's also, probably, a violation of the emollients clause. Which essentially says you are not allowed to use public office to enrich yourself, your family, or your business interests.
I have no problem with encouraging people of means to come to the U.S. and creating jobs. But, I have my doubts that buying a million dollar condo creates that many jobs. And I especially object to my government officials acting like low brow criminals. I much prefer the ones who are discrete and pretend to have ethics and stuff like that.
Sigma_Orionis wrote:SciFiFisher wrote:Sigma_Orionis wrote:SciFi Chick wrote:Y'all realize that most countries give you a visa for cash and it's codified in law. It's a handy way of knowing if you'll contribute to the country. In the U.S. and Australia, the amount is $100,000.00 and it's certainly not new or exclusive to the Trump administration.
Nope, that's not the problem. The EB-5 visa program has existed for at least 20 years. (IIRC back in the late 90s, Early 2000s, the investment amount was US$ 100,000.00). That urban development companies use the EB-5 program to get investors is not particularly shady. However, the fact that such a development company, that happens to be tied to Trump's son in law is pushing it, smells funny. The fact that they are flouting their connections to Trump's family AND that they're implying that Trump has final say on which actual individuals get the visa, smells like rotten fish.
It's also, probably, a violation of the emollients clause. Which essentially says you are not allowed to use public office to enrich yourself, your family, or your business interests.
I have no problem with encouraging people of means to come to the U.S. and creating jobs. But, I have my doubts that buying a million dollar condo creates that many jobs. And I especially object to my government officials acting like low brow criminals. I much prefer the ones who are discrete and pretend to have ethics and stuff like that.
"Emoluments" (yeah, I looked it up, couldn't resist)
SciFiFisher wrote:It's also, probably, a violation of the emollients clause. Which essentially says you are not allowed to use public office to enrich yourself, your family, or your business interests.
geonuc wrote:SciFiFisher wrote:It's also, probably, a violation of the emollients clause. Which essentially says you are not allowed to use public office to enrich yourself, your family, or your business interests.
The clause isn't that broad. It prohibits holders of public trust from accepting gifts and such from foreign states, unless Congress says it's OK. There's nothing about enriching oneself through shady business deals as long as a foreign government isn't involved.
Of course, in this era of partisan divide, the exact wording of the constitution, or the intent of the founders, is becoming irrelevant. So, I could see a partisan federal court ruling that the clause means you can't use the public trust to enrich yourself at all.
Rommie wrote:I remember last 4th of July a discussion with my extended family about foreigners buying real estate in Canada vs the USA involved me saying "you know, like how Chinese people can buy a visa to the USA if you have enough money." My dad was absolutely shocked that you can do this, even when my (also conservative) uncle and cousins confirmed it to him- "why would anyone want to move to Canada then over the USA if you can just buy a visa here?!"
OMG![]()
I feel like this was a pretty classic example of how little people know about these rules, combined with sheer naiveté about them. Also, keep in mind that my dad is a naturalized US citizen!
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