26 Feb 2025

“Gold Card” Initiative : Trump to offer US citizenship

“Gold Card” Initiative : Trump to offer US citizenship  The new programmed would raise the investment requirement while reducing fraud and bureaucratic inefficiencies associated with the EB-5. US President Donald Trump announced a new investor visa programmed called the “Trump Gold Card,” which would offer a path to US citizenship for a $5 million investment. The initiative aims to replace the 35-year-old EB-5 visa programmed, which has been in place since 1990 to encourage foreign investment in the United States.

Trump’s ‘gold’ visa: Who qualifies, what it costs and why it’s divisive : “Gold Card” Initiative : Trump to offer US citizenship 

“You have a green card, this is a gold card,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office Tuesday. Permanent residents who are not citizens in the US are known as “green card” holders.

“It’s going to give you green card privileges plus it’s going to be a route to (American) citizenship,” the president added.

President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that the US would start selling a new type of residency permit called a ‘gold card.’ The new program would replace the existing EB5 visa which gave investors pathway to citizenship.

President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that the US would start selling a new type of residency permit called a ‘gold card.’ He branded the $5 million gold card as ‘somewhat like a green card but at a higher level of sophistication.’ Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick was also present in the Oval Office when the president declared the new program and told reporters that the administration would end the existing EB5 visas and “replace it with the Trump gold card.”

what is EB-5 Visa ? “Gold Card” Initiative : Trump to offer US citizenship 

To qualify for an EB5 visa, applicants must: Invest: $1,050,000 in a U.S. business or $800,000 in a TEA (rural areas, high-unemployment zones, or infrastructure projects). Create Jobs: Generate 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers, sustained for at least two years.”Gold Card” Initiative : Trump to offer US citizenship 

USCIS administers the EB-5 Program. Under this program, investors (and their spouses and unmarried children under 21) are eligible to apply for lawful permanent residence (become a Green Card holder) if they: “Gold Card” Initiative : Trump to offer US citizenship 

  • Make the necessary investment in a commercial enterprise in the United States; and
  • Plan to create or preserve 10 permanent full-time jobs for qualified U.S. workers.

This program is known as EB-5 for the name of the employment-based fifth preference visa that participants receive.

Congress created the EB-5 Program in 1990 to stimulate the U.S. economy through job creation and capital investment by foreign investors. In 1992, Congress created the Immigrant Investor Program, also known as the Regional Center Program, which sets aside EB-5 visas for participants who invest in commercial enterprises associated with regional centers approved by USCIS based on proposals for promoting economic growth “Gold Card” Initiative : Trump to offer US citizenship 

About the EB-5 Visa Classification

This page in Simplified Chinese.

USCIS administers the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which was created by Congress in 1990 to stimulate the U.S. economy through job creation and capital investment by foreign investors. Under a program first enacted as a pilot in 1992 and regularly reauthorized since then, investors may also qualify for EB-5 classification by investing through regional centers designated by USCIS based on proposals for promoting economic growth. On March 15, 2022, President Biden signed the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-103), which created new requirements for the EB-5 immigrant visa category and the Regional Center Program. Immigrant visas are authorized under the Regional Center Program through Sept. 30, 2027. 

This page provides a brief overview of the basic requirements for an EB-5 immigrant visa under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act. USCIS policy on EB-5 adjudications is in Volume 6, Part G of the USCIS Policy Manual for petitions filed before and after the enactment of the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act. USCIS will continue to update its Policy Manual with the provisions of the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act. Gold Card” Initiative

USCIS policy on EB-5 adjudications is in Volume 6, Part G of the USCIS Policy Manual.

All EB-5 investors must invest in a new commercial enterprise that was established:

  • After Nov. 29, 1990; or
  • On or before Nov. 29, 1990, that was: Gold Card” Initiative
    • Purchased and the existing business is restructured or reorganized in such a way that a new commercial enterprise results; or
    • Expanded through the investment, resulting in at least a 40% increase in the net worth or number of employees.

A new commercial enterprise means any for-profit activity formed for the ongoing conduct of lawful business, including:

  • A sole proprietorship; “Gold Card” Initiative : Trump to offer US citizenship 
  • Partnership (whether limited or general);
  • Holding company and its wholly owned subsidiaries (provided that each subsidiary is engaged in a for-profit activity formed for the ongoing conduct of a lawful business);
  • Joint venture; “Gold Card” Initiative : Trump to offer US citizenship 
  • Corporation; “Gold Card” Initiative : Trump to offer US citizenship 
  • Business trust; “Gold Card” Initiative : Trump to offer US citizenship 
  • Limited liability company; or “Gold Card” Initiative : Trump to offer US citizenship 
  • Other entity, which may be publicly or privately owned. “Gold Card” Initiative : Trump to offer US citizenship 

This definition does not include noncommercial activity, such as owning and operating a personal residence.

EB-5 Immigrant Investor Process

Alert Type info

ALERT: Beginning Sept. 1, 2022, we will no longer accept a single, combined fee payment when an applicant or petitioner files Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Standalone Investor, or Form I-526E, Immigrant Petition by Regional Center Investor, together with Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust StatusForm I-131, Application for Travel Documents, Parole Documents, and Arrival/Departure Records, or Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. Petitioners must send a separate fee payment for each form.

If a petitioner or applicant submits a single, combined fee payment for Forms I-526 or I-526E and the other forms, we will reject the forms for improper fee payment and return the fee. “Gold Card” Initiative : Trump to offer US citizenship 

This page provides an overview of the EB-5 petition and application process for immigrating to the United States.

  1. File Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Standalone Investor, or Form I-526E, Immigrant Petition by Regional Center Investor.

If an immigrant visa is immediately available to you, you may file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, together with your Form I-526 or Form I-526E, while your Form I-526 or Form I-526E is pending, or after your Form I-526 or Form I-526E is approved. To make sure that an immigrant visa is immediately available to you when you file your Form I-485, see the Visa Availability and Priority Dates and Adjustment of Status Filing Charts from the Visa Bulletin pages on our website as well as the Visa Bulletin. “Gold Card” Initiative : Trump to offer US citizenship 

If USCIS approves this petition, we will remove the conditions from your lawful permanent resident status and from that of any dependents you included.

After we approve your Form I-526 or Form I-526E petition, either: “Gold Card” Initiative : Trump to offer US citizenship 

File DS-260, Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration, with the U.S. Department of State to obtain an EB-5 visa abroad to seek admission to the United States; or “Gold Card” Initiative : Trump to offer US citizenship 

File Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, with USCIS (if you did not already file Form I-485 prior to Form I-526 or Form I-526E approval) to adjust status to a conditional permanent resident within the United States. Once we approve your Form I-485 application or upon admission into the United States with an EB-5 immigrant visa, we will grant conditional permanent residence to the EB-5 investor and derivative family members for a two-year period.

File Form I-829, Petition by Investor to Remove Conditions on Permanent Resident Status, within the 90-day period immediately before the second anniversary of your adjustment of status or admission to the United States as a conditional permanent resident. “Gold Card” Initiative : Trump to offer US citizenship 

ALERT: Under the new provisions of section 203(b)(5)(E)(vii) added by the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 (RIA) to

The United States EB-5 visaemployment-based fifth preference category[1] or EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa Program was created in 1990 by the Immigration Act of 1990. It provides a method for eligible immigrant investors to become lawful permanent residents—informally known as “green card” holders—by investing substantial capital to finance a U.S. business (known as a “new commercial enterprise”) as long as it creates at least 10 new, full-time jobs for Americans and work-authorized immigrants.[2] The EB-5 program is intended to encourage both “foreign investments and economic growth.”[3] The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa Program is one of five employment-based (EB) preference programs in the United States.[4]: 4 

Based on the EB‐5 Reform and Integrity Act, which was signed into law on March 15, 2022, the minimum investment requirement to qualify under the EB-5 program is $1,050,000.[5] The investment requirement is reduced to $800,000, however, if the investment is made in a qualifying infrastructure project or Targeted Employment Area (TEA). Most immigrant investors who use the EB-5 program invest in a TEA[6]: 8 —a rural area or area with the high unemployment rate in order to invest less capital.[7] Investors who make a TEA investment or an infrastructure investment for the $800,000 investment minimum qualify for EB-5 “set aside” visas, which are broken down into three categories: infrastructure projects; projects in high-unemployment areas; and projects in rural areas. “Gold Card” Initiative : Trump to offer US citizenship 

Applicants have the choice of investing directly or through a “larger investor pool via regional centers (RCs)”,[4]: 2  which are federally approved investment issuers that “connect foreign investors with developers in need of funding, and take a commission.”[8][9][10][4] Regional centers are usually private, for-profit businesses that are approved by the U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) which is part of the Department of Homeland Security] “Gold Card” Initiative : Trump to offer US citizenship 

As of April 4, 2023, there are 640 USCIS-approved regional centers,[12] and as of March 2023, the “vast majority” of EB-5 visas were “granted through regional center[s].”[6]: 4  By 2015, the EB-5 program had become an “important source of capital for developers”[4] and for the regional centers.[10] If an EB-5 investment is made in a regional center, the jobs may be created indirectly through economic activity, as opposed to a direct investment. [13] “Gold Card” Initiative : Trump to offer US citizenship 

As of April 23, 2020, 78,278 investors have applied for the EB-5 program.[14] Most investors—about 80 percent—come from four countries: ChinaSouth KoreaTaiwan and the United Kingdom. Large numbers of applicants have also come from VietnamIndiaBrazilMexico, and Nigeria.[14] In 2014, 85% of the 10,692 EB-5 visas issued were for Chinese nationals, according to a study by Savills Studley, a “real estate services firm.”[15][16] On December 20, 2019, President Trump signed a law extending the Regional Center Program through September 30, 2020.[17] On March 15, 2022, President Biden signed a law extending the regional center program through September 30, 2027. “Gold Card” Initiative : Trump to offer US citizenship 

know about ssn

The EB-5 visa program, also known as the Immigrant Investor Program, is a U.S. immigration program designed to encourage foreign investment in the United States. It provides a pathway to a U.S. green card (permanent residency) for individuals who make a significant investment in a U.S. business that creates jobs.

Here are the key points of the EB-5 program: “Gold Card” Initiative : Trump to offer US citizenship 

  1. Investment Requirement:
    • The individual must invest $1 million in a U.S. business (or $500,000 if the investment is made in a targeted employment area, which is an area with high unemployment or rural areas). “Gold Card” Initiative : Trump to offer US citizenship 
  2. Job Creation:
    • The investment must create or preserve at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers within two years of the investment.
  3. Green Card:
    • Upon successful investment and job creation, the investor and their immediate family (spouse and children under 21) can obtain a conditional green card for two years.
    • After two years, they can apply to have the conditions removed and obtain a permanent green card if the investment requirements have been met.
  4. Types of Investments:
    • Investors can either invest directly in a business or through a Regional Center, which pools investments to fund projects that are intended to stimulate the economy.

The program is designed to attract foreign capital to stimulate job creation and economic growth in the U.S. It has been especially popular among high-net-worth individuals from around the world.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or investment advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, the EB-5 visa program is subject to changing laws, regulations, and policies, and eligibility requirements may vary. We recommend consulting with an experienced immigration attorney or a qualified professional before making any decisions related to the EB-5 visa program or any associated investments. The authors and publishers of this article are not responsible for any actions or decisions taken based on the information provided.


Feel free to adjust it as needed for your specific content or audience!


11 Feb 2025
Arizona Plane Crash: As Jets Collide At Scottsdale Airport

Arizona Plane Crash: As Jets Collide At Scottsdale Airport

The Scottsdale Airport, a corporate jet facility, is not accessible to commercial airline flights and is nine miles north of downtown Scottsdale, according to its website. About 166,000 takeoffs and landings were made at the airport last year. The Monday plane crash is the latest major deadly aviation incident in the U.S. within the last two weeks. In late January, a commercial plane crashed into a military helicopter during its descent into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport,

killing 67 people. The collision is still under investigation as black boxes from both aircraft were successfully recovered early this month. Just two days after the collision at Reagan airport, seven people were killed in a Philadelphia plane crash that injured more than a dozen people on the ground. A cause for the crash has not yet been named by officials.Arizona Plane Crash: As Jets Collide At Scottsdale Airport

Topline : Arizona Plane Crash: As Jets Collide At Scottsdale Airport

The Scottsdale Airport in Arizona was closed Monday afternoon after a jet veered off the runway into a parked aircraft, killing one person and hospitalizing three others, in what appears to be the latest deadly aviation accident in the United States.

Arizona Plane Crash: As Jets Collide At Scottsdale Airport

1 dead, multiple injured in Scottsdale Airport plane crash
One person is dead and multiple others are injured after a jet collided with a parked jet at the Scottsdale Airport Monday afternoon. After landing at Scottsdale Airport on Monday, Feb. 10, a plane crashed into another parked plane. The Scottsdale Fire Department says one person was killed, three others were badly hurt and another is still trapped inside. FOX 10’s Steve Nielsen has more. Arizona Plane Crash: As Jets Collide At Scottsdale Airport

The left main gear of one of the jets failed during its landing, causing it to veer and crash into a larger jet, airport officials said.

A small plane veered off the runway at Scottsdale Airport in Arizona on Monday afternoon after part of its landing gear failed, causing it to crash into a parked business jet on a tarmac, killing one person and injuring three others, the authorities said.

The crash happened at about 2:45 p.m., when a Learjet 35A that had taken off from Austin, Tex., landed and then collided with a larger Gulfstream 200 business jet that was parked on private property near the runway, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The Learjet’s left main gear failed as it landed, said Kelli Kuester, the aviation planning and outreach coordinator for the Scottsdale Airport. Arizona Plane Crash: As Jets Collide At Scottsdale Airport

One person was dead at the scene, two others were taken to local trauma centers in critical condition and another was taken to a hospital in stable condition Capt. Dave Folio of the Scottsdale Fire Department said at a news conference. One person refused treatment. Arizona Plane Crash: As Jets Collide At Scottsdale Airport

All flights were paused and runways were shut down. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the episode.

Officials would not immediately release the names of the five people involved in the accident or say which plane they had been on. One person has died and four others were injured after a plane hit another on the ground near Scottsdale Airport in Arizona on Monday, authorities said. Arizona Plane Crash: As Jets Collide At Scottsdale Airport

The crash “off the runway” was reported at 2:39 p.m., and first responders found one person dead on arrival, Scottsdale Fire Capt. Dave Folio said.

Four others were injured, including two taken to medical facilities in critical condition, another whose treatment was delayed but whose condition was not given, and a fourth who refused treatment at the scene, the captain said.

Airport spokesperson Kelli Kuester said at a news conference that one of the arriving plane’s two sets of main landing gear failed upon landing, “resulting in the accident.” Arizona Plane Crash: As Jets Collide At Scottsdale Airport

The arriving plane was coming from Austin, she said.

The Federal Aviation Administration said a Learjet 35A veered off the runway after landing and crashed into a Gulfstream 200 business jet.

Flights at the airport were paused, the FAA said, and the incident was under investigation.

Because an investigation was just starting, Folio said he was unable to answer questions about the collision.

“This is still an active scene,” he said. Arizona Plane Crash: As Jets Collide At Scottsdale Airport

Airport spokesperson Kelli Kuester described the aircraft as “midsize business jets.” She said the arriving flight crashed into a jet “parked on private property” adjacent to the facility.

The tail number for the arriving plane is registered to Chromed in Hollywood, LLC, an entity with incorporation papers in Wyoming that state Vince Neil is the president and director and the entity is based in Franklin, Tennessee. That’s also the hometown of Vince Neil of rock band Mötley Crüe. Arizona Plane Crash: As Jets Collide At Scottsdale Airport

Scottsdale: At least one person was killed and others were injured when private jets collided Monday afternoon at the Scottsdale Airport in Arizona, authorities said. A midsize business jet hit another midsize business jet that was parked on private property, according to Kelli Kuester, aviation planning and outreach coordinator at the Scottsdale Airport. One jet veered off the runway and collided with the Gulfstream 200 jet that was parked, according to Kuester. It appeared that the primary landing gear of the arriving jet failed, resulting in the collision, she said. Arizona Plane Crash: As Jets Collide At Scottsdale Airport

Kuester said four people were on the arriving jet, which had come from Austin, Texas, and one was in the parked plane. Two people injured in the collision were taken to trauma centers and one was in stable condition at a hospital, Scottsdale Fire Department Capt. Dave Folio said. He said they were working to recover the body of the person killed in the collision.

At least one dead after plane crashes into jet on runway as all flights grounded at major US airport
At least one person has died and several others have been injured after a plane crashed into another jet at Scottsdale Airport in Arizona. Arizona Plane Crash: As Jets Collide At Scottsdale Airport

A midsize business jet hit another midsize business jet at 2.30pm local time, resulting in all flights being grounded.

“We have five souls, one [dead on arrival], two immediate that have been transported to local trauma centers, one delayed stable to a local hospital, and this is still an active scene. We are still working on extricating one soul out of one of the airplanes,” said Scottsdale Fire Department Captain Dave Folio. Arizona Plane Crash: As Jets Collide At Scottsdale Airport

Arizona Plane Crash: As Jets Collide At Scottsdale Airport

Disclaimer: The information provided in this news article is for general informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or timeliness of the content. Any opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of our organization. Readers are encouraged to verify facts independently before making decisions based on this information. We are not responsible for any loss or damage arising from reliance on this content.

09 Feb 2025
An **earthquake** is the sudden shaking or vibration of the Earth's surface caused by the movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth's crust. This movement occurs along **fault lines**, where stress builds up over time until it is suddenly released as seismic waves. ### **Causes of Earthquakes** 1. **Tectonic Plate Movements** – The Earth's crust is divided into large plates that constantly move. When they collide, slide past, or pull apart, earthquakes can occur. 2. **Volcanic Activity** – Magma movement beneath the surface can trigger earthquakes, especially near active volcanoes. 3. **Human Activities** – Activities like mining, reservoir-induced seismicity (due to dams), and underground nuclear explosions can also cause earthquakes. ### **Measurement of Earthquakes** - **Richter Scale** – Measures the magnitude (strength) of an earthquake. - **Mercalli Scale** – Measures the intensity (effects) of an earthquake based on observations. ### **Effects of Earthquakes** - Ground shaking, landslides, and tsunamis (if under the ocean). - Damage to buildings, infrastructure, and loss of lives. - Can trigger fires, gas leaks, and other secondary disasters. ### **Safety Measures** - **Before an Earthquake**: Secure heavy objects, have an emergency kit, and identify safe spots. - **During an Earthquake**: Drop, Cover, and Hold On under a sturdy object. - **After an Earthquake**: Check for injuries, avoid damaged buildings, and listen to emergency updates. Would you like to know about any specific earthquake events?

Caribbean Earthquake and Tsunami Threats

Caribbean Earthquake and Tsunami Threats The Caribbean is a seismically active region due to the complex interactions of several tectonic plates, including the North American, South American, Caribbean, and Cocos plates. This activity has resulted in numerous earthquakes and, on occasion, tsunamis.

Historical Earthquakes and Tsunamis in the Caribbean

The Caribbean has experienced several devastating earthquakes and tsunamis throughout history, including:

  • 1692 Jamaica Earthquake and Tsunami: A magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck Port Royal, causing much of the city to sink into the sea. A tsunami followed, worsening the destruction. Caribbean Earthquake and Tsunami Threats CLICK HERE
  • 1755 Great Lisbon Earthquake: This massive quake in Portugal generated a tsunami that impacted the eastern Caribbean. Caribbean Earthquake and Tsunami Threats
  • 1867 Virgin Islands Earthquake and Tsunami: A magnitude 7.5 earthquake in the Anegada Passage triggered a tsunami that affected the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
  • 1946 Dominican Republic Earthquake and Tsunami: A magnitude 8.1 earthquake in the Dominican Republic triggered a tsunami that killed nearly 1,800 people. Caribbean Earthquake and Tsunami Threats
  • 2010 Haiti Earthquake: Although this 7.0 magnitude earthquake devastated Haiti, the tsunami was relatively small, but localized waves caused additional casualties.

Causes of Tsunamis in the Caribbean: Caribbean Earthquake and Tsunami Threats

Tsunamis in the Caribbean are typically triggered by:

  • Submarine Earthquakes: Shallow, high-magnitude quakes along subduction zones and faults can displace large amounts of water. Caribbean Earthquake and Tsunami Threats
  • Underwater Landslides: Earthquakes can trigger landslides that displace water, generating localized tsunamis.
  • Volcanic Eruptions: Explosive volcanic activity, particularly from underwater volcanoes, can displace seawater and generate tsunamis.

Tsunami Preparedness and Early Warning Systems : Caribbean Earthquake and Tsunami Threats

Given the risk, regional organizations have taken steps to improve tsunami preparedness:

  • The Caribbean Tsunami Warning Program (CTWP): Established to monitor seismic activity and provide early warnings. Caribbean Earthquake and Tsunami Threats
  • Tsunami Warning Centers: The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) and other agencies monitor potential tsunami threats. Caribbean Earthquake and Tsunami Threats
  • Public Education and Drills: Many Caribbean nations participate in tsunami drills to improve preparedness.

Conclusion : Caribbean Earthquake and Tsunami Threats

The Caribbean remains vulnerable to earthquakes and tsunamis due to its geologic setting. Continued monitoring, improved infrastructure, and public awareness are essential to minimizing the impact of future seismic events. Caribbean Earthquake and Tsunami Threats

An earthquake is the sudden shaking or vibration of the Earth’s surface caused by the movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth’s crust. This movement occurs along fault lines, where stress builds up over time until it is suddenly released as seismic waves.

Causes of Earthquakes

  1. Tectonic Plate Movements – The Earth’s crust is divided into large plates that constantly move. When they collide, slide past, or pull apart, earthquakes can occur.
  2. Volcanic Activity – Magma movement beneath the surface can trigger earthquakes, especially near active volcanoes.
  3. Human Activities – Activities like mining, reservoir-induced seismicity (due to dams), and underground nuclear explosions can also cause earthquakes.

Measurement of Earthquakes

  • Richter Scale – Measures the magnitude (strength) of an earthquake.
  • Mercalli Scale – Measures the intensity (effects) of an earthquake based on observations.

Effects of Earthquakes

  • Ground shaking, landslides, and tsunamis (if under the ocean).
  • Damage to buildings, infrastructure, and loss of lives.
  • Can trigger fires, gas leaks, and other secondary disasters.

Safety Measures

  • Before an Earthquake: Secure heavy objects, have an emergency kit, and identify safe spots.
  • During an Earthquake: Drop, Cover, and Hold On under a sturdy object.
  • After an Earthquake: Check for injuries, avoid damaged buildings, and listen to emergency updates.

Would you like to know about any specific earthquake events?