06-12-2017, 06:37 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Rob Tucker
It seems to be true. One immigration pathway for the rich, another for the poor.
I suspect it has always been so everywhere. Even in Hawaii.
That may be a bit of an over-simplification - any society is more likely to welcome contributors than it is to welcome non-contributors. Money can be a contribution, but possibly the more valuable contribution of those future residents with money, is the capability to develop a business model capable of generating those assets. (I'd also point out that the recent fast-tracking of resident visas requires a $500K investment in a US business - allowing that contribution to benefit all affiliated with those businesses - and generating tax revenue).
Which would you rather have (and is more likely to be able to "buy" citizenship): a mafia Don/cartel boss, or a Chinese entrepreneur? Likewise, which is more likely to get in: a poor but brilliant engineer/scientist/architect, or a poor day laborer? I spent two years getting a green card for a very capable young scientist who wanted to work and live in the US. We did it legally and he is a contributing member of our population.
Money isn't the only consideration - it would be unfortunate if it was. At the same time, a completely open door with no vetting and review, isn't as likely to benefit the society as a whole...