IMMIGRATION SHOULD BE PART OF THE ECONOMIC RECOVERY PROGRAM

One idea that's being discussed is creating a retiree visa for wealthy individuals who buy property in the US and don't need to work or receive any public benefits. The International Herald Tribune discusses that concept and why the time might be right for an idea that has been kicking around awhile.

Comments

Plunderer politicians from third world counties and their families would love this.

[George Chell]

"What about the 12 million people that are already here some of them maybe able to afford a house but aren't buying until they are sure that they won't be deported. It would be a waste not to make them a part of the recovery after all they want to live here why not make them contribute that way. Instead of paying a fine why not make it pay a fine or put a down payment on a house type of deal, or buy a car at least worth $5,000 to help the car industry."

Good point. Arizona is the worst state for the housing crisis. And I believe that the stringent anti-business laws led to an exodus of legal and illegal Hispanics dropping demand for both rented apartments and for actually buying a house.

"and what about those Foreign Nurses and Physical Therapists who are waiting in line , bec of lack of immigrant visas to come here, these are future homeowners."

True. But, does not solve the problem quickly.

"Why do they always have to cater to the wealthy? What about middle class people?"

They cannot afford to buy the expensive houses and also have enough leftover to invest in this country.

[CourtReporterNet]

Why do they always have to cater to the wealthy? What about middle class people?

[Shell]

and what about those Foreign Nurses and Physical Therapists who are waiting in line , bec of lack of immigrant visas to come here, these are future homeowners.

[USC]

Such a visa has long been available in the UK and in Europe (for instance, Monaco). The way it works in the UK is if you have funds in a bank account over a certain amount or if you have interest income of 20,000 Pounds Sterling per annum, you qualify for permanent residence.

I am all in favor of having multiple types of visas and multiple paths to a GC

[Another voice]

What about the 12 million people that are already here some of them maybe able to afford a house but aren't buying until they are sure that they won't be deported. It would be a waste not to make them a part of the recovery after all they want to live here why not make them contribute that way. Instead of paying a fine why not make it pay a fine or put a down payment on a house type of deal, or buy a car at least worth $5,000 to help the car industry.

[Sid]

I wonder if such a proposal has any merit given how expensive healthcare is in the U.S. AFAIK, Americans move to Canada after they retire due to this issue.

There was another proposal of expanding the EB5 investor visa that might be more appealing to foreign investors. I don't remember the exact details but it involved buying a house and investing some amount in a business.