Perhaps a billboard on the White House grounds is in order: "Trump/Kushner Incorporated: real estate sales, rentals, Trump tower construction (even if never completed and in remote corners of the world), golf courses, ladies lingerie, jewelry and other 'fripperies.' Significant bargains for biggest buyers, including removing pesky legal barriers. Joy awaits for ye who enter here -- with cash in hand."
2
America is now revealing it's real self and it aint pretty.
7
Well, none of this questionable behavior by the Kushners and the Trumps would have happened if someone had looked into our founding fathers "road map", the Constitution.
We now know that the founding fathers (what, no mothers?) wanted all of us to have and use guns. Well, it doesn't actually say that, but it was close enough for our wise white men (no women of any color, please). Now we have over 30,000 of our neighbors, friends, fellow citizens, etc. getting offed by guns. It's strange what our founding fathers wanted.
Now this issue about visas and passports and buying these documents for $500,000. Can we all get in on this? I would like to read more about this. What page is it on in our Constitution.
Can't wait to read it.
We now know that the founding fathers (what, no mothers?) wanted all of us to have and use guns. Well, it doesn't actually say that, but it was close enough for our wise white men (no women of any color, please). Now we have over 30,000 of our neighbors, friends, fellow citizens, etc. getting offed by guns. It's strange what our founding fathers wanted.
Now this issue about visas and passports and buying these documents for $500,000. Can we all get in on this? I would like to read more about this. What page is it on in our Constitution.
Can't wait to read it.
3
The Kushner have earned a full RICO Investigation . . . There is an obvious pattern of corruption and influence pedaling. A thorough look at who did business with him and his sister and we'd get the relief we as citizens deserve.
4
Really?! "Renault: I am shocked- shocked- to find that gambling is going on in here!" I cannot believe that people are shocked and surprised by this low-roller crowd that "The Donald" has surrounding him. George Washington Plunkitt would blush as he at least distinguished between "honest graft" and "dishonest graft." This crowd would impress even Tammany Hall. This is certainly a low point in US politics and the lowest in the executive branch. When will it be over?
3
Ask the good people of Jay, in Northern Vermont, what they think of the EB-5 program. The Chinese investors there went belly up due to alleged fraud and a Ponzi scheme. It created a complete mess. Wonder if those Chinese investors, (a brother and sister) got their US citizenship?
The selling of American citizenship cheapens it all. Only 500k? Make it 5 million.
Let's keep the riffraff out.
The selling of American citizenship cheapens it all. Only 500k? Make it 5 million.
Let's keep the riffraff out.
8
Corruption - no other word for it. Our government becomes the personal piggy bank for Trump and his family.
6
I would do it for $100,000. Trump it up, lots of new Chinese Millionares can vote here for "The Donald" and Ivanka and go back home to China and exploit the poor to make neckties with the Trump name attached. If I were a working class Serb could I get the same deal?
5
Well done to the Kushners. This is how our Third World countries are run -- those with the power make decisions to only benefit themselves. Well done.
6
Let me see if I have this straight. If you're a Muslim refugee trying to escape the horrors perpetrated on you in your native country you can't get a visa to enter the United States. But if you're a wealthy Chinese investor you can get a visa leading to a green card for a $500,000 investment in the Kusher real estate empire. The Kushner family even brags about their direct family connection to president trump to prove how easy it is for wealthy foreigners to gain entry to the United States. Too bad that the trump/Kushners won't share some of their shady monetary gains with the folks who were dumb enough to believe the lies and vote for him. Turns out the joke's on you people.
6
This is the epitome of pay to play. The swamp is overflowing and the Kushners are swimming in it along with the rest of the billionaires in the White House. It's a house of cards that will fall however there will be no winners.
3
Good article about a bad program. Lost me at the end when you trashed the first family for using a legal program. Get rid of the program and complain about the legitimate bad things the president is doing.
4
Can you spell CORRUPTION?
Because this administration can't.
Because this administration can't.
3
America,your president,his close family and extended family are bringing great shame upon your house.
4
Today, Tuesday, May 9, Mrs Kushner, Ivanka, is openly promoting her book on her twitter account.
I tried to give them a chance to adapt to a new situation but it is quite evident by now that they are crooked. She is crooked. Go after her NYT. It's your duty. She's corrupt.
I tried to give them a chance to adapt to a new situation but it is quite evident by now that they are crooked. She is crooked. Go after her NYT. It's your duty. She's corrupt.
3
Visas for the rich. Priceless. For everything else ...
3
Hold the presses...
You all are actually the first to break the story on Comey...
Kudos on your sheer operational coverage/alacrity, NYT...
Been a while since you were first...
You all are actually the first to break the story on Comey...
Kudos on your sheer operational coverage/alacrity, NYT...
Been a while since you were first...
3
Why is NYT Editorial Board so upset with Mr. Trump for "letting real estate moguls take advantage of a program that sells green cards" or for putting "the interests of the first family and its rich and powerful friends" ahead of refugees fleeing violence? Selling green cards to rich Chinese may be morally questionable but, as far as I know, it is legal. What the Board has to worry about is involvement of Mr. Trump, or his close family, in illegal activities. For example, they should badly seek information on who has bought 19.5% of Russia's Rosneft (see Reuters article, Jan. 25, 2017, "How Russia sold its oil jewel: without saying who bought it").
Knowing how Mr. Trump operates (see his book: The Art of the Deal), Roseneft has been bought dirt cheap. To make a real killing on that deal, oil prices need to go back to $100/barrel or more. That is easy when you are the US president. You just start a war against an oil producing country in Middle East, removing a few million barrels out of oil markets. For Mr. Trump the logical target for such a war is Iran, since that country's oil production is large enough to jolt the markets. And, at the same time, he will have support of Israel and Saudi Arabia, which means he will have bi-partisan support of the war at home!
I wonder why no one on NYT Editorial Board wants to know what Mr. Trump meant when he said to the CIA people at Langley, "We will have another chance to keep the oil"?
Knowing how Mr. Trump operates (see his book: The Art of the Deal), Roseneft has been bought dirt cheap. To make a real killing on that deal, oil prices need to go back to $100/barrel or more. That is easy when you are the US president. You just start a war against an oil producing country in Middle East, removing a few million barrels out of oil markets. For Mr. Trump the logical target for such a war is Iran, since that country's oil production is large enough to jolt the markets. And, at the same time, he will have support of Israel and Saudi Arabia, which means he will have bi-partisan support of the war at home!
I wonder why no one on NYT Editorial Board wants to know what Mr. Trump meant when he said to the CIA people at Langley, "We will have another chance to keep the oil"?
3
Because the Trumps are novices in politics, they seem to lack the skill to hide the blatant corruption and crony capitalism that has festered behind our increasingly thinning democratic veneer for decades. Our nation with its pseudo values and false promises of equity becomes uglier every day.
4
The slimiest aspect of this very slimy slice of corporate welfare is that Manhattan counts as low income because of "nearby" neighborhoods. They may be only a few subway stops away, but they might as well be worlds apart for all the good it does. And the Trumps and the Kuschners of the world get a discount. Makes this hard-core liberal feel like maybe we should "drain the swamp" and start over.
4
"In this administration Trump's familt and rich friens come first". Yes the culmination of 40 years of growing gop rule. Guess what congress will do nothing to stand up to this asministration's corrupt practices. Foe the gop it is party before country and rich rule.
Where is the GOP outrage? Can you imagine if Chelsea Clinton's husband had been caught doing this?
9
Question: How does one go about "draining the swamp"?
Answer: You build a large luxury apartment project on the top of it.
Question: How do you fund the project?
Answer: You sell American Citizenship to anyone paying $500,000 for it.
Question: Could a terrorist get into the US using EB-5 investor visa?
Answer: That is fake news. We are keeping our eyes on the ball; that is to drain the swamp. Jared and Nicole are doing excellent job. The nation should be grateful to them.
Answer: You build a large luxury apartment project on the top of it.
Question: How do you fund the project?
Answer: You sell American Citizenship to anyone paying $500,000 for it.
Question: Could a terrorist get into the US using EB-5 investor visa?
Answer: That is fake news. We are keeping our eyes on the ball; that is to drain the swamp. Jared and Nicole are doing excellent job. The nation should be grateful to them.
3
Kushners and Clintons; selling access and promising meetings is just plain wrong.
2
As Amy Walter of the Cook Political Report noted last night on "The PBS Newshour," this absurd purchased-visa program would be an excellent place to start for a president who touts immigration reform as a priority to his supporters.
11
America is for sale, not just the U.S Green cards.
-Americans politicians are for sale ( Depends on which lobby pays more)
- The U.S military is for sale ( The US doesn't defend Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and other Middle East Nations because of their shared values. )
The Times going after the Kushner is akin to a prosecutor going after a low-level drug user while leaving El Chapo aka (Washington Politicians) alone.
The Kushner did not create the EB-5 visa. Politicians like Feinstein did.
-Americans politicians are for sale ( Depends on which lobby pays more)
- The U.S military is for sale ( The US doesn't defend Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and other Middle East Nations because of their shared values. )
The Times going after the Kushner is akin to a prosecutor going after a low-level drug user while leaving El Chapo aka (Washington Politicians) alone.
The Kushner did not create the EB-5 visa. Politicians like Feinstein did.
9
Well stated. Thank you!
3
Be a refugee in fear of your life and your family's, Syria, for example, and the U.S. says no; have $500,000 to invest in real estate in New Jersey and the U.S. says welcome, welcome to America!
12
The EB-5 program is not the issue. On its face, it is an almost ideal win-win proposition that costs taxpayers nothing but delivers benefits to our nation. We leverage something that people world-wide want (a path to permanent US residency) in exchange for private investment and job creation here in the US. EB-5 requires investors to risk their money in return for the potential - no guarantees - that they can have a permanent green card in 6-10 years (depending on their country of origin).
So what's the problem? Companies like Related or Kushner have been using the program to replace their EXISTING financing with cheaper EB-5 capital. If the intent of the program is to create jobs, it is clear that simply refinancing a project does nothing of the sort.
In the aftermath of the recession, small companies like mine used EB-5 to invest in locations plagued by high unemployment. We developed projects that led to long-term permanent jobs and played within the rules. We used EB-5 as a primary source of capital - the projects would not have been built without it.
Now, deep-pocketed developers like the Kushners use the program as an ATM to further enhance their bottom line, paying foreign investors a paltry 0.25% - 0.5% interest to use their money for 7 years (or more).
The Kushners have peddled their connections to power - a strong selling point in China. This was a feature of their presentation - not a mistake or oversight.
So what's the problem? Companies like Related or Kushner have been using the program to replace their EXISTING financing with cheaper EB-5 capital. If the intent of the program is to create jobs, it is clear that simply refinancing a project does nothing of the sort.
In the aftermath of the recession, small companies like mine used EB-5 to invest in locations plagued by high unemployment. We developed projects that led to long-term permanent jobs and played within the rules. We used EB-5 as a primary source of capital - the projects would not have been built without it.
Now, deep-pocketed developers like the Kushners use the program as an ATM to further enhance their bottom line, paying foreign investors a paltry 0.25% - 0.5% interest to use their money for 7 years (or more).
The Kushners have peddled their connections to power - a strong selling point in China. This was a feature of their presentation - not a mistake or oversight.
6
One of our local nonprofits needed investors to fund a capital project which it began before it had the funding in place. It tried to use this program to attract investors, but was unsuccessful. The project also didn't create the qualifying number of jobs.
3
How much is a room at the White House for the night? It might be quite expensive. and there could be more vacancies than in the past.
2
What is wrong in concept with a fast track for wealthy foreigners who are willing to invest significant amounts of money in this country? If the Kushner's are promising visas to advance their business interests that is a very different issue. Legal immigration into this country should be primarily based on the interests and needs of this country. Allowing people in who meet the requirements of the EB-5 program would clearly seem to be a net positive. It doesn't serve our country to treat ever potential immigrant the same whether they are a wealthy investor in our country or an uneducated farm worker even if that would fit some people's version of fairness.
3
The EB-5 is a scandalous loophole that incentivizes people to think that anything can be bought, and everything has a price. Setting up this kind of loophole, and allowing people to 'buy their way in' fuels the kind of insolence that destroys social cohesion.
This kind of 'investment' is to genuine economic vitality as soda is to nutrition; toxic over the long haul.
This kind of 'investment' is to genuine economic vitality as soda is to nutrition; toxic over the long haul.
1
It should be mandatory for Trump and all Presidents to accept the standard Presidential salary. That formally reminds them that they work for us, and also shows them what it's like to pay a normal amount of taxes, including payroll taxes, like most of the rest of us must do. By Trump not taking the Presidential salary, he not only gets away without participating as a regular citizen like we normal working Americans, but it also has given him the opportunity to frequently and obnoxiously remind us about what a generous guy he is.
2
Does anyone else remember the character assassination of Gold-Star father Khizr Khan after the Democratic convention? Critics jumped on the finding that he worked for a law firm that promoted EB-5 visas. Here's what Breitbart said about the program then. Could it be that the program is good when it brings in wealthy Chinese but bad when it brings in wealthy Muslims?
http://www.breitbart.com/2016-presidential-race/2016/08/01/clinton-cash-...
http://www.breitbart.com/2016-presidential-race/2016/08/01/clinton-cash-...
18
Who Would Have Guessed?
The concept of a robber baron was not born in this country -- Europe had its robber princes long before we had our robber barons -- but we have had our fair share of those despicable people. That, for some of them along the way to accumulating enormous wealth, they paused to make significant philanthropic contributions (not to be confused with the Trump Foundation) -- thus purchasing the undeserved title, "captain of industry" -- is more or less euphemistic nonsense.
Think about what an empty life it must be to be so obsessed with making money that one has no time for reading, learning, working with one's hands, and living life like a real human being.
As Donald J. Trump reigns and Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner are being groomed to follow in the footsteps of their father/father-in-law, millions of ignorant Americans find nothing wrong with "bending a few rules here and there" to make a mint. Indeed, were it not for euphemisms for greed, hiding both its objectives and its impact on society, most American business schools would be forced to close up shop tomorrow.
Not to worry though, these scummy people who can't be bothered to read, study, learn, and work with their hands will be very successful ... and then it will trickle down to the rest of us. If you don't believe me, just ask Arthur Laffer.
http://explorepahistory.com/kora/files/1/2/1-2-193D-25-ExplorePAHistory-...
The concept of a robber baron was not born in this country -- Europe had its robber princes long before we had our robber barons -- but we have had our fair share of those despicable people. That, for some of them along the way to accumulating enormous wealth, they paused to make significant philanthropic contributions (not to be confused with the Trump Foundation) -- thus purchasing the undeserved title, "captain of industry" -- is more or less euphemistic nonsense.
Think about what an empty life it must be to be so obsessed with making money that one has no time for reading, learning, working with one's hands, and living life like a real human being.
As Donald J. Trump reigns and Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner are being groomed to follow in the footsteps of their father/father-in-law, millions of ignorant Americans find nothing wrong with "bending a few rules here and there" to make a mint. Indeed, were it not for euphemisms for greed, hiding both its objectives and its impact on society, most American business schools would be forced to close up shop tomorrow.
Not to worry though, these scummy people who can't be bothered to read, study, learn, and work with their hands will be very successful ... and then it will trickle down to the rest of us. If you don't believe me, just ask Arthur Laffer.
http://explorepahistory.com/kora/files/1/2/1-2-193D-25-ExplorePAHistory-...
12
US "robber barons" were the first to build their fortunes on monopolizing cutting-edge technologies.
These visa existed for years people. I cant believe people didnt know about this before!
I mean, like every country sells citizenship. For $500,000 I can become a citizen of Uruguay if I wanted to and actually had $500,000.
I mean, like every country sells citizenship. For $500,000 I can become a citizen of Uruguay if I wanted to and actually had $500,000.
6
So much for American exceptionalism.
3
And don't forget that Trump put the kibosh on public access to the White House visitor log book. How many potential Chinese real estate investors have visited the White House for family real estate presentations in secrecy? Sound ridiculous? How about the lightening fast approval of Chinese trademarks Ivanka just won. And her $10,000 bangle ad linked to her 60 Minutes interview. How about Melania's $150-million dollar lawsuit claiming her "brand" was damaged by the Daily Mail. How about the State Department ad for the "winter White House at Mar-a-Lago". And we can look forward to more brazen grifting stories on a daily basis.
Hope someone's in charge of securing the historical treasures in the White House. If it's not bolted down, the Trump clan will empty the contents and never look back.
Hope someone's in charge of securing the historical treasures in the White House. If it's not bolted down, the Trump clan will empty the contents and never look back.
27
Let's hope there's a record of things brought into the White House during the Trump years. There's certainly a record of things that have been there for a hundred plus years.
And if the Trumps remove "gifts" that were intended to remain in the White House, then the government can demand that the items be returned - as the government did with the Clinton family after they removed "gifts" that were intended to be permanent White House property.
And if the Trumps remove "gifts" that were intended to remain in the White House, then the government can demand that the items be returned - as the government did with the Clinton family after they removed "gifts" that were intended to be permanent White House property.
What baffles me the most is not Donald's, or Ivanka's, or Jared's willingness to use their governmental standing to indulgently promote their own do businesses; it's the why. The Trumps are worth billions, the Kushners in the hundreds of millions. Money is no object to them, and Ivanka selling more clothes or perfume or Jared closing more real estate deals will have no impact on their day to day living or general lavish lifestyle. Why risk everything for no substantial gain; it reminds me of Martha Stewart, who was worth millions but committed insider trading for a meager $45k gain.
As the biblical saying goes: pride comes before the fall. Perhaps some seemingly inconsequential deal will ultimately be the Trump's Watergate.
As the biblical saying goes: pride comes before the fall. Perhaps some seemingly inconsequential deal will ultimately be the Trump's Watergate.
11
Is anyone ever going to look into the corrupt universe of real estate developers, especially in big cities like New York?
We should have learned by now starting with Leona Helmsley to the Trumps to the Kushners that they truly believe that the tax laws don't apply to them like everyone else, probably because all the loopholes agree with them.
We should have learned by now starting with Leona Helmsley to the Trumps to the Kushners that they truly believe that the tax laws don't apply to them like everyone else, probably because all the loopholes agree with them.
8
The EB-5 visa program has always been a magnet for corruption. No surprise that the Kushner clan is happy to use Jared's access to offer citizenship for ready cash. But there is a nice irony in the statement that "Affluent Chinese families seeking a foothold in a stable democracy snap up most of the visas..." With Trump in charge, spending $500,000 for a green card may not be such a great investment after all.
4
The Kushner family doesn't offer access to citizenship. It tells foreign investors that investing in Kushner 1 will make them eligible to apply for EB-5 visas. The investors submit their applications to the U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services. The Kushner firm raised $50 million in EB-5 visa investments during President Obama last year in office. Other U.S. companies also tell investors about EB-5 visas. This is what Congress intended when it created the program.
5
Many, many thanks for shedding light on this visa program, with which the vast majority of the electorate has been ignorant until recently.
8
The democrats have been milking the EB-5 program too. For instance, Senator Leahy was promoting such projects in northern Vermont - at Jay Peak and Burke Mountain. Plenty of fraud there. Casinos and EB-5 visas are seen as a source of easy money which surely catches the attention of the Trump family, with few benefits for anyone else. But, easy money also appeals to politicians, more than having to actually make some hard decisions.
6
Then we agree. Do away with the program.
Of course 45 and his family are not taking salaries. They stand to earn way more than a Presidential or aide's salary from the grift and kickbacks and pay-to-play. What truly astonishes me is all the Congresspeople who were disgusted by a few speeches and book deals, all publicly documented in tax returns.
8
Everything Trump does will be about enriching himself and his friends. People in a similar situation to him well benefit by accident. The rest of us will pay for it.
8
And what you describe is different from the Clintons in what way? And just watch the Obamas.......as they seek a fortune greater than the Clinton $350 million.
One half of the family creates challenging immigration conditions, the other half of the family creates a way to profit off of said conditions.
2
Mealy-mouthed apology is right.
The equivalent of: "We apologize if listeners drew the most obvious conclusion of powerful influence at the top of US government which we wanted them to draw."
Pfui!
Whom do they think they are kidding?
Nepotism rankles rankly.
The equivalent of: "We apologize if listeners drew the most obvious conclusion of powerful influence at the top of US government which we wanted them to draw."
Pfui!
Whom do they think they are kidding?
Nepotism rankles rankly.
4
Don't be surprised about this. It happens all around the world - some countries charge more or less to allow wealth to live in another country.
The world is being run by oligarchs, gangsters, robber barons - name it what you will.
Until Governments have the guts to grab the nettle of tax parking, avoidance and illicit money laundering, this won't stop, as all of these lubricate the worlds politicians, who we, sadly, continue to vote into power.
People of the world Unite - you have nothing to lose but everything to gain.
The world is being run by oligarchs, gangsters, robber barons - name it what you will.
Until Governments have the guts to grab the nettle of tax parking, avoidance and illicit money laundering, this won't stop, as all of these lubricate the worlds politicians, who we, sadly, continue to vote into power.
People of the world Unite - you have nothing to lose but everything to gain.
3
May 9, 2017
“The American Republic will endure until the day Congress discovers that it can bribe the public with the public's money.”
― Alexis de Tocqueville
jja Manhattan, N.Y.
“The American Republic will endure until the day Congress discovers that it can bribe the public with the public's money.”
― Alexis de Tocqueville
jja Manhattan, N.Y.
13
" But it is not clear whether the Trump administration or Congress will make substantial changes since influential real estate groups, including the Kushner and Trump families, benefit from it."
Of course it's clear. He will only make changes that will profit himself.
Of course it's clear. He will only make changes that will profit himself.
5
Why am I surprised to read the wealthy can buy a green card. I shouldn't be, but I am.
2
Commentators seem unaware that the "law" President Trump signed is the spending bill that keeps the government functioning. Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and President Barrack Obama also signed laws that extended the EB-5 visa program. The Clinton in-laws were more involved in EB-5 visas than Donald Trump's in-laws. Hillary's younger brother Tony Rodham was CEO of a company that specialized in helping foreign investors obtain EB-5 visas. Nicole Kushner Meyer merely tells potential investors that investing in the Kushner 1 project makes them eligible to apply for an EB-5 visa. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services promotes EB-5 visas on its website at https://www.uscis.gov/working-united-states/permanent-workers/employment....
2
One can object to the visa buying program on ethical grounds.
But exactly how many people who came here under THIS program have committed terrorist acts? And rather than taking jobs away from Americans, might they not CREATE jobs?
I am not saying that they WILL create jobs but the logic for such people is quite different from the logic for undocumented immigrants or for people from terrorism infected countries.
You cannot reasonably ask Trump or anyone to use the same reasoning for such totally disparate groups.
Different kinds of immigrants are different kinds of immigrants, a fact which the NY Times has never managed to notice.
But exactly how many people who came here under THIS program have committed terrorist acts? And rather than taking jobs away from Americans, might they not CREATE jobs?
I am not saying that they WILL create jobs but the logic for such people is quite different from the logic for undocumented immigrants or for people from terrorism infected countries.
You cannot reasonably ask Trump or anyone to use the same reasoning for such totally disparate groups.
Different kinds of immigrants are different kinds of immigrants, a fact which the NY Times has never managed to notice.
3
'One can object to the visa buying program on ethical grounds. But...'
Yeah, no biggie. And of course if one cannot afford to 'buy' the EB-5, they are unfit to get one. Kinda like health care.
Yeah, no biggie. And of course if one cannot afford to 'buy' the EB-5, they are unfit to get one. Kinda like health care.
5
And the American public was so aghast about President Carter's brother and Billy Beer.
Come senators, congressmen
Please heed the call
Don't stand in the doorway
Don't block up the hall
For he that gets hurt
Will be he who has stalled
There's the battle outside raging
It'll soon shake your windows and rattle your walls
For the times they are a-changing
Come senators, congressmen
Please heed the call
Don't stand in the doorway
Don't block up the hall
For he that gets hurt
Will be he who has stalled
There's the battle outside raging
It'll soon shake your windows and rattle your walls
For the times they are a-changing
9
Financial Conflict of Interest ... but apparently it is allowed under the Trump administration and no one is stopping them.
2
There is no conflict of interest. Jared Kushner has recused himself from any issues involving EB-5 visas. The Kushner firm is operating just as it did when Barrack Obama was president. According to the New York Times, “the firm raised about $50 million from Chinese investors in EB-5 funding for another project in Jersey City, a Trump-branded luxury apartment tower that opened in late 2016.” All U.S. companies that seek foreign capital inform potential investors about EB-5 visas. This is how Congress intended the program to work.
2
Ms. Meyer's brought this corrupt policy into the attention of the major mass media. She did nothing wrong despite how outrageous the arrangement happens to be. This EB-5 Program is nothing but a scheme to make the U.S. home to as many rich people as possible in order to advance an overall agenda to replace our system of government from a liberal popular democracy into a plutocratic oligarchy. The excuse is that future economic growth is entirely determined by untaxed money in the hands of the wealthy making them the "Job Creators". Given the difficulties of making money in a Communist state and the prevalence of corrupt practices in China because of it, this program is likely bringing into our country mostly lawless, unscrupulous people.
5
I wonder if Canada has a similar program? At this rate, I may have to look into it.
1
Canada definitely has - and has had for decades - a similar program:
"VANCOUVER — Canada has received just six applications for its pilot immigration program for millionaires, far fewer than for its investor class visa that was scrapped last year amid criticism it was allowing rich Chinese to buy their way into Canada.
“I knew it wasn’t going to work. It was poorly designed,” said Richard Kurland, a Vancouver immigration lawyer who filed an Access to Information request for the data.
"Canada said in December it was looking for 50 wealthy foreigners to join the pilot run of the Immigrant Investor Venture Capital (IIVC) plan, under which applicants must be far richer than those who entered under the previous program.
"Launched in the mid-1980s, the previous immigrant investor program promised a fast-track visas for foreigners with a net worth of C$800,000 and C$400,000 to invest. The minimums were later upped to a net worth of C$1.6 million and C$800,000 to invest. There was no language requirement."
http://business.financialpost.com/news/canada-gets-only-six-applicants-f...
"VANCOUVER — Canada has received just six applications for its pilot immigration program for millionaires, far fewer than for its investor class visa that was scrapped last year amid criticism it was allowing rich Chinese to buy their way into Canada.
“I knew it wasn’t going to work. It was poorly designed,” said Richard Kurland, a Vancouver immigration lawyer who filed an Access to Information request for the data.
"Canada said in December it was looking for 50 wealthy foreigners to join the pilot run of the Immigrant Investor Venture Capital (IIVC) plan, under which applicants must be far richer than those who entered under the previous program.
"Launched in the mid-1980s, the previous immigrant investor program promised a fast-track visas for foreigners with a net worth of C$800,000 and C$400,000 to invest. The minimums were later upped to a net worth of C$1.6 million and C$800,000 to invest. There was no language requirement."
http://business.financialpost.com/news/canada-gets-only-six-applicants-f...
2
The world is full of people struggling to get ahead and most of those who do did not do so just because they were talented and smart but because they were lucky or utterly unscrupulous. The Trumps and Kushners are people who live their lives narrowly focused upon what benefits themselves and have little patience for considerations which constrains their options, so one would expect any of them to use the promise of such unfair programs as the EB-5 to help promote their efforts to maximize the good that they experience in life. One thing is clear, though, eventually Trump's Administration is going to have scandals on a scale not seen since Harding was President.
4
Another example of the adage 'Money is the root of all evil'. The evil here is four-fold. Aren't there U.S. investors interested? Without any of this country's investment in itself, then outside investment can be considered. Secondly, the harm happening to people of good character in need of refuge and of a way to citizenship is bad enough. The breaking up homes and the looking for slight faults as well as the blaming ordinary people for fewer employment opportunities instead of blaming the corporations' profiting from sending jobs away. Thirdly, all the current legislation from congress to shift money from working people on a paycheck to greedy people of wealth because wealthy people legislate the taxation and healthcare, is another instance. Finally, being president or holding public office for further enrichment in the Washington bubble without regard for the less fortunate in the U.S. is rock bottom.
Golden visas. Near rhyme with golden fleeces.
1
Losers of the World, unite! Call the White House 202-456-1111, and demand an end to the EB-5 program. Let's see, what other vehicles of potential injustice and corruption in our government can we terminate? Hmmm......
9
Where are the Ethics Committee members in Congress? Enough with this band of rogue profiteers looking to enrich themselves though their shameless promotion to gain wealth and favors.
8
The ethics committee is populated by those that get rich making billionaires richer.
3
The Ethics Committee in Congress? The Congress that writes the laws but exempts themselves from said laws?
Martha Stewart sold a few thousand shares of stock and went to jail because she had knowledge of what would happen to the value of the stock when certain information became widely known. It's called insider trading and it is against the law.
But it's not against the law when Congresspeople do it. "The show looked at the investments of various lawmakers -- including Pelosi, House Speaker John Boehner and Republican Rep. Spencer Bachus of Alabama -- who reportedly bought stocks around the same time legislation involving those investments was being discussed."
From 60 Minutes.
More at http://www.businessinsider.com/spencer-bachus-congress-insider-trading-6...
Martha Stewart sold a few thousand shares of stock and went to jail because she had knowledge of what would happen to the value of the stock when certain information became widely known. It's called insider trading and it is against the law.
But it's not against the law when Congresspeople do it. "The show looked at the investments of various lawmakers -- including Pelosi, House Speaker John Boehner and Republican Rep. Spencer Bachus of Alabama -- who reportedly bought stocks around the same time legislation involving those investments was being discussed."
From 60 Minutes.
More at http://www.businessinsider.com/spencer-bachus-congress-insider-trading-6...
A reporter was there for the whole presentation.
They had huge pictures of President Trump as Kushner's sister explained to participants her brother is now working with the administration.
Hard sell, quid pro quo--as in visas for your cold hard cash. Nepotism was in the air.
Someone made the comment they weren't so sure about the investment since he heard Trump might be impeached.
Trump throughout the campaign was always telling us how rich he was. Now he's letting us know how much richer he's getting.
They had huge pictures of President Trump as Kushner's sister explained to participants her brother is now working with the administration.
Hard sell, quid pro quo--as in visas for your cold hard cash. Nepotism was in the air.
Someone made the comment they weren't so sure about the investment since he heard Trump might be impeached.
Trump throughout the campaign was always telling us how rich he was. Now he's letting us know how much richer he's getting.
11
I guess the assumptions are that there are no rich terrorists (Maybe Ben Laden doesn't count) and that the Kushners are entitled to do whatever they want as rulers of the world.
9
It didn't take this greedy family very long to figure out how to benefit from the old man being president!
12
The saddest part about ALL of this administration's corruption and malice is nobody, not a single one, will see the inside of a prison cell, ever.
If they keep pushing this agenda though some may experience a timbrel ride.
If they keep pushing this agenda though some may experience a timbrel ride.
3
This green card for sale program is repulsive, just as repulsive as the Kushners and the trumps. They have no shame just like our congress. How did we get to such a dark place in our democracy, time to drain the swamp.
9
How did we get to the point where we sold these visas, long before Trump was elected?
There's no credibility when you speak of shame for politicians of one party but blindly fail to recognize the shame of politicians from both parties.
There's no credibility when you speak of shame for politicians of one party but blindly fail to recognize the shame of politicians from both parties.
Hypocrites on every side. On the one side we love to tout the Statute of Liberty - but for honest people who want to migrate for the same reason those Europeans did it's an almost decade long process. I don't have a problem with that - but this is hypocrisy. The same way I don't think people should violate their visa - it is unfair for rich people to buy a green card and citizenship. It's total hypocrisy. On the flip side - so are those clamoring for te green card. You got rich where you live (in this case - mostly China)... So where you live was good enough to make you wealthy - but yet you want to leave it... Something is strange.
5
The whole system is letting us down. I knew last November that no matter whether hillary or trump got the most votes, the American people were going to lose. No matter which person or party got the white house, they were going to continue the looting of the American treasury. And no one is going to stop it.
I see the ghosts of hundreds of thousands of soldiers and sailors who died for the U.S. in WWII. They call out, "This is not what we died for. You stole our lives for the enrichment of a corrupt few. Shame on you and your families forevermore."
I see the ghosts of hundreds of thousands of soldiers and sailors who died for the U.S. in WWII. They call out, "This is not what we died for. You stole our lives for the enrichment of a corrupt few. Shame on you and your families forevermore."
7
I'd like to say, with all of the heartbreaking absurdities, cruelties and general "carnage" Mr. Trump has brought with him to the White House, his time as president has been a revelation! I've learned SO much about all of the ways our government has been sold off and corrupted. If a damaged man, operating at likely the highest level of malignant narcissism possible, and the office has seen its fair share, hadn't gotten hold of the position with Vladimir Vladimiorivch's help would we have ever learned these things? So much of government has become opaque these past 30 years or so, seemingly worsening after 9-11. I welcome these discoveries even as I loathe the sad man that is #45.
5
We need to revise the message on the Statue of Liberty.
May I suggest:
Send me your wealthy, your well-heeled;
Your chaps with masses of moula;
Yearning to invest;
Priority given to those who will enrich
Our domestic real estate developers;
Send these and leave the wretched refuse back on your own;
Teeming foreign shores.
I lift my bank account beside the bank vault door.
May I suggest:
Send me your wealthy, your well-heeled;
Your chaps with masses of moula;
Yearning to invest;
Priority given to those who will enrich
Our domestic real estate developers;
Send these and leave the wretched refuse back on your own;
Teeming foreign shores.
I lift my bank account beside the bank vault door.
4
Change the visa laws if studious analysis warrants changes. But first, get this sleazy family into a grand jury or at least, final-warning mode. How can we let these jackals make further fortunes by sliming the US reputation down the drain?
4
Why should exploiting the American working class be an exclusive privilege of one percent rich Americans when Kushner can make money bringing in wealthy Chinese immigrants for $500,000 a pop and they can have a wack at them too?
7
Gee, whiz, there oughta be a law... Come on Congress, here is something the Republicans want to keep, so offer to continue the program (with some modifications) in return for Republican supprot for single-payer health care. That's called negotiating.
2
Kleptocracy. That's the only word you need to understand the Trumps, the Kushners, and the Republican Senate and Congress.
It is all about fleecing the country -- and even other countries -- for their private gain.
It is all about fleecing the country -- and even other countries -- for their private gain.
4
Drain the swamp!!! Corruption and nepotism are the order of the day in this nightmare called the Trump era. And the Republicans are more than complicit. Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell defend every assault against our democracy. If Chelsea Clinton had parked herself in the West Wing, the Republicans would have called it a crime from day one! Case in point, Pres. Obama makes a speech for a $400,000 fee and Chaffetz calls for a suspension of his pension! But its okay for Ivanka to sell accessories out of the White house. Its okay for the Kushners to namedrop in China and sell American Green Cards in the name of more profits. Hypocrites! Drain the swamp and start with Trump!!
7
Just one more scam from Trump and his ceaselessly disgusting White House "advisory group." This makes Teapot Dome scandal look like a group of amateurs. And of course the GOP congress looks askance and pretends it isn't happening. Congratulations to Germany's Merkel and France's Makrom as the new leaders of what's left of the Free World!
4
Dynasty, perhaps? One tries to reckon not. If Trump's kith and kin try to conquer the world, seemingly, and if the press is barred from covering it, one can smell a rat. A ''Marie Antoinette moment'' by Nicole Meyer Kushner can be a tempting suggestion, but it, sure as heck, will be compulsively countered by the gargantuan Kushner establishment, as a mere flimflam. Their contention will be that they are striving for bigger numbers of employment in the US, by creating more jobs.
Dealing with the Chinese make one either cringe, or flinch, or recoil, owing to their insatiable appetite for piracy. But then, it all fades into insignificance, vis-avis the might of megabucks, or is it gigabucks? A billionaire alien can have a red carpet welcome, much easier than a PhD holding erudite alien. What a striking contrast! Put it differently, the ''green stuff matters much mote than the gray matter'', as it appears to a casual observer.
Affluence attracts and wields influence, naturally,and that is the charisma of capitalism. Canadian immigration system used to have a similar arrangements with the ''alien haves'', or they might still do. In short, a ''silver spoon'' fetches sweetheart deals, much more likely than a ''silver tongue'' does. One only hopes ''education does not yield to subjugation''.
Dealing with the Chinese make one either cringe, or flinch, or recoil, owing to their insatiable appetite for piracy. But then, it all fades into insignificance, vis-avis the might of megabucks, or is it gigabucks? A billionaire alien can have a red carpet welcome, much easier than a PhD holding erudite alien. What a striking contrast! Put it differently, the ''green stuff matters much mote than the gray matter'', as it appears to a casual observer.
Affluence attracts and wields influence, naturally,and that is the charisma of capitalism. Canadian immigration system used to have a similar arrangements with the ''alien haves'', or they might still do. In short, a ''silver spoon'' fetches sweetheart deals, much more likely than a ''silver tongue'' does. One only hopes ''education does not yield to subjugation''.
2
The Kushner Companies are doing nothing they didn’t do when under previous administrations. According to the New York Times, “the firm raised about $50 million from Chinese investors in EB-5 funding for another project in Jersey City, a Trump-branded luxury apartment tower that opened in late 2016.” President Obama was in the White House in 2016. All U.S. companies that seek foreign investors take advantage of the EB-5 visa program to help them raise venture capital. There is nothing unlawful or unethical about telling foreign investors about the program. The EB-5 visa program was created in 1990, when Jared Kushner was nine. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services advertises the EB-5 visa program and list the rules and regulation on its website at https://www.uscis.gov/working-united-states/permanent-workers/employment....
2
Petition Congress to change the law. It is a program fraught with fraud.
3
Chinese investors are one of the few demographics that could actually enrich America. What are you afraid of? Let's be open about it.
I'm bit afraid of Chinese investors. What I have is a fundamental problem with a system who gives people legal residence status just because they have money. That's not an investor. A Chinese investor who lives in China and wants to invest in the US is great to me. However, persons who want to migrate to the US should have to wait in line just like everyone else!!
1
Nepotism and corruption . That's Trumps. Why weren't the facts mentioned in the Making of Donald Trump by David Day Johnston not widely discussed before the election. All his nice friends and shady dealings. Why was it covered up by all the media. Mostly.
And people were shocked, shocked, shocked that former President Obama accepted a $400,000 speaking fee because whatever rich Republicans do is never criticized, because its "capitalism at work," but Democrats are supposed to be above all that!
6
So many things to choose from - the impeachment menu has grown and grown - and after only 100 days!
5
What is truly scandalous is this author's and this newspaper's innuendo and fact-concealing. This is a perfectly legitimate visa program (whether or not you agree with it) that has been on the books for a long time and in use for a long time (and incidentally, last renewed by Saint Obama in December 2016). But of course, legality doesn't enter into the liberal practice of smearing people for having differing opinions or availing themselves of legal provisions. Yet Obama gets not merely a complete pass for thumbing his nose at the law of the land at every turn, but in fact high praise. Liberal hypocrisy is truly astonishing.
No. The problem is that this policy moves the wealthy to the head of the line and ignores the fact that great wealth is less a result of talent and hard work than of luck. The immigrant who has a lot of money is not necessarily going to contribute more to our society than some intelligent and hard working person whose resources are small.
1
What is truly astonishing, Mr. Wafford, is your inability to distinguish between a legal visa program and an attempt by the family of a senior presidential adviser to exploit that program for its own financial gain. The Kushner presentation in China explicitly dropped the name of Mr. Trump and Jared Kushner, implying that Chinese investors would have a direct line to the White House. If that doesn't strike you as unethical and immoral, if not illegal, you truly lack a moral compass or any sense of decency. So, please, spare us the lectures on "legality."
3
Is this the same Nicole Meyer who is one of the trustees for Ivanka when she pretended to divest herself of interest in her businesses . ?
Shameful and shameless
Shameful and shameless
9
The president is approving golden visas that are purchased by the rich but poor immigrants from Arab countries can't buy one. What a cruel money grub president we have! Doesn't his family have enough money already? His decisions are scurrilous and downright criminal. Why hasn't he been impeached? Is the house full of scalawags?
4
The EB-5 program also promotes money laundering, since the IRS does not bother to check on money coming into the US if this money is invested in real estate or art. So the US gets wealthy visa holders who may also have the source of their wealth from dubious sources. I suggest that the "give me your poor..." poem by Emma Lazerus on the Statue of Liberty be modified.
5
Given that real estate investing with foreign money is not only an easy way to launder money, but one of the most common laundering schemes; why not throw in a green card?? Surely someone with tons of money, who wants to get themselves and their money out of their homeland and beyond the reach of their government must be an honorable person, no?
6
Money laundering is acceptable to these people. They think they are above the law.
ka-ching, ka-ching
the register never stops at the white house influence boutique and shoe store
look folk, they need money too
a billion dollars just doesnt go as far as it used to
5
Why don't Nicole Meyer and her brother Jared Kushner name drop their father Charles Kushner or would they? He's the one who inherited the Kushner "empire" from his father. His bio can be found at the following wikipedia website:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Kushner
It's "interesting" to read his bio/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Kushner
It's "interesting" to read his bio/
2
If we had a REAL Attorney General and not the lying racist cookie elf there would be indictments flying at the crime syndicate being run from our White House.
Instead, this kind of blatant disregard for our nation, this grotesque merchandizing of a private brand using taxpayer money and government office, continues unchallenged.
Instead, this kind of blatant disregard for our nation, this grotesque merchandizing of a private brand using taxpayer money and government office, continues unchallenged.
7
After the Supremes ruled on Citizen United why are we still shocked, SHOCKED to see that people with money use it to peddle influence. I mean, isn't that the American Way?
Trump and his family will turn even this cynical viewpoint on its head by the time they are through with Washington. Drain the swamp? More like sustain the swamp.
Trump and his family will turn even this cynical viewpoint on its head by the time they are through with Washington. Drain the swamp? More like sustain the swamp.
2
The Times is hypocritical. It did not highlight the $200+ million that Bruce Ratner used to finance Atlantic Yards. I never saw a prior editorial or investigative piece On EB5 funding in the past ten years in the Times. It makes the Times look biased, which I don't believe you are.
Jeffrey Pollock
Dallas, Texas
Jeffrey Pollock
Dallas, Texas
2
This isn't about using money to buy privilege, it is about a sister and a company using their ties to the president of the United States to profit. It is bad enough that the EB-5 is allowed to exist and that Trump extended it without any changes through the end of September, now he and obviously his son-in-law and his family are making millions using it to lure real estate investors with very little return for their money except passage to the United States. I guess the grifting starts at the White House door.
8
The EB-5 visa program was created as part of the Immigration Act of 1990m which was introduced by Sen. Ted Kennedy. It was extended by President Bill Clinton, President George W. Bush and President Barrack Obama. Hillary Clinton 's brother was the CEO of Gulf Coast Funds Management,, which specialized in helping foreign investors obtain EB-5 visas. Nicole Kushner merely tools investors that their investment in the Kushner 1 projects makes the eligible to apply for EB-5 visas.
1
Perhaps those Chinese don't realize that getting a USA Green card sets themselves up for a lifetime of paying taxes on their worldwide income, even if they stop living in the USA. Or indeed never live there.
Green card holders pay taxes on their entire worldwide income, even if not earned in the USA, just like an American.
And their estate taxes are actually far worse. $10,000 exemption even to a spouse compared to $3,000,000 for American citizens.
If they decide to give up their Green card they have to pay capital gains taxes on assets even if they are not selling them. And file tax returns for the next ten years.
You have to be really scared of your home country to sign up for that.
That's why you don't find Brits, Germans or French applying.
Green card holders pay taxes on their entire worldwide income, even if not earned in the USA, just like an American.
And their estate taxes are actually far worse. $10,000 exemption even to a spouse compared to $3,000,000 for American citizens.
If they decide to give up their Green card they have to pay capital gains taxes on assets even if they are not selling them. And file tax returns for the next ten years.
You have to be really scared of your home country to sign up for that.
That's why you don't find Brits, Germans or French applying.
2
A Canadian Beijing-based journalist for the Washington Post was at the event until she was booted out and some of her footage and audio deleted by the event organizers. She has reported that the event was billed as a "Kushner family event," and that one slide (tweeted to her by another reporter) featured Trump with the tag line, "key decision makers." So, this wasn't mere name dropping, but a direct and slimy effort to use the American Presidency as a path toward riches that will someday benefit Ivanka and Jared. Shameless and disgusting. Is there no law that the Kushners broke for which they can be prosecuted?
8
It is becoming increasingly clear that Pay to Play is bad only when done by Dems.
12
Trump first and last and above all else -- and the Republican Party enables the self dealing in the White House to continue as long as its especially hard nosed ideologues imagine that their agenda will also be advanced. All ethics, all norms, all rules, and many laws, regardless of the public interest in seeing them advanced, never mind the lip service to America First, are out the window.
6
So how about the NYT devoting the time and effort to report on exactly who inserted the extension of the EB-5 program into the spending bill last week?
Follow the money folks.
Follow the money folks.
9
It helps to read the article. That information is in there.
3
Maybe Chris Christie's vicious prosecution had a point, after all.
1
Legal? Yes.
But classless? Also yes.
But classless? Also yes.
5
A Chinese billionaire can pay 1/2000 of net worth and be on the road to US citizenship. But pick Americans' lettuce for sub-minimum wage for 20 years and its off you go.
9
"The Kushner family has been caught in a shameless act of name-dropping."
Hmm...reminds me of the brothers of both Jimmy Carter and Hillary Rodham Clinton - each of whom sought to capitalize on being related to famous siblings.
Hmm...reminds me of the brothers of both Jimmy Carter and Hillary Rodham Clinton - each of whom sought to capitalize on being related to famous siblings.
1
Yes, they did too. That was them and this is now and this is much bigger and it's no less wrong now than them. So your point exactly would be?
5
But neither of whom conducted business on a global scale and used those connections to secure privileges that were unavailable to others.
5
I don't think they had an official role in the Whitehouse. Totally different type of influence.
1
"All animals are equal but some are more equal than others." A pig proclamation to explain why we have "Kushners" and ridiculous charades called health care, deniers of climate science in charge of the environmental protection agency, Oil Barron's as Secretary's of State, ignorant billionaire Republican donors as Secretary's of Education...a long list.
It is blatant examples such as this Kushner one, and there are millions of others, that reveal the true Policies of the Republicans. If it make them richer and more powerful they love it. The "values" of our Nation are simply hindrances that get in the way of their efforts to maximize profits and feed their insatiable greed.
It is blatant examples such as this Kushner one, and there are millions of others, that reveal the true Policies of the Republicans. If it make them richer and more powerful they love it. The "values" of our Nation are simply hindrances that get in the way of their efforts to maximize profits and feed their insatiable greed.
11
At lease the EB-5 program has people immigrating to the US legally.
Why does the NY Times object to EB-5 holders coming to the US legally but then say those who entered the US outside of the law should be allowed to say?
If an EB-5 holder was able to show she committed fraud in her EB-5 application, would the NYT then be ok with her immigration?
Why does the NY Times object to EB-5 holders coming to the US legally but then say those who entered the US outside of the law should be allowed to say?
If an EB-5 holder was able to show she committed fraud in her EB-5 application, would the NYT then be ok with her immigration?
3
"At lease the EB-5 program has people immigrating to the US legally."
The point of the editorial is that it IS legal but hardly just, and it's also dumb just on numerical grounds. The government is willing to sell "priceless" US citizenship (deferred a bit) for a mere half-million dollars, a half-million that isn't even a fee, but just an investment in someone else's capital project.
I'm less concerned that this is legal than how cheap and relatively useless it is for our economy. I'd consider it more reasonable if the floor were an investment in the five to fifty million dollar range - serious infrastructure, if you will. (Consider that a modest, LEED-compliant five-story office building of maybe a few hundred thousand square feet is only in the $50 million range to build.) Five hundred thousand dollars as an entry FEE would be more justified for such a privilege.
The point of the editorial is that it IS legal but hardly just, and it's also dumb just on numerical grounds. The government is willing to sell "priceless" US citizenship (deferred a bit) for a mere half-million dollars, a half-million that isn't even a fee, but just an investment in someone else's capital project.
I'm less concerned that this is legal than how cheap and relatively useless it is for our economy. I'd consider it more reasonable if the floor were an investment in the five to fifty million dollar range - serious infrastructure, if you will. (Consider that a modest, LEED-compliant five-story office building of maybe a few hundred thousand square feet is only in the $50 million range to build.) Five hundred thousand dollars as an entry FEE would be more justified for such a privilege.
2
"Jared Kushner, President Trump’s son-in-law and special adviser, is officially no longer managing his family’s businesses, but he still benefits from many of them." One would assume he benefits from ALL of them. He, or his family, which is the same thing for wealth at that scale. Is there an example of one of his family businesses from which he does NOT benefit?
4
This paper needs a new section titled "Profiting from the Presidency" while president
This way we can document our descent into a banana republic
This way we can document our descent into a banana republic
6
Trump's Immigration scorecard: Wealthy, questionably vetted Chinese, 10,000; poor, ridiculously vetted Syrian men, women and children, 0. And the winner is?
4
Why is any of this is a surprise to anyone with a functioning brain stem? Those with enough money generally have access to anything they want to "buy". It was a central issue in the provincial elections being held in B.C. It is the reality world wide, forever. Will it change anytime soon? Don't hold your breath, but if the change is forced, it will not be pretty.
2
Remember: "Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely"! Unfortunately, it takes a lot of time before most of us catch on to the corruption within our political systems particularly when it involves the families at the top of our governments. Take a close look at the part generation for these families and they have proven to be corrupt. It may take a generation or two before the average taxpayers learn of this current problem but they will. The sad part is that those of us who do know what is going on and cannot get enough support to fix this mess today will suffer the most and will go to our graves still being frustrated and angry.
5
Most of us who've been around awhile know it's corrupt. But when it appears there's nothing but it is still shocking.
1
It was only a matter of time until Trump's nepotism began to wear thin. There is a law against this, but no elected congress person has the gumption to do anything about it. Trump says it shows that he is smart to take advantage of our tax code to pay no taxes. He allows his so-called unpaid advisors to include his immediate family and further take up coveted White House office space at tax payers expense. The EB-5 is just another instance of being a shrewd investor by a foreigner with $500,000. to spare and the Trump family happily taking advantage of the situation. It doesn't take Kushner's sister to point this out by her actions. It is there for all. Russian oligarchs happily buy expensive real estate from Trump and most of them are not challenged at the border. The EB-5 program just makes the situation easier for those who wish to gain citizenship without necessarily dealing with the Trumps. Some do build businesses that provide good paying jobs for local workers. But this Kushner pitch in China is a bit too obvious. Throw the rascals out!
4
Let's think about how many favors Hillary would've owed to those who donated to the Clinton Foundation. Visa trading would be child's play.
1
Midwest. I'll stay away from there.
1
What a funny joke. You know what makes something a joke, either it happens frequently or it didn't happen. This didn't happen.
Wow! For a $500,000 capital investment you can guarantee the creation of 10 permanent jobs in the United States! In the modern economy, that's essentially a miracle. Our "Jobs Jobs Jobs" president should immediately scale up these investment opportunities all over the country. Why should non-citizens be the only ones with access to these projects? They must be generating tremendous returns to capital to support that kind of labor market growth. This will Make America Great Again!
What a scam.
What a scam.
5
Another "nobody knew" moment for the grifter-in-chief--"nobody knew how many different ways there are for the President to make money".
On a side note, I am amazed that I still see so many media references to "communist China". Talk about fake news.
On a side note, I am amazed that I still see so many media references to "communist China". Talk about fake news.
5
$500,000 sounds like a lot of money to those of us who subsist on Social Security but it's just a drop in the bucket compared to the cost of building factories, hotels and other major construction projects. If this EB5 program is to exist at all, the minimum investment should start at about $2.5 million and verifiable documentation of how the project will benefit Americans. Short-term employment building expensive condos shouldn't count; rebuilding a stretch of non-toll Highway would be an example of the type of investment worthy of an EB5 visa.
7
Bloomberg News reported the same story before the election. The Kushner's were using this program to fund the New Jersey project. The difference is at that time Trump was just a candidate and Kushner a private citizen. Most people didn't give Trump much chance to win the election at the time. So the story went in dormancy. Now it is apparent that Trump Inc. has every intention to use the presidency to promote his and his family's businesses.
7
The Kushners must appreciate all the free advertising they get courtesy of the New York Times. I am sure the applications are now pouring in to them.
2
The Kushners and the Borgias. Now there's a target rich environment if ever there was one. The Kushners are taking thieving and corruption to a whole new level, all of it condoned and encouraged from the White House. Welcome to the Ununited States of Trump.
11
The rats nest is growing, now the siblings,cousins and estranged uncles are feasting the the taxpayers cheese while Congress provides the wine and crackers.
6
And the rape and pillaging continues on - and did you expect any else from the Con man Trump -
You think George Bush and his buddies backed a truck up to the US Treasury and shoveled in cash?
You haven't seen anything yet
You think George Bush and his buddies backed a truck up to the US Treasury and shoveled in cash?
You haven't seen anything yet
8
And in the mean time....Some Trump voters will start smelling the weeks-old stench of rotting garbage and throw up their hands- saying " But what can we do?" The rest will just think the stench is from the Fertilizer that helps the crops grow.
5
A five hundred thousand dollar investment is not considered a huge rich investment though the recipients of multiple repetitions of this amount will soon be wealthy. These investors are looking to but the visa. I bet they don't really expect much more of a return beyond that. It's classic grifter cheating.
2
reply to MVH1: You dont appear to realize just how much of a *Rich* investment a U.S. Visa and virtual guarantee to citizenship) is to wealthy Chinese Nationals: Citizenship for parents and children. Access to the top Universities in the World and the ability to get their wealth out of the clutches of a Chinese banking system- Legally.
Sorry, Donna, but you completely misread the intent of my post but your point is extremely good and well taken. You don't seem to realize what I said. I thought it was pretty clear. In the world of investments, $500,000 is not a lot of money. It wouldn't be a big client, in the world of investing. But the people hustling this real estate project will become very wealthy the more marks they can get to sign on at $500,000 a pop. This EB 5 program has a list of scams over the years that are so close in form to this one one wonders if the Kushners didn't investigate all that and tailor their pitch accordingly. Most people who turned their hard-earned bucks over to these scammers wound up empty handed and often the scammer did go to jail. But like I said, since you didn't realize what I was saying initially, you've added a valuable aspect that fits nicely with my point.
"Criminal Obama?"
"Criminal Hillary Clinton?"
"Lock her up!"
"investigations of President Hillary, starting right on day one..."
Drain the Swamp!"
Remember all these? Remember all the incredible wrongs of "Crooked Hillary Clinton?" So many reasons not to vote for her, and to "trust Trump."
Look at what we have now. On a daily basis, we are seeing many instances of blinding ignorance, venomous partisanship, mind-numbing double standards and double dealings. Not only must we deal with all the Trumps openly sucking profit and advantage out of the Presidency and the US Government, we get to watch their extended clan even rope government agencies and departments into becoming willing, complicit partners in promoting the Trump Brand.
It would seem that Trump Brand now openly includes the Kushner family brand too, drawing their business interests directly into the profit engorging orbit of all things Trump. For each act of government destruction, gross ignorance, permanent government destruction - and parasitic profiteering - Congress does nothing. No complaints, no warnings, no calls to cease and desist... and certainly no investigations. Even the Russian investigations are proceeding at a reluctant, foot dragging pace!
The grotesque, shameful degradation of our government, and our highest Office continues - even as Trump's supporters (and Trump himself) rant about the "Crimes" of Obama and Clinton.
Dear God! Someone end this nightmare!
"Criminal Hillary Clinton?"
"Lock her up!"
"investigations of President Hillary, starting right on day one..."
Drain the Swamp!"
Remember all these? Remember all the incredible wrongs of "Crooked Hillary Clinton?" So many reasons not to vote for her, and to "trust Trump."
Look at what we have now. On a daily basis, we are seeing many instances of blinding ignorance, venomous partisanship, mind-numbing double standards and double dealings. Not only must we deal with all the Trumps openly sucking profit and advantage out of the Presidency and the US Government, we get to watch their extended clan even rope government agencies and departments into becoming willing, complicit partners in promoting the Trump Brand.
It would seem that Trump Brand now openly includes the Kushner family brand too, drawing their business interests directly into the profit engorging orbit of all things Trump. For each act of government destruction, gross ignorance, permanent government destruction - and parasitic profiteering - Congress does nothing. No complaints, no warnings, no calls to cease and desist... and certainly no investigations. Even the Russian investigations are proceeding at a reluctant, foot dragging pace!
The grotesque, shameful degradation of our government, and our highest Office continues - even as Trump's supporters (and Trump himself) rant about the "Crimes" of Obama and Clinton.
Dear God! Someone end this nightmare!
10
As noted in comments below, EB-5 is a long-standing program, introduced by Ted Kennedy & promulgated by George HW Bush. It has served as a handy and bipartisan feeding trough for any number of upstanding citizens running development scams worth $1+ billion. Anshoo Seti of Chicago who, with little more than a folding chair, a card table and a telephone, managed to scam $900+ million off Chinese investors; Lobsang Dargey of Seattle who was good for $240 million, also off Chinese investors; Bill Stenger & Ariel Quiros of Vermont & Miami for $300+ million off a group of investors from Asia & South America. This short list of worthies barely scrapes the surface scum on the program.
Grassley & Feinstein notwithstanding, this is a program custom-made for the Trump Kushner organization to cash in on. How convenient that DHS proposed increasing the admission fee -- reminds one of how the membership fee at Mar a Lago doubled shortly after inauguration.
Grassley & Feinstein notwithstanding, this is a program custom-made for the Trump Kushner organization to cash in on. How convenient that DHS proposed increasing the admission fee -- reminds one of how the membership fee at Mar a Lago doubled shortly after inauguration.
3
Dear Editor, Really no body can understand what is the actual rationale of your article.
Bottom line is that US is getting benefited by selling certain category of Visas. There is nothing wrong in it. Any country on the planet can do so if some body is ready to pay either half million or a million US dollars for permanent residency.
As per your article, US is making approximately 50 billion dollars a year by selling 10,000 EB-5 visas per year at the rate of 500,000$ for every visa issued. Not a bad deal. If it is not beneficial to US then they will stop it automatically. Let us not preach cheap ideologies because nobody will buy that.
Bottom line is that US is getting benefited by selling certain category of Visas. There is nothing wrong in it. Any country on the planet can do so if some body is ready to pay either half million or a million US dollars for permanent residency.
As per your article, US is making approximately 50 billion dollars a year by selling 10,000 EB-5 visas per year at the rate of 500,000$ for every visa issued. Not a bad deal. If it is not beneficial to US then they will stop it automatically. Let us not preach cheap ideologies because nobody will buy that.
1
Perhaps I can help as I do indeed understand the actual rationale of the article. First, many immigrants fleeing countries where their lives are in danger struggle to obtain green cards and citizenship and are exploited by their employers here in the US as they earn enough for lawyers and fees while these ultra-wealthy folks step to the front of the line and even make a bit of money in the process. Second, the Kushner family is using their unique status of presidential in-laws to give themselves an advantage and create the illusion (or fact) of special access to the president. I'm sure others can add to my reasons.
2
Really? Well I buy it because it is antithetical to the principles of this country that wealthy people can buy their way in when we turn away people who are political refugees, or victims of oppression fleeing for their lives. It's disgusting.
2
Raja
Evidently, you have no problem with the serious ethical issues created when a relative of a high public official uses that relationship for his or her own personal benefit, or for the benefit of the official.
Do you not understand "bribery" as an offense?
Evidently, you have no problem with the serious ethical issues created when a relative of a high public official uses that relationship for his or her own personal benefit, or for the benefit of the official.
Do you not understand "bribery" as an offense?
4
As a recent transplant from downtown Jersey City to Journal Square, I do want this development in particular to move forward as quickly as possible.
Right now it is a big empty lot right by the Path Station and the area desperately needs redevelopment.
I lived in downtown Jersey City for over a decade and witnessed the transformation of downtown first hand and benefited greatly from it. (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/05/nyregion/the-death-and-life-of-jersey... Now I'm hoping that the same thing would happen in JSQ.
I cannot stand Trump and the existing visa program is questionable but I do see a positive influence this development will bring for my city.
Right now it is a big empty lot right by the Path Station and the area desperately needs redevelopment.
I lived in downtown Jersey City for over a decade and witnessed the transformation of downtown first hand and benefited greatly from it. (https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/05/nyregion/the-death-and-life-of-jersey... Now I'm hoping that the same thing would happen in JSQ.
I cannot stand Trump and the existing visa program is questionable but I do see a positive influence this development will bring for my city.
The Kushner family--all of then including Ivanka, have put themselves in a nasty light both for their inappropriate business dealings and for their coziness to a presidential administration where ethically they do not belong. Mr. Kushner's role as Trump's chief advisor would be laughable if it weren't so very dreadfully wrong for our country. The man has no political experience. Why is he there?
5
Understood that Kushner and Trump are the names that get the attention of the Editorial Board. But if that's what it takes to shine light on the EB-5 program, so be it. EB-5 has been around for a while and as the editorial points out, it is a "scandal magnet." It should be eliminated. Period. Even when EB-5 works exactly how it is intended, each and every deal looks sleazy. There's no other way to describe it. Rich foreigners are buying green cards. And that's only half of it. The other half is that businesses and property owners are getting investment from investors who don't care much about the returns because what they wanted was the citizenship. If a Chinese investor wanted to make a good investments, they'd be investing in China, not a ski area in Vermont. So foreigners are buying their entry into the US. And the US businesses who get their money, may use it ineffectively or inefficiently because the investor doesn't really care about the financial return.
If our politicians really want to attract more foreign investment, they need to address the structural, social, regulatory and financial challenges facing our our economy (especially in rural areas) that have made it unattractive to investors in general.
If our politicians really want to attract more foreign investment, they need to address the structural, social, regulatory and financial challenges facing our our economy (especially in rural areas) that have made it unattractive to investors in general.
3
Nepotism, conflicts of interest and peddling influence is what is being displayed. Why did they show a picture of Trump if that was not germane to their pitch?
The spirit and intent of the EB-5 program was economic development and the creation of jobs. What the Kushner's are doing is abuse, even if legal. How are jobs created directly by the investment in luxury apartments? Jobs for porters, and custodians? Building luxury high rises for profit is not economic development.
The spirit and intent of the EB-5 program was economic development and the creation of jobs. What the Kushner's are doing is abuse, even if legal. How are jobs created directly by the investment in luxury apartments? Jobs for porters, and custodians? Building luxury high rises for profit is not economic development.
3
Not about to scroll through the now 791 comments, but if it wasn't mentioned before I believe HRC's brother also tried gaming the EB-5 program, and called in former DHS head Alex Mayorkas for help.
1
And the point?. They all do it?
1
Two wrongs do not make a right.
They both should go to jail. We have enough jail cells to accommodate them.
They both should go to jail. We have enough jail cells to accommodate them.
Why do we even have this law? It was started in the early 1990s, but it's been re-approved under Clinton, Obama (3x), and now Trump.
I do not want foreign investors buying up our land and building more concrete jungles. But if they are to be built, I'd prefer to see Americans build them. Foreign investors may take advantage, but corruption has been rampant in this program. We don't need foreign realestate investors. Foreigners own significant amounts of property since the housing bubble burst. They don't keep homes up, and they charge outrageous rents. Our own kids cannot find homes as a result.
But let's stop bashing Trump and call this what it is - an ongoing sale of citizenship that is fraught with corruption and abuse that has been going on, and approved by Dems, for decades. Both parties are responsible, neither party has done anything. And now readers and the NYTimes act as if it's another Trump issue.
Demand that EB-5 visas be eliminated, now!
I do not want foreign investors buying up our land and building more concrete jungles. But if they are to be built, I'd prefer to see Americans build them. Foreign investors may take advantage, but corruption has been rampant in this program. We don't need foreign realestate investors. Foreigners own significant amounts of property since the housing bubble burst. They don't keep homes up, and they charge outrageous rents. Our own kids cannot find homes as a result.
But let's stop bashing Trump and call this what it is - an ongoing sale of citizenship that is fraught with corruption and abuse that has been going on, and approved by Dems, for decades. Both parties are responsible, neither party has done anything. And now readers and the NYTimes act as if it's another Trump issue.
Demand that EB-5 visas be eliminated, now!
1
The Chinese wouldn't be turning this into a concrete jungle. That would be trump and Kushner. You know trump never does anything where he doesn't profit.
2
And oh, I don't want to stop bashing Trump for all the scamming and idiocy connected to him. Why shouldn't I have some fun.
1
How about this: EB-5 investors can make up no more than 50% of the total raised capital, and the average return (or other compensation) to the EB-5 investors has to be substantially similar to what is offered to the rest of the investors. Alternately, the government could tax any difference between the two. That way companies can't profit off of the value of a visa (and favor foreign investors over domestic ones), but they still gain access to a larger pool of investors.
Frankly, these wealthy investors aren't going to need the same services or jobs that other immigrants require, so there is no reason for any EB-5 quota to diminish the number of other visa applicants we allow into the country. Although making it easier for the wealthy to enter the country feels wrong, drawing more investment to our country helps the economy. Idealism is no reason to pass up a win-win.
Frankly, these wealthy investors aren't going to need the same services or jobs that other immigrants require, so there is no reason for any EB-5 quota to diminish the number of other visa applicants we allow into the country. Although making it easier for the wealthy to enter the country feels wrong, drawing more investment to our country helps the economy. Idealism is no reason to pass up a win-win.
How many of the commenters here will take action beyond venting on their keyboards?
Me, I'm headed a few miles north today to a Die In to protest Rep Tom Mc Clintock of CD 4 in California (Elk Grove). He voted for the Trumped Up Care bill and is up for re-election next year. Here in Blue California, all of our fourteen Republican reps voted "yes" and we are targeting each and every one of them.
It's worth time and energy to support their opponents in 2018; flipping the House will allow investigations of this administration's glaring conflicts of interest, the Trump tax returns and even the sanity of this Pres. to have access to our nuclear arsenal. He's already done us great harm; he needs to go. So please continue to protest, but don't stop with just snarky comments.
Me, I'm headed a few miles north today to a Die In to protest Rep Tom Mc Clintock of CD 4 in California (Elk Grove). He voted for the Trumped Up Care bill and is up for re-election next year. Here in Blue California, all of our fourteen Republican reps voted "yes" and we are targeting each and every one of them.
It's worth time and energy to support their opponents in 2018; flipping the House will allow investigations of this administration's glaring conflicts of interest, the Trump tax returns and even the sanity of this Pres. to have access to our nuclear arsenal. He's already done us great harm; he needs to go. So please continue to protest, but don't stop with just snarky comments.
8
Investing in real estate (for yourself to live in, no doubt) should NEVER have been considered a qualification for immigrant status. This is corruption by the 0.1% on steroids. we make in harder for actual workers, be they agricultural laborers to do work we won't, or brainiacs with high educations to do work we need to come here, but open the door wide for the idle rich. Criminal.
5
Well, shows that Trump and his clan like SOME immigrants--they just need to be able to drop $500k and finance his son-in-law's family businesses. Really, there should be jail time for so shamelessly hawking access to the US and the president by his cronies. Morally blind people. Now we see why Jesus' statement that it is likelier that a camel can pass through the eye of a needle than a rich man enter the kingdom of Heaven is so true.
5
With all the scandals, ethics concerns, Russian ties and miscellaneous other illegal or bordering on illegal activities tied directly to thod administration, Trump and his family, perhaps there will be closer scrutiny, reporting and openness about political campaigns and politicians. One can always hope that something, anything, even remotely positive comes out of this debacle.
7
Thank heavens for Trum0. Under HRC this visa would not have been brought to Americans' attention nor would there be such public outrage. The visa has been around since 1990 (George H Bush) and as one comment revealed renewed by EVERY president since. That said.. the price of the visa like the stock market should be going up annually. It should cost at least two million by now. a paltry 500K too many can afford. and there needs to be a luxury tax again, which George H instituted and Bill C got rid or and Obama never considered. but for some reason neither the Time Editorial Board nor Krugman seem to touch this tax issue. WHY? and get rid of Charitable Deductions esp. for inflated art (where the lucky donor can amortize his deduction over several years). An economy based on inflation in the stock market IMO is no economy at all.
I think if you read around you'll find they have addressed it. This program has been around a long time now.
1
Vancouver B.C. is an extreme example of foreign real estate buyers, mostly from China, pushing prices so high that ordinary citizens were priced out of the market. A 15% provincial tax cooled down the buying frenzy for a while. Maybe a similar tax is in order in New York and New Jersey. See https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/02/vancouver-real-estate-fore...
8
UCLA sociologist Telles and Ortiz oversaw a study of Mexican families who had moved here many decades ago. While the first generation of children who were able to go to school here completed more years of schooling than their parents had, their children and grandchildren did not continue this trend of going to school for more and more years. In fact, many of their children and grand-children went to school for fewer years than they had. Largely a a consequence of their low level of schooling, their families were not moving up the economic ladder. They were stuck at the bottom.
Last year, a study was done on the cost of illegal immigration. The resulting amount was staggering, but the authors suggested that this amount might be made up by succeeding generations. The Telles and Ortiz study does not support this hope. Hispanics have the highest rates of teen pregnancy and school drops-outs.
Our country would do better to offer legal residence to investors who can provide employment in impoverished areas than it would to legalize the uneducated millions who have moved here illegally.
Last year, a study was done on the cost of illegal immigration. The resulting amount was staggering, but the authors suggested that this amount might be made up by succeeding generations. The Telles and Ortiz study does not support this hope. Hispanics have the highest rates of teen pregnancy and school drops-outs.
Our country would do better to offer legal residence to investors who can provide employment in impoverished areas than it would to legalize the uneducated millions who have moved here illegally.
There are many studies and many that don't support this one. In general, not just Latino families, the offspring of American families are falling way behind. College graduates are living with their parents because they can't afford rent.
1
MVH1,
I would be interested in reading those studies. Could you tell me any of their authors or titles?
I would be interested in reading those studies. Could you tell me any of their authors or titles?
Generalizations are the favorite tool of weak arguments and weaker minds.
Would there be a way to foster investment that had a requirement that it benefit a list of the country's most basic needs? Another condo, resort, apartment complex, a Casino or Mar A Lago where only the rich can partake seems a bit frivolous. This hardly seems appropriate. Entry level jobs, education for the less fortunate, environmental benefits for the community affected, take your pick, we have needs. Here is the thing. When we say that it is good for America that foreign governments or foreign mega rich folks to invest in America, how is that "good" defined? If trickle down is the only way the less fortunate benefit from such investment, I think we have a case to demand more. These Visa's are like little gold bars to be distributed with little attention to who benefits. Is this the kind of thing that Makes America Great Again? I am sure some would say yes. I would say, no.
2
The implication of this article is that E5-B program visas are more likely to be granted to those who invest in this business than to those who invest in another business. Is this actually true? And regardless, is this a good investment in terms of risk and returns?
1
The American immigration system is privatized: three big sources of immigrants are family-based, where individual people bring their families, work-based where companies bring in employees and this money-based where corporations bring in investors. Why can't we have instead a government-based system like Canada and Australia have to attract skilled people?
4
End this program, Period. We are not the only country that does this. Switzerland does this. But what it amounts to is "citizenship for sale." Meanwhile, immigrants from all over the world stand in line and wait their turn. Got $500K? Come on in!
Elites serving the interests of elites. What else can this be called? You may say these people are investing and creating jobs, but like the article mentioned, these investments could and would be made by people right here in the US and the jobs would still be created. It's just faster this way and cheaper. And isn't that really what it's all about?
Elites serving the interests of elites. What else can this be called? You may say these people are investing and creating jobs, but like the article mentioned, these investments could and would be made by people right here in the US and the jobs would still be created. It's just faster this way and cheaper. And isn't that really what it's all about?
5
I do believe that Kushner's family should have been more careful marketing this, and may have committed a foul.
But, if the EB-5 program was such a bad thing, why didn't the Democrats cry about it when their Presidents a) passed the legislation and b) were in office the last 10 years when this really took off? Why was it only when Trump was to come into office that the Senate started to complain about it?
And you have Trump's immigration stance all wrong. He has said time and again that immigration benefits us when it creates jobs, NOT when it takes away jobs. It would seem to me that the EB-5 program does the former.
But, if the EB-5 program was such a bad thing, why didn't the Democrats cry about it when their Presidents a) passed the legislation and b) were in office the last 10 years when this really took off? Why was it only when Trump was to come into office that the Senate started to complain about it?
And you have Trump's immigration stance all wrong. He has said time and again that immigration benefits us when it creates jobs, NOT when it takes away jobs. It would seem to me that the EB-5 program does the former.
1
As long as big donations are allowed the corruption will be rooted in both parties. There is no way around it.
3
It's great that the NY Times is covering this and other stories of the Trump corruption. But where are the Democrats in Congress? Why are they silent? When the Republicans were the minority party, we usually heard more from them than from the Democrats on any issue. They'd always start their statement with, "the American people want" followed by whatever lie or outrageous claim they would be making that day. The Democrats need to step up and everyday speak out about the corruption, the deregulation of environmental rules, etc. Say it over and over and over again like the Republicans did. Say something like the American people want clean air, clean water, universal health care and a clean graft free government.
5
It's sleazy, but compared to current proposals that benefit the rich and harm the rest of us, this is little more than a symbol. 10,000 rich people settle in the US because they have $500K to invest. Who cares? With any luck, they may even pay some taxes.
2
What a fraudulent editorial this is -- purposefully concealing the very issue it pretends to cover -- a Times specialty.
"Ms. Meyer’s disturbing investor pitch was made possible by ..."
Ms. Meyer’s disturbing investor pitch was made possible by Justice Dept lawyer Daniel Koffsky ruling that federal nepotism laws did not apply because the president is afforded 'special hiring authority,' exempting positions in the White House from the law. Koffsky said the law covers "only appointments in an agency,'' and that the White House is not classified as an executive agency. (!)
The DOJ’s opinion departed from earlier rulings that determined the president is subject to the law and a son-in-law would be considered a relative under the statute.
Kathleen Clark, a law professor at Washington University in St. Louis, said the opinion on Kushner is a reasonable argument but not persuasive, and appears like “results-oriented lawyering.”
“They were trying to find a way to say yes to the now President Trump rather than setting up a fight about something that was really important to President Trump on literally day one or day two of the Trump administration," Clark said.
Kushner’s lawyer, Jamie Gorelick, said “we believed that we had the better argument on this."
By "we," of course, Gorelick meant she and Koffsky.
The whole issue is about Meyer saying: "My whole family would appreciate it" -- words, of course, that don't appear in this editorial.
"Ms. Meyer’s disturbing investor pitch was made possible by ..."
Ms. Meyer’s disturbing investor pitch was made possible by Justice Dept lawyer Daniel Koffsky ruling that federal nepotism laws did not apply because the president is afforded 'special hiring authority,' exempting positions in the White House from the law. Koffsky said the law covers "only appointments in an agency,'' and that the White House is not classified as an executive agency. (!)
The DOJ’s opinion departed from earlier rulings that determined the president is subject to the law and a son-in-law would be considered a relative under the statute.
Kathleen Clark, a law professor at Washington University in St. Louis, said the opinion on Kushner is a reasonable argument but not persuasive, and appears like “results-oriented lawyering.”
“They were trying to find a way to say yes to the now President Trump rather than setting up a fight about something that was really important to President Trump on literally day one or day two of the Trump administration," Clark said.
Kushner’s lawyer, Jamie Gorelick, said “we believed that we had the better argument on this."
By "we," of course, Gorelick meant she and Koffsky.
The whole issue is about Meyer saying: "My whole family would appreciate it" -- words, of course, that don't appear in this editorial.
2
Where money is concerned, the Trumps and Kushners are totally amoral. They stay just inside the law ( except the patriarch of the Kushner family). Trump stiffed investors have in the 1990s using a tax loop hole designed for and by real estate attorneys. The multibillionaire finds no small contractor too small to short change and threaten with court action. These people would happily toast mafiosi dons if there were a big deal to be consummated.
Kushner's sister is now touting US citizenship as a perk of fronting money to Chinese for a investing in one of the family projects. Have these people no shame?
Kushner's sister is now touting US citizenship as a perk of fronting money to Chinese for a investing in one of the family projects. Have these people no shame?
2
Funny how we never heard a word from the NYTimes when Terry McAuliffe and Hillary's brother Tony created GreenTech and funded it primarily with EB-5 visa money. The hypocrisy of the left would be laughable if it wasn't so vicious. By the way, GreenTech never produced a car for sale, nor created the meager 350 jobs that were promised to Mississippi. But Terry and Tony pocketed millions.
2
A friend of mine from Hong Kong was denied immigrant status to the USA and Canada in the late 80's. Good guy and had to go back to become a citizen of the People's Republic. He didn't have the money or cross illegally and have folks lining up to protect him.
So the system is corrupt and has been for years. Just another partisan whine fest when both parties are equally corrupt.
So the system is corrupt and has been for years. Just another partisan whine fest when both parties are equally corrupt.
3
I left this off my last comment - as much as I despise this program - you can't blame Trump. This was around long before him. Politics blinds people.
5
Ms .Kushner Meyers exploitation of The Kushner Connections to the White House is just the tip of the ice berg. Peddeling their products in China doesn't just scream hypocrisy it shouts it from the rooftops" America is for sale".What has allowed us to reach this level where a novice real estate developer, possibly in trouble with over leveraged buildings such as 666 Fifth Ave., from a background such as his where corruption, pay offs, tax evasion and the rest are a way of life, is allowed to hold sway over the President of our nation, that special interests wish to control Trump has become blantantly obvious as his core supporters(no matter your opinion of them)have been cast aside or marginalized, is there a prescident for this, In Venezuela or the Congo maybe. Mr. Kushner has no background in government affairs, he merely plays the role of holding the keys to the throne. Worse yet are the absolutely dangerous ways he has used his bias towards Israel and his family's coziness with Netanyahu to influence Foreign policy, what is this child of privilege whose only gravitas is a Daddy with big bucks doing runnng around the world talking diplomacy. The presence of him and his family as part of the White House decision making process was not something any of us signed on for. He needs to go back to leveraging his real estate deals rather than leveraging the future of the American people.
12
And we were worried about Russian corruption of this white house. This makes the Russians latecomers to this party.
1
Tell it like it is, a word well known in New York, New Jersey, Sicily and Calabria; The Consiglieries. The never speaking Kushner and the fuffy speaking Trump now firmly ensconced as the shadows overseeing the Executive Branch. Their role is to make sure that everything from Policy to the Purse benefits the Family. Its amazing how easily they executed this plan.
14
If we were going to elect a mafia don we should have elected Vito Corleone, he at least had a heart.
This so called presidency is going to set records for corruption and, I hope, numbers of people from the so called administration who land in prison.
Where did this ill conceived idea of trading investments for green cards come from in the first place? It was 1990 so it was during a republican presidency.
Judging by what I saw in the Senate hearing yesterday we probably shouldn't hold our collective breath waiting for republicans to do the right thing.
In the last 50 years we have watched the republican party descend into madness and turn the United States of America into Dumnassistan.
This so called presidency is going to set records for corruption and, I hope, numbers of people from the so called administration who land in prison.
Where did this ill conceived idea of trading investments for green cards come from in the first place? It was 1990 so it was during a republican presidency.
Judging by what I saw in the Senate hearing yesterday we probably shouldn't hold our collective breath waiting for republicans to do the right thing.
In the last 50 years we have watched the republican party descend into madness and turn the United States of America into Dumnassistan.
12
Didn't we know that Trump Tower New Jersey had raised over $50,000,000 in this way prior to 2017? Being built by the Kushners, with the Trump name. With tens of millions in questionable Israeli investor cash, hundreds of millions in Russian laundered rubles, and more hundreds of million in Chinese investment, how can team Trump/Kushner tout a pro-American worker/investor image?
15
Lock them all up!! Scammers and schemers who believe that playing by the rules is only for suckers. Rich people need to get richer, and they don't let rules stand in their way. "Drain the Swamp" should start at home, and it appears to be a very filthy swamp indeed!
9
What surprises me, is that people are actually surprised by this.
Donald Trump is President for one reason. To make as much money as he can until someone decides to throw him out of the White House.
The Trump/Kushner gang will ride this horse until it drops.......
Donald Trump is President for one reason. To make as much money as he can until someone decides to throw him out of the White House.
The Trump/Kushner gang will ride this horse until it drops.......
17
This one family has perpetuated the biggest theft of the United States and outright disregard fore the laws of the Country. This ranks with some of history's worst and is usually a prelude to some form of disaster especially if not checked quickly.
This is Plutocracy at its best and the folks that voted for him (sort of like GELO of Syracuse) are being sold.
The founding fathers made the laws to prevent just this from occurring.
This is Plutocracy at its best and the folks that voted for him (sort of like GELO of Syracuse) are being sold.
The founding fathers made the laws to prevent just this from occurring.
5
So what else is new? The wealthiest among us have always enjoyed benefits unavailable to the rest of us. These folks are just a bit gauche.
5
The Kushner presence, including Ivanka, is just another element added to the 100 days of corrupt government the public has been forced to endure under the Trump oligarchy. Why hasn't the Republican House moved toward impeachment? Why are they instead partying in the Rose Garden with this charlatan President? What is their complicity in this disastrous affair? Suspicion reigns among the majority of Americans.
9
Gee, the republicans have normalized this guy by now adopting his language and everything else.
1
The best observation I've heard about the Trump administration came from George Packer Friday night on Bill Maher's show. George Packer said that the Northstar of the Trump administration was corruption and self dealing. Trump's presidency looks to him just as much an opportunity to enrich himself and his associates as it is to govern the nation. Don't look for family members to point out the narrow path; in the context of self dealing, Ivanka Trump is the Bob Haldeman of the Trump administration.
11
"The program, which covers business investments as well as real estate, was created in 1990 and took off in the past 10 years as developers figured out how to turn it into a cheap source of capital." I agree with this editorial and agree that the Trumps are, unsurprisingly given their character, abusing this visa program in crudely transparent ways. Still, one must recognize, the program "took off" during the years when Obama was president and Hillary Clinton was Secretary of State. The scandals mentioned in this column occurred largely during the Bill Clinton administration. This is not a Republican problem - although Trump in his uniquely caddish way, taking it to a new level - this is a problem that has spanned parties and administrations.
2
To put the most generous spin on it, the Kushner family’s use of Golden Visas and political access reveals how obvious conflicts of interest can appear benign from the ground level. The prosaic business decision to try to gain financing or cut a profit is, when seen from a wider angle, clearly unethical and possibly criminal. This is the business equivalent of the Stanford Prison Experiment, where little by little violence grows from the very small to the very large without any recognition of what one is actually doing.
This is to put the most generous spin on it.
The other interpretation is that our government is a kleptocracy and that we still have three-and-a-half more years of it to go.
Unless…
This is to put the most generous spin on it.
The other interpretation is that our government is a kleptocracy and that we still have three-and-a-half more years of it to go.
Unless…
3
Why is this a surprise to anyone? It was all obvious during the campaign... And frankly during Trump’s whole public life. 40% of Americans who love everything Trump has done in the past, everything he does now and everything he will do in the future can never allow themselves to be confused by any facts.
5
The larger point here isn't the money that the Trumps, Kushners, and their lot make. Rather it is the decisions they make while exercising the power of the presidency. What reassurance do we have that the decisions they make are In need the best interest of country, and not influenced by their own economic interests? Little to none, I fear. This is about good governance and the public trust.
4
What is so bad is foreign investors are not paying for their green card, they are only investing their money in the US and will more than likely make a lot of money from this investment. No, they are not buying their green card, they are making money and getting a great gift as well.
1
The foreigners buying these visas y are not investing in the US, they hiding the proceeds of their criminal enterprises and purchasing influence. See the sale of Trump's mansion to a Russian kleptocracy for 80 times the assessed value. It's called "crime", not investing.
2
Hardly, the low interest rates being paid, akin to rates on bank savings accounts. make these poor investments. The attraction is getting green cards. Would investors from any of the six countries in Trump's travel ban qualify?
American kleptocracy, shielded by the American security state. The right wing has the guns and the unmatched power of the state, not to mention political smarts so lacking in the identity politics of the Democratic party. Four months into the trump era, we haven't seen nothing yet.
4
This is getting scary.
"Developers working in, say, Midtown Manhattan or Beverly Hills can say that nearby depressed neighborhoods are included in the area when they apply for the program."
I know the Journal Square area well, it qualifies for 'the program'. The location has been seeking funding for a decade. As for buying residency, many countries offer the same; some for more, some for less -- within Europe's Schengen.
“Senator Dianne Feinstein, Democrat of California, ... introduced a bill in January that would eliminate the EB-5 program.“
The same wants unrestricted entrance to the US for the most dependent, whether vettable or not.
I know the Journal Square area well, it qualifies for 'the program'. The location has been seeking funding for a decade. As for buying residency, many countries offer the same; some for more, some for less -- within Europe's Schengen.
“Senator Dianne Feinstein, Democrat of California, ... introduced a bill in January that would eliminate the EB-5 program.“
The same wants unrestricted entrance to the US for the most dependent, whether vettable or not.
How succinct. At least the EB-5 visa recipients aren't burdens on American society.
This gold visa program needs to go now! Whatever its original intent, it is now a sham. The $500K these "investors" are dropping won't create any new jobs. The apartment complex is going to be build either way, right? With or without Chinese investors looking for an easy ticket to the US.
This is a perfect example of the cynical, corrupt, abusive self-dealing that American taxpayers absolutely LOATH. It's a perfect symbol of what can go wrong with government. An inside path to permanent residency, as long as you're rich! It is absolutely anathema to American values, like "all (people) are created equal" and trite little concepts like that.
This is a perfect example of the cynical, corrupt, abusive self-dealing that American taxpayers absolutely LOATH. It's a perfect symbol of what can go wrong with government. An inside path to permanent residency, as long as you're rich! It is absolutely anathema to American values, like "all (people) are created equal" and trite little concepts like that.
3
The U.S. Presidency L.L.C. is the best business investment the Trump family cartel ever made. And they did it primarily with other people's money--campaign contributions.
5
How many times have the Trump or Kushner businesses been promoted by family or their surrogates, claiming innocence?
1. Take Ivanka Trump promoting her "book of quotations" through photos of her half-sister and sister-in-law holding up her book for the world to see! Yes, all those Chinese fans could buy up her book (after all, she has so brilliantly won them over with her children singing in Mandarin on YouTube and again in front of President Xi at Mara-la-Go - brilliant marketing!). They are not Ms. Trump's original quotes; rather they are the quotes of smarter, more brilliant, thoughtful, intellectual people who are/were original thinkers.
2. Ms. Trump's book was promoted through the State Department's Website and removed only after there was criticism! The Trumps and Kushners will keep self-promoting themselves and acting in their self-interest, using unethical, sneaky marketing strategies for their business.
3. Prior to Ms. Trump's book, Trump hotels were promoted through the State Department's Website, and then removed when there was criticism and outrage!
4. Are we to believe that Nicole Meyer, Jared Kushner's sister, did not know it was unethical to promote the Kushner family businesses, using her brother's status in the White House, as both son-in-law of the President and advisor to the President? She claimed it was done unwittingly! Only the gullible will believe that!
1. Take Ivanka Trump promoting her "book of quotations" through photos of her half-sister and sister-in-law holding up her book for the world to see! Yes, all those Chinese fans could buy up her book (after all, she has so brilliantly won them over with her children singing in Mandarin on YouTube and again in front of President Xi at Mara-la-Go - brilliant marketing!). They are not Ms. Trump's original quotes; rather they are the quotes of smarter, more brilliant, thoughtful, intellectual people who are/were original thinkers.
2. Ms. Trump's book was promoted through the State Department's Website and removed only after there was criticism! The Trumps and Kushners will keep self-promoting themselves and acting in their self-interest, using unethical, sneaky marketing strategies for their business.
3. Prior to Ms. Trump's book, Trump hotels were promoted through the State Department's Website, and then removed when there was criticism and outrage!
4. Are we to believe that Nicole Meyer, Jared Kushner's sister, did not know it was unethical to promote the Kushner family businesses, using her brother's status in the White House, as both son-in-law of the President and advisor to the President? She claimed it was done unwittingly! Only the gullible will believe that!
8
Oy Vey! That picture of Trump they displayed as part of their pitch was an accident too. And the bouncers they hired to get rid of the US press was not their idea.
1
Replacing the names, altering the story line to delete the reference to visa and this article could have been written about any corrupted and lawless third world countries ruled by strongmen where peddling influence and pay to play are the ways to enrich the powerful.
6
Most corrupt administration in the history of this country. Team Trump and family are selling access--precisely what he accused Secretary of State Clinton of doing with her foundation. In this case however, it's the sale of visas for personal deals and riches on a grand scale.
Nobody will stop it because we have a complicit Congress. All you guys who voted for change are getting something even better: an oligarchy modeled after Vladimir Putin where those in power get to do what they please with impunity.
Influencing our election is the least of our problems with Russia now that the Oligarch in Chief is turning our own highest offices as conduits for pay to play.
Nobody will stop it because we have a complicit Congress. All you guys who voted for change are getting something even better: an oligarchy modeled after Vladimir Putin where those in power get to do what they please with impunity.
Influencing our election is the least of our problems with Russia now that the Oligarch in Chief is turning our own highest offices as conduits for pay to play.
22
Kind of hard to drain the swamp when you swim in it.
39
Republicans who sit in Congress, will do nothing about this or any other White House issue, it will not happen
18
Are we so past the sell date on establishing an independent investigation into Trump's vast corruption that Americans are now expected just to roll over and throw up for four years?
33
Trump has changed George Washington's appellation to,
First in profits, first in the hearts of Chinese businessmen.
First in profits, first in the hearts of Chinese businessmen.
10
And what was the Kushner's reaction yesterday? "Leave us alone!"
Oh, how I wish we could.
Oh, how I wish we could.
22
Canada had such a program , she stopped taking new applications in 2012 closed it for good in 2014. It is a valid question why the US under President Obama did not follow the example set by Canada
The Globe and Mail
Published Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014 10:35PM EST
Even among those who immigrated to Canada through the federal government’s immigrant investor program, the initiative was viewed as a flawed, inefficient way to lure wealthy entrepreneurs who could benefit the economy.
Many criticized the program as a way for rich foreigners essentially to buy citizenship and live abroad without creating jobs or economic growth in Canada. The plan, which was ended in Tuesday’s budget, allowed foreigners with a net worth of more than $1.6-million to gain residency and potentially citizenship by lending the government $800,000 that would be paid back in about five years without interest.
The program was closed to new applicants in July, 2012, to clear a vast backlog. It will be replaced by two pilot projects: an immigrant investor venture capital fund and a business skills program. Tens of thousands of those who have applied to the program and are currently on the waiting list will have their fees refunded – but will not have their applications processed.
The Globe and Mail
Published Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014 10:35PM EST
Even among those who immigrated to Canada through the federal government’s immigrant investor program, the initiative was viewed as a flawed, inefficient way to lure wealthy entrepreneurs who could benefit the economy.
Many criticized the program as a way for rich foreigners essentially to buy citizenship and live abroad without creating jobs or economic growth in Canada. The plan, which was ended in Tuesday’s budget, allowed foreigners with a net worth of more than $1.6-million to gain residency and potentially citizenship by lending the government $800,000 that would be paid back in about five years without interest.
The program was closed to new applicants in July, 2012, to clear a vast backlog. It will be replaced by two pilot projects: an immigrant investor venture capital fund and a business skills program. Tens of thousands of those who have applied to the program and are currently on the waiting list will have their fees refunded – but will not have their applications processed.
4
Free coupons for the money laundry.
7
Perhaps Trump's election has forced The US to see in itself what the rest of the world has known for a long time.
22
It's worthwhile to learn from South Korea, the country that adapted USA democratic system, that the South Korean People protested peacefully for months to impeach the previous president and now she is in jail for Cronyism and more. It takes us, the citizens, to act consistently to make any justice really happen.
4
Let's see:
Sensationalist Trump bashing by the NY Times? check
Distortion of the broader story? check
Confirmation bias and venting by the commentariat? check
So what about that broader story? The EB-5 visa program was established in 1990, and had its most recent update signed off by President Obama. It is similar to programs in other countries, including one that ran in saintly Canada until 2014.
And rather than focus just on the Trump/Kushner connection, how about reporting some more substantial issues relate to EB-5 visas? Or has the Times descended to tabloid journalism, at least in any story related to Trump?
Sensationalist Trump bashing by the NY Times? check
Distortion of the broader story? check
Confirmation bias and venting by the commentariat? check
So what about that broader story? The EB-5 visa program was established in 1990, and had its most recent update signed off by President Obama. It is similar to programs in other countries, including one that ran in saintly Canada until 2014.
And rather than focus just on the Trump/Kushner connection, how about reporting some more substantial issues relate to EB-5 visas? Or has the Times descended to tabloid journalism, at least in any story related to Trump?
2
You assume that because Obama was for this abomination of citizenship selling that the NYT or liberals must have supported his wrong choice. Incorrect Bob. You see, most liberals look at our politicians and our media issue by issue. We don't (unlike you GOP stalwarts) support everything our party or its leaders does or believe everything they tell us. Here in CA we have seen the results of this citizenship selling, and it isn't pretty. Entire towns purchased by Chinese nationals; public schools taken over by chinese national children, some who live in area houses with NO adult presence; communities ripped apart by absentee ownership of homes. I think you also missed the other point-- that it was simply put, low class and unprecedented for the Kushner family to act like this while a family member is playing very visible and powerful roles in OUR Whitehouse.
The NYT should be factually accurate and make very clear that Trump and Kushner did NOT create the EB-5 abuse. It has been a mechanism making our cities more crowded and unaffordable under democrat presidents and mayors. The Times should give a full history. Then of course it should be ended at once: American citizenship should NOT be for sale, driving up land prices, sheltering foreign identities, giving up tax revenue, making our cities more unlivable every day.
39
"The program, which covers business investments as well as real estate, was created in 1990 and took off in the past 10 years as developers figured out how to turn it into a cheap source of capital"
How much more does the NY Times need to print so readers know that Trump did not invent the visa issue. Did the poster here actually read the column or just print the normal "fake news" mantra
How much more does the NY Times need to print so readers know that Trump did not invent the visa issue. Did the poster here actually read the column or just print the normal "fake news" mantra
3
No one said the Trump administration created this. Most Americans were likely unaware of such a program - I was unaware, and I'm pretty smart. So now that it's been flushed out, the question is: What will the Trump Administration do about it? Especially since his industry benefits from it. The answer, likely, is absolutely nothing. What is different about this administration is that they are cashing in on it in ways that are illegal. They are using the position of the president and his family to lure investors with the implied promise of a guaranteed citizenship. No other administration has done this.
2
Did you read the part of the article, quoted below? Even Grassley supported eliminating it. Trumps/Kushners and their ilk in Congress supported keeping it. And so it remains as it is.
Senator Dianne Feinstein, Democrat of California, and Senator Charles Grassley, Republican of Iowa, introduced a bill in January that would eliminate the EB-5 program. Before Mr. Trump took office, the Department of Homeland Security proposed raising the minimum investments for the program, which could be a first step toward reforming it. But it is not clear whether the Trump administration or Congress will make substantial changes since influential real estate groups, including the Kushner and Trump families, benefit from it. Mr. Trump signed a spending bill last week that extended the EB-5 program without any changes through the end of September.
Senator Dianne Feinstein, Democrat of California, and Senator Charles Grassley, Republican of Iowa, introduced a bill in January that would eliminate the EB-5 program. Before Mr. Trump took office, the Department of Homeland Security proposed raising the minimum investments for the program, which could be a first step toward reforming it. But it is not clear whether the Trump administration or Congress will make substantial changes since influential real estate groups, including the Kushner and Trump families, benefit from it. Mr. Trump signed a spending bill last week that extended the EB-5 program without any changes through the end of September.
So much crimes? Why nobody is going to jail? What kind of judiciary and laws we have in our country? One for the rich and powerful and another is the poor .
12
Hey, Jared: write this down ... it's important. No apology ever contained the word "if."
7
Let's just be open about all this: The country is for sale. Rich grifters welcome. The poor? Not so much!
15
Like father like daughter.
8
These folks are dabbling in amounts of money I can't even imagine. And I'm getting sick of it. The emoluments clause seems like it is down the tubes. And increasingly, this is government of the corporations, by the corporations, for the corporations.
17
Even many Chinese find Nicole Meyer's behaviour too tacky to stomach - in a country with a history of cronyism and rampant corruption. Xi Jinping has been trying to sweep these social woes with an iron broom. In 2012 The New York Times fell out with Beijing over its coverage of the ill-gotten gains amassed by China's political elite. Now Jared Kushner's sister takes advantage of the Trump presidency and seeks to lure Chinese investors into her business trap. Disgusting.
14
and they had the temerity to call Clinton crooked???!!! The entire Trump clan and his administration is redefining the meaning of the word crooked. It is beyond any description.
51
It appears that the Times has now begun to critically appraise an American president and those around him.
7
Imagine if Obama and Michelle's family members did these same things!
26
The Kushners are liberal Democrats. Chris Christie put Charles Kushner in jail, due to his illegal campaign contributions to Democratic candidates. It's not surprising they would use government to make money.
4
It's really not a question of political affiliation. Trump was a democrat for most of his life, too. Corruption knows no political boundaries. The point is, I think, that once you see something that looks like corruption, smells like corruption and acts like corruption, you have to stamp it out. Trump didn't invent this visa program. But he has certainly benefited from it, and now Kushner's family is cashing in on it. That's corruption. Will congress do anything about it? Absolutely not. Because you never stop someone from doing something that might benefit you somewhere down the line. These people have no integrity and no conscience.
Ted Kennedy was the Congressional sponsor of the EB05 program back in 1989. You liberals are barking up the wrong tree. Oh wow, she mentioned her brother's name.
It doesn't matter who sponsored it. The original intention was to help out poor areas in need of investment; in its current form it is abused.
3
It helps if you concentrate on the facts. This is wrong on every level. The trumps and extended family are grifters. He's making millions of the taxpayer and everything else.
3
So...according to you, the "liberals" did this. Question: then why isn't the President, the house, and the senate changing it??? The "conservatives" have the majority in both places; they can write a bill and change it in a heartbeat. I'm waiting..........................
4
"Give me your poor, your tired, your hungry . . . and any Chinese with $500,000 who invests in my real estate deals"
(and for you Mexicans we are building a wall to keep you out)
(and for you Mexicans we are building a wall to keep you out)
23
They figure none will ever come here to live. That China will jail them & confiscate their money first.
1
How about an enormous banner hanging from the White House portico that says, "Enter Here to Make Money Bigly."
25
Maybe re-issue our U.S. currency to say "In the Trumps We Trust"
1
There is a saying "can't make a silk purse from a sow's ear" and to put it more crudely "you can't shine feces" and that's what we are seeing with the Kushner/Trump gang -- well-groomed and moderately presentable but greedy, grifting opportunists who will do anything for a buck.
34
As if it were not obvious long ago, Trump & Co. saw his campaign,
and now his high office, as a juicy business opportunity.
Drain the swamp? No, broaden your beach head and expand
the damn swamp.
Talk about Trump voters being conned! Yep, and Trump continues
leading these poor folk by the rings he's put in their noses.
and now his high office, as a juicy business opportunity.
Drain the swamp? No, broaden your beach head and expand
the damn swamp.
Talk about Trump voters being conned! Yep, and Trump continues
leading these poor folk by the rings he's put in their noses.
17
I wonder if the NYT bothered to cover this at anytime during President Obama's term. Or is this just more Trump hate.
5
The use of EB-5 visas has been well covered, including by the Times. Chinese interest in these visas is also not new news. What's new is the obvious pay for play by the Kushners. It's not hate, rather it's the truth.. This administration is corrupt, nepotist, and deceitful.
22
Ah...because Obama and his family didn't do this?
6
It's been celebrated in the Real Estate section (https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/17/realestate/want-a-green-card-invest-i..., but through sheer coincidence, the editorial team seems to have only noticed its pitfalls now.
1
The U.S. is not the only country to have a special investment linked immigration/residency status. The UK has had such an arrangement for years. My real problem with EB-5 is that we are selling this extremely valuable resource much too cheaply.
Let's up the ante to maybe $20M with the proviso that 25% of the investment be placed in a sort of escrow against the failure of the qualifying investment project to compensate local authorities for the potential damage that a project might leave in its wake. Moreover, limit the projects to those that will produce permanent local jobs or infrastructure improvements.
Additionally, make it a provision of this visa category that the visa holder cannot hide behind any corporate veil in ANY activities that person or his/her family pursue in the U.S. They must reveal who they are partnering with and to what extent. Any breach of this results in immediate deportation with no appeal.
If we are going to sell our country, at least let's get a premium price.
Let's up the ante to maybe $20M with the proviso that 25% of the investment be placed in a sort of escrow against the failure of the qualifying investment project to compensate local authorities for the potential damage that a project might leave in its wake. Moreover, limit the projects to those that will produce permanent local jobs or infrastructure improvements.
Additionally, make it a provision of this visa category that the visa holder cannot hide behind any corporate veil in ANY activities that person or his/her family pursue in the U.S. They must reveal who they are partnering with and to what extent. Any breach of this results in immediate deportation with no appeal.
If we are going to sell our country, at least let's get a premium price.
15
On top of raising the minimum for a visa, let them come and develop projects in cities and states where there is a drastic need for redelopment.
5
And like Canada, make the investment not only large but YEARLY. With no citizenship at the end, or ever. Just come, leave your money, live here if you wish, but, keep leaving your money, or be deported.
Sorry, Americans can no longer apply for the program. We are wanted less than the Chinese. Who'da figured. Even Syrians, with NO money, are more welcome.
Maybe once we get rid of the grifters we can work hard & restore respect for the US. Until then, start looking for signs that say, "Americans not wanted" in shop windows, looking for help. Like say used to be put there, against the Irish.
Sorry, Americans can no longer apply for the program. We are wanted less than the Chinese. Who'da figured. Even Syrians, with NO money, are more welcome.
Maybe once we get rid of the grifters we can work hard & restore respect for the US. Until then, start looking for signs that say, "Americans not wanted" in shop windows, looking for help. Like say used to be put there, against the Irish.
1
This $500,000 EB-5 visa fee started in 1990 and the NYT is now blaming Trump and Kushner? Besides this will improve Jersey City - strikes me as a win-win deal.
3
It helps to read the facts without a worthless attempt to do the child's "he did it first.". What difference does when it started make?. This is pay to play clearly. Trump signed this back on the day before this lousy presentation by a Kushner grifter.
4
Hog farming isn't illegal either but have you ever lived downwind from one on a hot, steamy summer day? The stench is unmistakable.
14
This only happened after Canada started getting all this Chinese money earlier using a similar program for a path to citizenship.
3
Canada under Justin Trudeau ended or amended the program after having Vancouver become the poster child for runaway immigration problems that resulted in 60,000 plus homeless, roughly the number of unoccupied condos in Vancouver purchased explicitly for the purpose of bolt holes for wealthy Chinese should they get caught up in the corruption sweep. I had the good fortune to visit Vancouver in the early eighties, one of the most beautiful places anywhere, today it is the Canadian San Francisco, a filthy, crowded city with legions of homeless, the super rich and the rest, it would appear the arrivistes brought more than their money with them they have also brought with them a two class system, those that have and those that don't. Sort of destroys the American/Canadian myth doesn't it?
7
Not citizenship, they care about who they let become citizens after they invest money. They can buy a place to live, & live there without fear of deportation. They get no benefits Canadians get. Now our rich can't even participate.
2
Yeah, except we were dangling getting to live here in Canada as an incentive, NOT access to our political leader. Teeny tiny difference there.
2
The Trump policies, along with his republican toadies, seems to be, totally, America for Sale to the highest bidder. My question is only who's gonna start the emoluments impeachment hearings if he doesn't get locked up for being a Russian agent.
12
You gotta love the Trumps and Kushners. They constantly promote their businesses inappropriately, then DENY, DENY, DENY, and then APOLOGIZE, APOLOGIZE, APOLOGIZE...
This gives each of their snake-oil projects 1000s of more free promotions around the globe.
This is how billionaires work the system... Sad!!!
This gives each of their snake-oil projects 1000s of more free promotions around the globe.
This is how billionaires work the system... Sad!!!
18
When did the Trumpster ever apologize?
1
When he saw you fly.
1
After reading this jaw dropping article, I can not in good conscience vote for Trump and his posse of kleptocrats. Wait, he already won? OK, never mind.
4
Oh, now immigration is a bad thing. I guess because they can't be coerced into voting D in exchange for free stuff.
3
But screamingly obvious pay-for-play IS a bad thing. And on the world stage, no less. It would take the USA a generation to erase this black mark, if it began today. Typical GOP; willfully obtuse to the max.
4
Yeah, the trumps/kushners are getting richer, at our expense.
We should settle for that- just so don jon does not get out of hand and blow up the world.
We should settle for that- just so don jon does not get out of hand and blow up the world.
4
The only thing missing from Nicole Meyer's presentation was the raincoat which she could have opened to reveal all the visas hanging there ready for sale.
11
For thosewho say "Why didn't the NY Times write this when Obama was ther? Its Obamas fault?
1 yes the Times did May 15 2015, april 15th 2012. both exposing the programs issues.
2. The Obama FAMILY and friends was not selling these Visas as part of a business plan enriching themselves and citing the President office as support.
Kind of simple folks. Of course its not Trump issue, the Obamas did it, just like Flynn right?
1 yes the Times did May 15 2015, april 15th 2012. both exposing the programs issues.
2. The Obama FAMILY and friends was not selling these Visas as part of a business plan enriching themselves and citing the President office as support.
Kind of simple folks. Of course its not Trump issue, the Obamas did it, just like Flynn right?
20
So presidents should not denounce bad laws?
1
SG
1 The article does not denounce or say Trump passed the bill, it raises the issue of the Kutchnrr family using the law to finance real estate deals
2 The NY Times has repeatedly questioned, ripped the powers behind this law
3. This is a Clinton Gingrich special, passed under Clinton
Why and what are you demanding Obama Fess up? Yes, a questionable law.
Full disclosure I spent 30 years visiting China, had two of my exemployees in our Chinese subsidiary apply for this program. Both invested in real estate in Atlanta. My co performed international engineering. No money in the game at all.
The law has major ethical issues, reported over and over in last 15 years, google it.
Kutcher/Trump family very much tied in to the program selling using it and White House ties specifically.
Sound like facts?
Fake facts?
1 The article does not denounce or say Trump passed the bill, it raises the issue of the Kutchnrr family using the law to finance real estate deals
2 The NY Times has repeatedly questioned, ripped the powers behind this law
3. This is a Clinton Gingrich special, passed under Clinton
Why and what are you demanding Obama Fess up? Yes, a questionable law.
Full disclosure I spent 30 years visiting China, had two of my exemployees in our Chinese subsidiary apply for this program. Both invested in real estate in Atlanta. My co performed international engineering. No money in the game at all.
The law has major ethical issues, reported over and over in last 15 years, google it.
Kutcher/Trump family very much tied in to the program selling using it and White House ties specifically.
Sound like facts?
Fake facts?
1
On the twentieth of January, 2017, an insidiously invasive disease invaded the country. The Ununited States of America was formed. Sloth, greed, thieving and corruption became the new norm being dictated from the White House. The world of Trump has arrived and nothing will ever be the same again.
19
It's been over a year since Trump announced his candidacy for president and despite the yearlong daily multiple calumnious attacks on him by the NYT, he is the President. It seems that, undeterred by your failure, you have now taken up a similar attacks on his family. I predict you will lose again in the eyes of reasonable readers, if you have any left.
Shameful as it is, this EB-5 program has been in place since a long time ago. Many NYC big development projects, such as Atlantic Yards, have been financed with it.
Also shameful is that the NYT spins these news only when their friends are not the ones benefiting from it.
Also shameful is that the NYT spins these news only when their friends are not the ones benefiting from it.
5
Don't blame the Kushners for handing out visas under a program started by President Obama.
Vote to END the program. It's just an area for graft.
There's an 'autio' plant in Tunica, MS set up as a 'vehicle' for issuing visas - to my knowledge, theyve' never produced a single electric car.
Vote to END the program. It's just an area for graft.
There's an 'autio' plant in Tunica, MS set up as a 'vehicle' for issuing visas - to my knowledge, theyve' never produced a single electric car.
This program was started under Bush 41.
6
Why not blame them?? They are selling the program using the current President and her brother.
2
As the editorial clearly states Jim, the program was created in 1990. Thus, not the doing of Obama.
7
Oops - meant worse.
2
The US falls all over itself to entice these wealthy foreigners to invest their money here, but without asking where that money came from? What a perfect scheme for laundering profits made from selling drugs, arms or even the lucrative human trafficking rife in parts of the world. No one cares if the money is stolen or embezzled, or even if it comes from a foreign government trying to get agents into the US. If the criminal has enough money, he or she is welcome to come the the US, and create 10 jobs, which don't even have to be permanent. Selling visas to rich foreigners is just another facet of our unrelenting adoration and glorification of rich people.
13
Golden visas promised to Chinese investors in One Journal Square, Jersey City, New Jersey. The Kushner'Mayer housing Development - green cards given out like Monopoly Chance cards a great magnet the Kushners (with personal access to Trump) are offering to Chinese investors in Beijing. All the Chinese folks need is the do-re-mi to gain access to President Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, husband of the beautiful First Daughter, Ivanka, and the rest of the Trump real estate tribe, now ensconced in the White House, Trump Tower, Bendminster, NJ, and Palm Beach, FL. Selling access to President Trump and his family for the yuge Retur on InvestmentI of the coveted American Green Card is a crooked but enticing deal, more than problematic. And strange that journalists from The New York Times and The Washington Post were shooed from the "private event" at the Beijing Ritz Carlton hawking the Green Cards to rich Chinese investors.
Conflicts of interest are following the Trump family (in this Beijing case, Jared Kushner's sister Nicole Mayer) like the rats followed the Pied Piper of Hamelin. And we know who the Pied Piper is. He is our 45th President, voted into power by his loyal supporters and admirers, the red golf-capped low info hoi polloi with Trump's mantra, M.A.G.A. stitched on their hats.
Conflicts of interest are following the Trump family (in this Beijing case, Jared Kushner's sister Nicole Mayer) like the rats followed the Pied Piper of Hamelin. And we know who the Pied Piper is. He is our 45th President, voted into power by his loyal supporters and admirers, the red golf-capped low info hoi polloi with Trump's mantra, M.A.G.A. stitched on their hats.
10
Just another example of favors for the wealthy. Better wake up people.
12
The rich can buy their way into (or out of) anything. What else is new?
This is the nature of special interest politics. Until money is removed from politics, it will continue to the the status quo. First step, get rid of the walking conflict of interest who's sitting in the White House (or is he at Mar-A-Lago playing golf today?).
This is the nature of special interest politics. Until money is removed from politics, it will continue to the the status quo. First step, get rid of the walking conflict of interest who's sitting in the White House (or is he at Mar-A-Lago playing golf today?).
9
America First!
Or Russia, or China. Whoever gives the Trump family the most money.
Since it's so obvious that the Trump family is running the White House as its own for-profit business, I'm half expecting Trump to create an Office Of Corruption so there is one convenient location for the world's oligarchs to launder their dirty money.
Or Russia, or China. Whoever gives the Trump family the most money.
Since it's so obvious that the Trump family is running the White House as its own for-profit business, I'm half expecting Trump to create an Office Of Corruption so there is one convenient location for the world's oligarchs to launder their dirty money.
13
This article missed the point. The real problem is not the program which like every government incentive is open to manipulation and loopholes, but by the fact that this is the president that did not divest his family business from government business.
14
Actually the real point is we have been trying to get Trump for so long......and now we're getting desperate and starting to believe our own fabricated narratives.
1
They might as well put a "For Sale" sign on the White House. Blatant, shameless, money-grubbing corruption has become a hallmark of this administration and a stain on our international reputation. Every day I am more disgusted by the antics of Trump, his family and his Republican enablers. Lock them all up -- or at least get them out of our government.
18
I cannot believe it is legal for a Head of State to be able to act in such an unethical way.
10
Trump had better hope that the marriage between Ivanka and Jared continues for a very long and very happy time.
Once out of the White House Trump will hold much less appeal to Jared and his family - may be even a liability in some scenarios of his leaving office. And Jared will know where all the bodies are buried.
He is not blood, and he is every bit as crass and self centered and greedy as any Trump which makes it a match made in heaven while it lasts and a bloody every man for himself if it falls apart.
Remember Ivanka will not always be so young and beautiful and if Jared - so like the Trump's in so many ways - follows suit with Daddy-in-Law, Ivanka could be the first of several - and with the first set of children of several. Nobody thought Trump would do to Ivana what he did either.
But Jared, unlike Trump, has been in the inner circle, and could stay in the limelight with a tell all - raising his more liberal creds by denouncing his brief time trying to support his wife's family and lead them to the light - to no avail.
Et tu, Jared? Time will tell as Trump trusts the boy more and more.
Once out of the White House Trump will hold much less appeal to Jared and his family - may be even a liability in some scenarios of his leaving office. And Jared will know where all the bodies are buried.
He is not blood, and he is every bit as crass and self centered and greedy as any Trump which makes it a match made in heaven while it lasts and a bloody every man for himself if it falls apart.
Remember Ivanka will not always be so young and beautiful and if Jared - so like the Trump's in so many ways - follows suit with Daddy-in-Law, Ivanka could be the first of several - and with the first set of children of several. Nobody thought Trump would do to Ivana what he did either.
But Jared, unlike Trump, has been in the inner circle, and could stay in the limelight with a tell all - raising his more liberal creds by denouncing his brief time trying to support his wife's family and lead them to the light - to no avail.
Et tu, Jared? Time will tell as Trump trusts the boy more and more.
4
This story means nothing to the Republican faithful who voted and still support President Trump as the New York Time wrote it's legal and so then what's the problem? I'm sad to say the only thing that will rock Republican's is the same thing that's rocked Democrats. Pain.
4
As a frustrated reader of the NYT editorials I find myself asking myself besides writing a comment or writing letters to our elected officials what can any of us do?
I can't believe all this corruption is happening and continues to happen. Lets start somewhere by removing The Kushner's from our White House they have absolutely nothing to offer with their limited experience in governmental affairs their very narrow area of interests, and their bias towards certain parties in the Middle East is a scandal brewing.
The first 100 days, has only demonstrated to the world that we are little more than a Banana Republic with a big army.
Our disdain for this administration needs to be seen on the streets in protest not hidden and lost on screens on social media.
I can't believe all this corruption is happening and continues to happen. Lets start somewhere by removing The Kushner's from our White House they have absolutely nothing to offer with their limited experience in governmental affairs their very narrow area of interests, and their bias towards certain parties in the Middle East is a scandal brewing.
The first 100 days, has only demonstrated to the world that we are little more than a Banana Republic with a big army.
Our disdain for this administration needs to be seen on the streets in protest not hidden and lost on screens on social media.
9
This program long preceded the Trump presidency, and has always reeked to the rafters.
Green cards and citizenship for sale? Just another example of American exceptionalism, I guess.
Green cards and citizenship for sale? Just another example of American exceptionalism, I guess.
3
This is a rational policy -- better to bring in people with money, vison and a desire to participate rather than deadbeats on government assistance who produce nothing and who, in some cases, try to murder us and destroy our society.
Nancy Pelosi has been a member of the house since shortly before this visa program was enacted in 1990 and was renewed by Obama last year. Now suddenly she is shocked by it. Go check and see how many times it was used in her district.
2
Shocking that the sister to Jared is selling visas to the Chinese by selling their real estate and his ties to the current President. Don't blame the democrats.
4
This program wad renewed by trump the day before the Kushner presentation to the Chinese.
1
Shame on Mr. Trump and shame on the Kushners. Most of all, shame on us for the hypocrisy of saying that 500K will help a person who doesn't need American citizenship get it. The people who really need it are being denied entry at this moment. They are the victims of violence in their own countries, victims of religious persecution (not unlike the Jews during the Holocaust, something the Kushners ought to be aware of), victims of governments who don't like what they say and will kill or imprison them for it. Yet we don't want them in our country, no. We prefer to have rich people buy American citizenship as if it's a commodity to be sold to the highest bidder like a thoroughbred horse that only a rich person can afford.
Why are our politicians so willing to sell American citizenship to the highest bidder? Does this include any research on the people doing this? I'm sure some of them have far more questionable histories than most illegal immigrants and I'd bet almost anything that they or the companies they subcontract to hire illegal immigrants. It's so nice to know that we're supporting the very rich in other countries who can leave these countries if things go sour while for people who aren't rich what they get is a travel ban because they aren't the right religion or socioeconomic class.
Thank you Congress and thank you real estate industry for showing us your true priorities: making American citizenship a preserve of the uber rich.
Why are our politicians so willing to sell American citizenship to the highest bidder? Does this include any research on the people doing this? I'm sure some of them have far more questionable histories than most illegal immigrants and I'd bet almost anything that they or the companies they subcontract to hire illegal immigrants. It's so nice to know that we're supporting the very rich in other countries who can leave these countries if things go sour while for people who aren't rich what they get is a travel ban because they aren't the right religion or socioeconomic class.
Thank you Congress and thank you real estate industry for showing us your true priorities: making American citizenship a preserve of the uber rich.
7
This is an OLD program. And now we are suddenly in a rush to blame Trump for it?
Just how biased can you be?
Just how biased can you be?
5
It is an old program, but that Jared Kushner's sister is promoting it with a wink and implying that she has White House pull is a new problem. Jared Kushner needs to completely divest his interests and put his assets in a truly blind trust. So should Ivanka and Donald Trump.
2
Isn't it a very safe bet that Trump will exploit whatever opening comes his way to grab more money for himself?
Ludwig
The NYT has gone after this program in may 2015, April 2012, Google it. Both ripped this program.
NOW we have a Presidents family selling it for themselves? Really, its all Obamas fault. NO as the article is clear its a long time issue with real estate the main beneficiary. Just happens to get more scrutiny when your , YOUR Presidents family is selling it using HINT HINT, WINK WINK the White house supports it.
Really??
The NYT has gone after this program in may 2015, April 2012, Google it. Both ripped this program.
NOW we have a Presidents family selling it for themselves? Really, its all Obamas fault. NO as the article is clear its a long time issue with real estate the main beneficiary. Just happens to get more scrutiny when your , YOUR Presidents family is selling it using HINT HINT, WINK WINK the White house supports it.
Really??
1
The wealth of the richest 200 members of the CCP exceeds $500B (FT)... and no doubt their friends are even richer. The wealth of the 627 members of US congress in 2012 was under $5B (Ballotpedia). The Chinese and Russian 1% are delighted to have the opportunity to shift their assets, and themselves, to places like the US, UK and Canada. Instant rule-of-law - nobody wants to live in a kleptocracy after they have successfully klepto'd. This flood of ill-gotten cash hurts the citizens of source and destination countries.
5
As a casual Miami tourist, I noticed the billboards fronting on the numerous high-rise residential buildings announcing, "qualifies for Green Card". These structures stretching from Coral Gables to Fort Lauderdale block downtown from the nearby ocean. There is no rural area left in south Florida. The high prices for Miami real estate is driven by foreign money looking for safe havens from taxation and local uncertainties. So, it appears that the EB-5 visa program is as rife with fraud as is the H1-B non-immigrant visa program. Both are unenforced regulations causing harm to the American economy and making a mockery of our laws, while burdening our people.
3
"the rich get richer and the poor get poorer"...thanks to our new president and his very extended family.
4
It should be clear to anyone in government with a supervisory role in ethics that neither the Trump nor the Kushner family can be relied upon to police themselves.
Congress--do your job. (Be thankful for leaks--they are not the problem. Without leaks we would apparently still have Flynn sitting on the most secret briefings while an agent for Russia and Turkey.)
Congress--do your job. (Be thankful for leaks--they are not the problem. Without leaks we would apparently still have Flynn sitting on the most secret briefings while an agent for Russia and Turkey.)
5
I am just so sickened by the grifters in our White House. They openly take advantage of stuffing their pockets, while working hard to deny decent health care to the majority of Americans.
We need to ensure that Democrats take over the congress, so that we can salvage not only our budget, but also any semblance of respect and moral obligation.
We need to ensure that Democrats take over the congress, so that we can salvage not only our budget, but also any semblance of respect and moral obligation.
8
Trump believes that the country should be un like a government and he also thinks he is absolute CEO of a PRIVATELY held company with no rle for congress and the courts. Now it looks like te Trump clan is teating the country as privately owned business to be run for the benefit of the Trump clan. Will this republican congress and the republican supreme court will admonish Trumps that the country belongs to its citizens and Congress is the board of directors and the courts are the judge that enforce the constututuin.
3
Many people commenting on this article have noted that President Obama also issued EB-5 visas.
That must be true, of course, but we can bet he didn't use those visas to sell his family's real estate. That's the point here.
That must be true, of course, but we can bet he didn't use those visas to sell his family's real estate. That's the point here.
232
Money is money, right? If the purpose of the visa program is to bring money into the US, then the Kushners are benefiting the US as well as themselves. What's new about that in government?
No but he is already collecting $400,000 speaking fees.
Both parties are corrupt to the core.
Both parties are corrupt to the core.
This cannot be what millions of Americans wanted when they voted to elect Trump as POTUS. They needed real change and the only thing he's truly worked to do is end their healthcare.
7
Corruption is the enemy of economic progress. If EB-5 grants a winking approval to cross-operate as the distinction of an individual operating with two or more agencies breaks down, then corruption is in practice. Anything less is to sugar coat the actuality of corruption.
It was so often asserted in the campaign that Hilary Clinton "played by a different set of rules." Campaign jesting by Trump often was to froth up the crowd with a "Hilary for Prison" message. How could Trump supporters possibly swallow a message that Hillary was more corrupt than the Trump families? Well, enough of them did, and here we have it.
Or have we moved to a moral level that Trump voters understand, it is OK to cheat on the Food Stamp program, if you can get by with it, for example? Maybe enough Americans are living at this level that corruption is sufficiently embedded into our culture, we can hand the agent at the auto tag registration a ten and there we have it, the tax revenue is degraded, just like the reasoning for EB-5 is justified to support its existence?
Corruption is in this way a social cancer that eats its way into the health of a well functioning society, This precaution is the real meaning of "law and order," not dragging off a black kid for walking off with a can of soda. Walking with a different set of rules? For sure--call it corruption.
It was so often asserted in the campaign that Hilary Clinton "played by a different set of rules." Campaign jesting by Trump often was to froth up the crowd with a "Hilary for Prison" message. How could Trump supporters possibly swallow a message that Hillary was more corrupt than the Trump families? Well, enough of them did, and here we have it.
Or have we moved to a moral level that Trump voters understand, it is OK to cheat on the Food Stamp program, if you can get by with it, for example? Maybe enough Americans are living at this level that corruption is sufficiently embedded into our culture, we can hand the agent at the auto tag registration a ten and there we have it, the tax revenue is degraded, just like the reasoning for EB-5 is justified to support its existence?
Corruption is in this way a social cancer that eats its way into the health of a well functioning society, This precaution is the real meaning of "law and order," not dragging off a black kid for walking off with a can of soda. Walking with a different set of rules? For sure--call it corruption.
It is hard to believe how blatant these people are in their greed. The whole idea of buying a Green Card is wrong and the 10 year Visitor Visa Program to China is also wrong.
2
This could never happen if the Republicans favored country over party. Trump & his family have never divested their business when Trump became President, & are looking to make enormous profits using their political clout.Republicans & their proxy traitors are silent. Not a peep from Fox or the conservative media rabble rousers.
It reminds me of the Middle Ages when the Monarchs used the people to enhance their wealth & Power.
It reminds me of the Middle Ages when the Monarchs used the people to enhance their wealth & Power.
3
Disgusting! The whole program and the "sales pitch" is just disgusting. This administration and all its woeful conflicts of interest is disgusting.
Living in this country, an American citizen born here 72 years ago, is beginning to disgust and shame me.
Why would anyone, I begin to wonder, want to live here? How can one be proud to live any longer in such hypocrisy? A stolen election? An FBI Dorector meddling in it? Possibly fabricating why he meddled? A presidential family profiting every which way from the presidency itself? A GOP riddled with sycophants and toadies propping up what more and more feels like an existentialist novel I'm trapped in?
Why would anyone want a Green Card or citizenship in such a charade?
Have we all gone mad? Or will we wake up and do something to cleanse our consciences and rid ourselves of this nonsense?
Living in this country, an American citizen born here 72 years ago, is beginning to disgust and shame me.
Why would anyone, I begin to wonder, want to live here? How can one be proud to live any longer in such hypocrisy? A stolen election? An FBI Dorector meddling in it? Possibly fabricating why he meddled? A presidential family profiting every which way from the presidency itself? A GOP riddled with sycophants and toadies propping up what more and more feels like an existentialist novel I'm trapped in?
Why would anyone want a Green Card or citizenship in such a charade?
Have we all gone mad? Or will we wake up and do something to cleanse our consciences and rid ourselves of this nonsense?
1
Because it is better, in most ways than China when it comes to protecting one's money.
The White House is now part of the trump/kushner family business. This family of grifters is squeezing every dime that it can from the tax paying middle class, and redistributing it to their friends, associates, and of course, themselves.
For the trumps and the kushners, this is just business as usual. Lie, cheat, steal- it's just family values.
This is a real time American tragedy.
For the trumps and the kushners, this is just business as usual. Lie, cheat, steal- it's just family values.
This is a real time American tragedy.
9
Note: Sister Nicole made her 500K visa pitch to the day after the new budget reauthorized the program. What a BIGLY coincidence!
1
E.Stevens,
Lets not overlook the corruption that takes place especially in Congress, which is why the Trump Family gets away with this conflict of interests.They all live in glass houses.
Lets not overlook the corruption that takes place especially in Congress, which is why the Trump Family gets away with this conflict of interests.They all live in glass houses.
1
Kill the EB-5 program. It's a slap in the face to the United States. Can the Congress do just this one thing?
3
Not unless they have the votes to override a veto! I mean, would he Grifter in Chief sign it? Of course not!
Pass the bill. And override the veto!
Pass the bill. And override the veto!
2
This editorial is correct but the fact is the Kushner used a visa program which is legal. The visa program did not start when Trump took office. Who started this program and for what reasons? The NYT needs to follow up and answer those questions. Obviously, Trump wanted to keep the visa program and its also plain the reasons why. But who started the visa program NYT?
Great editorial, but this is not a surprise -- this was all discussed during the campaign. These people, Mr. Trump, his children and the Kushners (birds of a feather) are nothing more than a bunch of thieves. We let it go when it was the people who worked for them, building buildings and working in Mr. Trump's failed casinos -- no matter how many of them he stiffed -- he had a phony reality show and made crude and disgusting comments about everyone, including his daughter Ivanka on the Howard Stern show, but now, now he's robbing (for his own benefit) from the American people and so is his daughter and son-in-law and those reprehensible twits he calls his sons who travel the world with the taxpayers protecting them while they do deals in all the countries filled with rich Muslims (oh, didn't you know, rich Muslims are okay to work with and let in the country - poor ones aren't), making deal after deal to line Daddy's pocket even more. Mr. Kushner's family needs no explanation -- from their jail bird father to the quiet, but I suspect robber baron Jared, they are as corrupt as the Trump's -- like I say "birds of a feather". Let's hope someone with some ethics can stop these people -- I still hope that this country is not as morally bankrupt as it seems right now.
2
There appears to be a never ending list of conflict of interest potential because we elected a business man and not a politician. This incomplete and anti immigrant piece is the journalism choice of the Times Board? There are real direct conflicts involving Trump businesses but instead you comment on the business of part of an in-laws family over which the Administration has no legal control? Further, instead of a conflict issue where the administration is actually legally responsible you focus on a sibling potentially trying to take advantage of her brother's position in a sales pitch. Even in an opinion piece is this really what Journalism should highlight?
The EB-5 program is a whopping 10,000 immigrant visas in a system granting over 1 million people US immigrant status each year. It covers visas for both active (they run the business) and passive investors (I'm risking the loss of a min 500k but if the project works I will have US immigrant status after a number of years). It clearly presents no value for the US and the state of Vermont has clearly been wasting its time, effort and tax payer dollars for no return since they became a program sponsor in 1997. Yes, Vermont has actively recruited foreign investors for the benefit of state taxpayers under this program for 20 years! How about a little balance on the benefits of the program or an acknowledgement of the program benefits?
Finally, why does it matter if the wealthy investor's are predominantly Chinese?
The EB-5 program is a whopping 10,000 immigrant visas in a system granting over 1 million people US immigrant status each year. It covers visas for both active (they run the business) and passive investors (I'm risking the loss of a min 500k but if the project works I will have US immigrant status after a number of years). It clearly presents no value for the US and the state of Vermont has clearly been wasting its time, effort and tax payer dollars for no return since they became a program sponsor in 1997. Yes, Vermont has actively recruited foreign investors for the benefit of state taxpayers under this program for 20 years! How about a little balance on the benefits of the program or an acknowledgement of the program benefits?
Finally, why does it matter if the wealthy investor's are predominantly Chinese?
8
The Editors meant to say "Congress and Their Golden Visas," because this law, this incentive, was around long before Trump or the Kushners.
However, in line with the implicit message of the Editors, I imagine that no wealthy Democrats have ever taken advantage of it!
However, in line with the implicit message of the Editors, I imagine that no wealthy Democrats have ever taken advantage of it!
10
True this law has been around long before this administrations. However, how many other Presidents or their families have used the White House and the connections of a sitting President have blatantly used those connections as a vehicle to encourage investment that results increased wealth?
We, the citizens of this country, expect a higher standard of behavior from our President and his family whether a certain program is legal.
I would ask what would the reaction be if a wealthy Democrat President practiced the same "pay to play" activity?
Many will counter that Mr. Obama was paid $400K for a speech and used his previous status as a President to contribute to his wealth. Perhaps he did, however, he is now a private citizen.
We, the citizens of this country, expect a higher standard of behavior from our President and his family whether a certain program is legal.
I would ask what would the reaction be if a wealthy Democrat President practiced the same "pay to play" activity?
Many will counter that Mr. Obama was paid $400K for a speech and used his previous status as a President to contribute to his wealth. Perhaps he did, however, he is now a private citizen.
48
You must mean that perhaps prior Presidents and their families maybe didn't use this particular loophole? (Who knows?)
It's so routine that it's not even noted as a scandal when ambassadorships are given to wealthy campaign donors, including by Barack Obama.
There were questions about campaign fund-raising using the Lincoln Bedroom of the White House while Bill Clinton was in office. And the Bill and Hillary cash machine, both before and during her tenure as Secretary of State, has been well-documented.
I agree that it would be good if all Presidents and their families acted on a level that was not about financial gain, but that is not what has actually occurred.
It's so routine that it's not even noted as a scandal when ambassadorships are given to wealthy campaign donors, including by Barack Obama.
There were questions about campaign fund-raising using the Lincoln Bedroom of the White House while Bill Clinton was in office. And the Bill and Hillary cash machine, both before and during her tenure as Secretary of State, has been well-documented.
I agree that it would be good if all Presidents and their families acted on a level that was not about financial gain, but that is not what has actually occurred.
He paved the way for his post-presidency wealth by taking a hands-off approach to the criminals on Wall Street that crashed the economy. Then he gave them bailouts and special deals to make sure they were there to line his pockets upon his leaving the White House. He was no dummy. He saw what the Clintons did and followed in their footsteps.
I dont mind the concept of people paying a lot of money for Visa - but a loan of $500k for a few years is nothing in a near-zero interest rate world.
The real interesting part is these new visa holders do they pay all their taxes on worldwide income? That would be the interesting number. I'd also like to see how many holders send their children to public schools and universities.
The real interesting part is these new visa holders do they pay all their taxes on worldwide income? That would be the interesting number. I'd also like to see how many holders send their children to public schools and universities.
1
There has been so much rhetoric over the H1 B Visa program, and now waiting to be chopped off. Mr. Trump wants to impose restrictions on many other immigration programs, including the Green Card Lottery.
As mentioned in this editorial, even the genuine refugees from war torn areas do not have consideration to seek refuge here in the US.
Yet, what we see is an exploitation of the EB-5 investor visa program. People are using this program for improper gain. It is time to eliminate this visa program.
As mentioned in this editorial, even the genuine refugees from war torn areas do not have consideration to seek refuge here in the US.
Yet, what we see is an exploitation of the EB-5 investor visa program. People are using this program for improper gain. It is time to eliminate this visa program.
All countries do this, just look at the citizenship requirements for many if not all of the European countries. In fact, $500k may be the upper limits on getting into the program. It is just a way to attract capital into the country.
As the article notes, this has been around for nearly 30 years. There is a lot of mud for both shameless Parties to wear, not just the current one. The January effort by the Obama Administration was part of his efforts to throw as many as possible monkey wreches into the mix after he maximized the gain. Extra shame on him.
As the article notes, this has been around for nearly 30 years. There is a lot of mud for both shameless Parties to wear, not just the current one. The January effort by the Obama Administration was part of his efforts to throw as many as possible monkey wreches into the mix after he maximized the gain. Extra shame on him.
2
It's mostly poor and small countries that offer it. Here is the top 10 list
Country Started in Minimum Investment ** Residency requirements Time for citizenship Passport rank* Visa free countries*
Malta 2013 € 900,000 12 months 15 months 9 168
Cyprus 2011 € 2,000,000 6 months 4 months 17 159
Austria NA € 5-10 million 12 months 15 months 5 173
Dominica 1993 $100,000 none 2 months 41 119
St Kitts & Nevis 1984 $250,000 none 4 months 32 132
Antigua & Barbuda 2013 $200,000 5 days 3 months 30 134
Grenada 2014 $200,000 none 2 months 39 121
St Lucia 2015 $100,000 none 2 months 37 125
Serbia 2016 €100,000 none 3 months 43 115
Comoros 2008 $45,000 none 2 months 90 47
Country Started in Minimum Investment ** Residency requirements Time for citizenship Passport rank* Visa free countries*
Malta 2013 € 900,000 12 months 15 months 9 168
Cyprus 2011 € 2,000,000 6 months 4 months 17 159
Austria NA € 5-10 million 12 months 15 months 5 173
Dominica 1993 $100,000 none 2 months 41 119
St Kitts & Nevis 1984 $250,000 none 4 months 32 132
Antigua & Barbuda 2013 $200,000 5 days 3 months 30 134
Grenada 2014 $200,000 none 2 months 39 121
St Lucia 2015 $100,000 none 2 months 37 125
Serbia 2016 €100,000 none 3 months 43 115
Comoros 2008 $45,000 none 2 months 90 47
GREED TO INFINITY AND BEYOND: Over the long history of our country, money and power have always gone hand in hand. But, it is shocking how the Multi-Millionaires, Billionaires and Corporations are now in charge of our government. Of course, there are examples of wealthy people that are generous and do good with their fortunes. But for some of this mega-wealthy class, there is no amount of money or power that will satisfy their unquenchable thirst for more (even when it appears to involve selling out our country’s interest to foreign powers). The current administration (and their relatives) continue to flaunt the rules and ethics set in place to prevent this type of run-away power. When unlimited greed at any cost is your guiding principal, how is that going to work out for the rest of us? And, who is going to stop them?
2
One has to ask itself, do ethics and conflicts of interest have a different standard or being applied differently to Donald trump than any other previous President or Government official?
It seems to me the larger issue and in fact crime here is that Donald Trump is being cut slack and allowed to get away with conflicts of interest and ethics violations that could destroy the credibility of any future President or confidence in basic honesty in government.
It seems to me the larger issue and in fact crime here is that Donald Trump is being cut slack and allowed to get away with conflicts of interest and ethics violations that could destroy the credibility of any future President or confidence in basic honesty in government.
2
Trump has given a whole new meaning to nepotism. The very fact that this situation exists shows us just how far this administration has corrupted our system. With Trump’s immediate and extended family, it’s all about making as much money as they can while he’s in power. I guess this situation is just a new approach to Kushner's plan on immigration. Isn’t he the one who is supposed to solve all our major problems? In this case, wealthy Chinese immigrants willing to invest $500,000 in the Kushner brand can now buy their path to citizenship. No pesky waiting on line for these folks.
5
This reminds me of the old Catholic Church that once sold indulgences to the rich so they could get a one-way ticket to heaven while the poor had to be sure they led exemplary lives in order to get there. However the church admitted the error of their ways and changed, not so the US. We will continue to let the wealthy play by their own rules that benefit only them. Remember the Bible said something that went the rich will enter heaven as easily as a camel through the eye of a needle. How nice if that were true as the rich will never do penance here on earth thanks to our politicians and the accumulation of power.
4
Trump has given a whole new meaning to nepotism. The very fact that this situation exists shows us just how far this administration has corrupted our system. With Trump’s immediate and extended family, it’s all about making as much money as they can while he’s in power. I guess this situation is just a new approach to a Kushner's plan on immigration. Isn’t he the one who is supposed to solve all our major problems? In this case, wealthy Chinese immigrants can now buy their path to citizenship for $500,000.00. No pesky waiting on line for these folks.
2
An elaborate regional hospital in my small AZ community of Green valley was funded in this way. The capitalization was, in fact, wholly inadequate, the hospital has had three administrators in its short life, It is presently $95M in debt, with no clear road to solvency. And to fill its beds it has proposed to turn some areas into rehabilitation care. Part of the swamp that won't get rained so long as Trump-Kushner Enterprises are working out of the White House.
1
Swapping an assured path to US citizenship for low interest loans that benefit real estate developers such as the Trump and Kushner families is pure, unpatriotic corruption. Worse, our President and Congress continue to keep it legal.
This is a clear example of how real estate lobbyists rent CONGRESS and the seemingly unlimited self dealing by the Trump and Kushner families.
This is a clear example of how real estate lobbyists rent CONGRESS and the seemingly unlimited self dealing by the Trump and Kushner families.
1
The infuriating aspect of Trump & Co. is that it symbolizes the double standard of justice.
One set of rules for the rich, another for the poor.
Justice is not blind. She has an eye for the sparkle of gold....
One set of rules for the rich, another for the poor.
Justice is not blind. She has an eye for the sparkle of gold....
1
It isn't personal , Michael, it's just business. Aside from attracting their cash we much prefer to have wealthy people become citizens in this country rather than poor people who will cost money in social programs.
1
Clearly the real reason it was necessary to "drain the swamp" was so that the benefits could be redirected to the Sump of Trump. How much longer can the GOP not be ashamed at the behavior of *their* President? Is there no point at which this blatant corruption becomes too much to stomach? The Trump family is taking the profound trust that the nation must place in its president and using it to enrich themselves. Witness Melania's suit against the tabloid that endangered her "once in a lifetime" opportunity to sell herself as a brand. The sin is compounded by the complicity of the GOP led Congress.
Trust in all the American institutions, corporate, educational, public and religious has been eroding for decades. Given their history, it is obvious the Trumps don't believe that these institutions will choose to hold them accountable. So clearly they don't trust them to do their jobs, either. When Obama was President, even it you didn't like his policies, you knew he wasn't in office to enrich himself at the cost of the nation.
We have to re-establish trust in this country, because the dangers we face are too large for us to be simultaneously battling those and each other.
Trust in all the American institutions, corporate, educational, public and religious has been eroding for decades. Given their history, it is obvious the Trumps don't believe that these institutions will choose to hold them accountable. So clearly they don't trust them to do their jobs, either. When Obama was President, even it you didn't like his policies, you knew he wasn't in office to enrich himself at the cost of the nation.
We have to re-establish trust in this country, because the dangers we face are too large for us to be simultaneously battling those and each other.
So...
Jared is a prime mover and shaker for the Trump administration in China.
His sister is soliciting investors for a huge real estate project for the Kushner Companies - from which Jared continues to profit - in China, under the EB-5 government visa program of which there are only 10,000 available worldwide and China gets most of them.
During the Kushner Companies presentation to potential Chinese investors, Jared's name was invoked and President Trump's likeness was shown.
President Trump is the head of the agency which decides who will be granted the EB-5 visas.
President Trump just signed a bill last week, while his son-in-law's family is still soliciting investors in China (Gyna) under the EB-5 program over which he has ultimate control.
The Kushner Companies are free to solicit investors anywhere in the world and are sophisticated business people with a family member serving in the WH and and an in-law to the President. And they thought this was a good idea?
Really. How much are we - the taxpayers and citizens - supposed to swallow before legal action is taken?
Jared is a prime mover and shaker for the Trump administration in China.
His sister is soliciting investors for a huge real estate project for the Kushner Companies - from which Jared continues to profit - in China, under the EB-5 government visa program of which there are only 10,000 available worldwide and China gets most of them.
During the Kushner Companies presentation to potential Chinese investors, Jared's name was invoked and President Trump's likeness was shown.
President Trump is the head of the agency which decides who will be granted the EB-5 visas.
President Trump just signed a bill last week, while his son-in-law's family is still soliciting investors in China (Gyna) under the EB-5 program over which he has ultimate control.
The Kushner Companies are free to solicit investors anywhere in the world and are sophisticated business people with a family member serving in the WH and and an in-law to the President. And they thought this was a good idea?
Really. How much are we - the taxpayers and citizens - supposed to swallow before legal action is taken?
5
Since all political sides have benefitted from this atrocious scheme to get foreign investment, it is time for Congress to eliminate the program in a bi-partisan way. I hope Feinstein and Grassley can get it done. But with the GOPs lapping at the heels of the Trump administration, it doesn't seem probable while the real estate mogul is in the White House.
43
The EB-5 program has been a victim of abuse and lack of accountability since its inception. Raising the investment amounts will not solve the problems of lack of vetting and follow up of applicants investments, money laundering, lack of after the fact supervision and accountability of supposed investments for job creation. Originally it seemed like a good idea, but due to government bureaucracy and absence of supervision, it turned into another way for profiteers to manipulate the law to their advantage.
45
Almost every day we hear about another financial conflict of interest by the Trump administration. They continue to profit mightily from the presidency and nothing is being done about it!
104
All true, but why did you not write this editorial during the 8 years of the Obama administration during which the program careened out of control ?
15
President Obama and his family were not using the program to enrich themselves.
They did. Search for an article on Long Island housing developments marketed directly at Chinese investors using the green card as enticement. Because 8 is a special number to the Chinese, the homes were given street numbers full of 8s.
Because it wasn't so blatant as now.
For all of its perceived class and culture, NYC has its fair share of skunks, racists, loan sharks, greedy Madoff and criminally-deranged Mafia types. There is no better example than the current president and his enabling family members.
49
Trump is just a crass upstart to the elite real estate players in NYC.
Kushner's are a dodgy bunch- remember daddy Kushner serving prison time for tax fraud and witness tampering after he hired a hooker to entrap his brother? Nice bunch.....trump and kushner are a good match ethically in that they have none.....
65
It is amazing how many of these bigtime scorers from outright theft by litigation do things like try to frame their own children for crimes like attempted murder.
Surprise, surprise. Why do we continue to be surprised by the actions of the no class people "we the people" sent to Washington. We all know about the high class President we have. But how about his daughters father in law. A convicted felon, sleaze bag.
COME ON AMERICA WAKE UP
COME ON AMERICA WAKE UP
59
Slumlords who stick together thrive together.
There's more solidarity among thieves than laborers in the USA.
There's more solidarity among thieves than laborers in the USA.
1
You are a little late to the party NYT. The vast majority of the visa's issued under the EB-5 program were done while Obama was president. I don't recall you showing any interest in this when he was President and Clinton was Secretary of State. Hypocrisy much!
And by the way, the Kushner's did nothing illegal. So, what is your point?
And by the way, the Kushner's did nothing illegal. So, what is your point?
14
Well, perhaps one good point would be that the promotional material for the event boasted about the Kushner's celebrity status and introduced Nicole Meyer as Jared's sister. Why is that necessary when earlier this year Jared said that he had divested himself from the family business? It's clear the goal is to flaunt Jared's power and link it to the business deal so that potential investors believe they have an edge in getting their VISA. This is a textbook conflict of interest and it should have never come to this. You have to understand that in China, big business and politics are woven together in unimaginable ways. So to them, the deal is much more enticing and I'm sure the Kushner team is well aware of this. If Jared and his family had just an ounce of class and maybe a teeny bit of respect for our political system they wouldn't sink this low.
2
Since the program has been around for 26 years and has a yearly cap on it I highly doubt the vast majority of the visa's were issued under Obama. Also, Obama was not selling his links to the Presidency or personally benefiting from the program. Hog farming isn't illegal either but have you ever lived downwind from one a hot summer day?
1
Erm, Larry, President Obama was president for eight years. It stands to reason that more visas could be issued in eight years than in just over three months. The point, FYI, is that the appearance of impropriety may well be the smoke, where there's fire.
1
the kushner clan---cashing in big with jared's name, contacts, and inside muscle--they'll be richer than ever in 4 years with more gold plated deals!!
23
I look forward to their reconstruction of 666 5th Avenue to look like a rocket poised to launch to Mars.
When pigs rule.
22
America for sale.
20
Legalized corruption; who would have thought potential fraudsters with money would be competing with casinos and sneaky realtors to offer permanent visas just because it attracts money. Money speaks, no question about it. Now, Trump's incompetence seems less so when there is money to be made. So, the U.S. borders remain porous after all...and a wide open door for the 'rich and powerful', backgrounds be damned. THERE IS A STRONG SNIFF OF HYPOCRISY HERE. And being legal doesn't make it right, just witness the Citizen's United fiasco. And the jailing of suspects if poor, for lack of money for bail. If this is not raw, savage, capitalism, what is?
16
To paraphrase tweety bird in one of the republican debates, he was going to show us how to make bigly beautiful money off the presidency of the USA, like never seen before.
He is a depraved human being. A megalomaniac.
Under any other circumstances we could have some compassion for such sick psyche. But, if you can talk about killing on 5th Ave, how far are you from doing such a deed? Anyone else without the dough would be carted off in the paddy wagon making such proclamations.
He is a depraved human being. A megalomaniac.
Under any other circumstances we could have some compassion for such sick psyche. But, if you can talk about killing on 5th Ave, how far are you from doing such a deed? Anyone else without the dough would be carted off in the paddy wagon making such proclamations.
15
Tweety bird!! First time I've seen that phrase used to refer to Trump. IT IS PERFECT. On another day of discouraging news about the utter brazenness of the president and his family plus in laws, thanks for a good chuckle !!
1
Interesting the parody; the Trumps and the Clinton's, both have daughters that married and converted to the Jewish faith, both have inlaws that are convicted felons. Both daughters are held to icon status and serve on Boards and Chairs and in the case of Chelsea Clinton a hand me down position the Clinton Foundation. Who said we don't have royalty and pander to these false prophecies. What have we become when a do-nothing, hand me down prince like Jared Kushner benefit's from bad and illegal behavior of their parent and get a free pass to use our collective works to enrich themselves.
10
Silly question; maybe a Times reader can educate me.
Just what do you do with all that money? did Trunp ever pay up that special rally he had for veterans? Will he join the 50% club? Or is it just having it, counting it, stroking it, bragging about it that makes his day?
Someone, please?
Just what do you do with all that money? did Trunp ever pay up that special rally he had for veterans? Will he join the 50% club? Or is it just having it, counting it, stroking it, bragging about it that makes his day?
Someone, please?
10
Privileged elitists -- American and Chinese.
5
Crony nepotism
1
Such short-term memory by the NYT. As if the last 8 years never happened. And this scam has NOT been going on during the hallowed, untarnished Obama years? And Hillary never worked one of these golden visas for some of her wealthy Arab friends willing to also drop a donation on she and sleazy Bill's foundation? Wanna bet that it never happened? I'll take your money.
13
Sorry, the EB-5 program was included in the Immigration Act of 1990. That's during the administration of George H. W. Bush.
Initially, its objective was to create jobs in poor neighborhoods. But, as documented in the editorial, real estate promoters have found a way to exploit the program by "gerrymandering." And then the Kushners doubled down on the exploitation this week by trading on their relationship with the President of the US. Maybe you didn't see the photos of the big investor presentation featuring Trump's face.
As far as Hillary Clinton obtaining "golden visas" (whatever that is) for "her wealthy Arab friends" (whoever they are), you'll have to provide some specifics, supported by evidence. Offering to make a bet that your fantasy is reality does not constitute a convincing argument.
Initially, its objective was to create jobs in poor neighborhoods. But, as documented in the editorial, real estate promoters have found a way to exploit the program by "gerrymandering." And then the Kushners doubled down on the exploitation this week by trading on their relationship with the President of the US. Maybe you didn't see the photos of the big investor presentation featuring Trump's face.
As far as Hillary Clinton obtaining "golden visas" (whatever that is) for "her wealthy Arab friends" (whoever they are), you'll have to provide some specifics, supported by evidence. Offering to make a bet that your fantasy is reality does not constitute a convincing argument.
1
Nothing to see here, folks.....move along.....that's it.....
Ignore the fact the sitting US President and his family are *personally* getting rich milking the office of President.
To all you "uneducated" supporters of trump, do you understand yet?
Do you comprehend that trump used *you* to make himself and his family richer, at your expense?
Ignore the fact the sitting US President and his family are *personally* getting rich milking the office of President.
To all you "uneducated" supporters of trump, do you understand yet?
Do you comprehend that trump used *you* to make himself and his family richer, at your expense?
31
Forse, at the expense of our country.
Lock them up.
8
What amazes me is how, according to recent polls, Trump's base is holding strong. All I can conclude is that this base must be composed of complete dolts who don't care that he and his Kushner henchmen are stealing this country blind, using it as their own private piggy bank, reneging on their promise to drain the swamp as they instead fill it to overflowing with some of the worst scum money can buy. The real problem is you can't fix stupid and so we have to assume that 30-40% of our population is irredeemably moronic, even self-destructive. Our best hope is that with Trumpcare these fools will find themselves without medical care (if there is a god) and go the way of the dodo bird.
13
No, probably not moronic. Maybe: Frightened, prone to believe a huckster promising them solutions to problems beyond their control, unwilling to take responsibility for their own actions (or inaction) to address those problems that are within their control, resentful of people who have managed their lives reasonably well, and now looking for those same people to bail them out.
If all they hurt were themselves, perhaps we could muster a little sympathy. Their support for Tweety Bird and his money-grubbing family will, however, hurt and possibly endanger all of us. So no sympathy here.
If all they hurt were themselves, perhaps we could muster a little sympathy. Their support for Tweety Bird and his money-grubbing family will, however, hurt and possibly endanger all of us. So no sympathy here.
1
You left out the apologists who yearned for something better and now settle for something worse and naturally blame past adminstrations for their misery.
1
@Kathy: Amen
Hey rubes, don't you get it? It's all about the money. Not money to help you out of your white man angst, create jobs for you, protect the environment, give you all low cost insurance that covers everyone, the list goes on infinitely. If buyers remorse has not set in yet, there is no hope for you. So continue backing the billionaire criminals you voted for while they laugh at suckers like you all the way to the bank.
12
how can those with no shame be shamed? Kushner's Pay-to-Stay scam, in the dainty language of the NYTimes "raised ethical quandaries". Whether quandaries or concerns are raised, there are no consequences, for the Bad Hombre or his clan. no. consequences. because: hey, Capitalism.
If the Perp makes money for this new Amerikkka, "none dare call it Treason".
If the Perp makes money for this new Amerikkka, "none dare call it Treason".
4
The greatest grift ever. Do you hear that great sucking sound? It is coming from Trump's holster.
14
"Do you hear that great sucking sound? It is coming from Trump's holster."
Funny stuff, but technically it's Putin's holster. After all, possession is 9/10ths of the law -- at least on TV.
Funny stuff, but technically it's Putin's holster. After all, possession is 9/10ths of the law -- at least on TV.
1
Disgusting!
6
Drain the swamp! Ha, ha, ha.
15
the most nauseating administration ever
12
Au, or gold, few things are denser. Almost every comment I read expresses a new level of disgust and a desire for a legal reckoning for the utter contempt for our system of government. I too share this wish, yet I am drawn with fascination to that one thing denser then the gold that is being mined by the 1% of insiders. Of course I speak of the unyielding supporters of the orange fecal king. They have no moral compass and see the comb over clown as a means to an end, he will right every injustice done to them by a failing society. They are much too stupid to see that they will be worse off if all these policies succeed. Oh yeah you have your coal job back: in a mine that is less safe, with fewer union protections, worse healthcare, living in an environment where your air land and water are more polluted and your kids education sucks. But you just keep believing that all that gold will make it down to you, "Hey what have you got to lose?"
Answer: Everything!
Answer: Everything!
15
Most of Trump's enablers are really his marks, now pining for more company in their misery, in complete denial of responsibility for their own plights.
Drip...
Drip...
Drip...
The faucet isn't going to fix itself. Congress can't...won't call in the plumber and Trump Inc. continues trying to screw the faucet down tighter to stop the relentless sound of scandal.
It's time to call 1-800-IMPEACH.
Drip...
Drip...
The faucet isn't going to fix itself. Congress can't...won't call in the plumber and Trump Inc. continues trying to screw the faucet down tighter to stop the relentless sound of scandal.
It's time to call 1-800-IMPEACH.
30
More problems with this family and the Trumps from not divesting from their businesses, now it's our problem.
5
Trump and his family will squeeze every dime they can get out of the American taxpayer. The entire clan is the very definition of entitlement.
11
Trumps wall. Like the Chinese wall, he wants to keep people from a certain poor country from continuous invasion. More to the truth of the matter is he is focusing the attention on that invasion while allowing, ironically rich people to invade lot stock and with family. Legally. The Chinese. And look who is out front taking full advantage of it! Imagine a bizzarro world where the trump family has become the new political dynasty backed by Chinese capital. The trump family will make Joe Kennedy,s family seem quaint. Absolute power corrupts absolutely
8
(Sort of like Trump's many Muslim bans--they don't include the countries in which he has business interests.)
Congress: Trump is not invested in our nation, only his businesses. It's your job to oversee a President who is destroying the fabric of US political life.
Congress: Trump is not invested in our nation, only his businesses. It's your job to oversee a President who is destroying the fabric of US political life.
The EB-5 program is not the only "scandal magnet". We've had more scandals in the last (O, my God, is it only) 4 months than I can remember. Sadly this will not be the end.
I am sure that this will be met with complicit silence; false narratives; and token apologetic explanations. (Ye olde fake news arguments!) Saddest of all, THIS was LEGAL.
10 jobs? Ah probably in the PET HOSPITAL that is slated to be included in the Kushner development in question. We cannot afford health insurance but I guess it really doesn't matter to these, our elected officials. Thank God the pets will get the best of care.
I am sure that this will be met with complicit silence; false narratives; and token apologetic explanations. (Ye olde fake news arguments!) Saddest of all, THIS was LEGAL.
10 jobs? Ah probably in the PET HOSPITAL that is slated to be included in the Kushner development in question. We cannot afford health insurance but I guess it really doesn't matter to these, our elected officials. Thank God the pets will get the best of care.
8
Citizenship for sale like registering a ship in Panama? The Trump umbrella and opportunity to shill for a nickel or two in capital acquisition a golden halo. Registration under the EB-5 visa program or licensing the Trump marquee lubricates the wheels of influence. That quote on the Statue of Liberty pedestal or a nursery rhyme, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Sailor, Rich Man, Poor Man,
Beggar Man, Thief.
Beggar Man, Thief.
5
Apparently, incestuous influence peddling in the Trump administration is alright as long as it is kept in the family.
8
And please know that our senior senator Chuck Schumer was and is the main supporter of this odious rule.
10
It doesn't matter who supported it or supports it but it needs to stop.
1
"In this administration, the interests of the first family and its rich and powerful friends come first."
Ya think?
Ya think?
6
NO SURPRISE Trump shows no follow through on any of his campaign promises it's been continued. the Visa permitting people effectively to purchase entrance into the United States with an investment of $500,000 and real estate has been described as a scandal magnet. The rank nepotism of his including immediate family members in his administration and tolerating improper inducement by suggesting favorable behavior from the White House are all things that are typical of the most ignorant president in the history of the country. While Donald may not be a duck, he is most assuredly a Quack. He is suffering from the medical condition,, dementia so the 25th Amendment must be invoked and he must be removed immediately from office.
6
Whatever happened to Give me your tired, your hungry, your poor! Will Trump-Kushner families change Lady Liberty's inscription to read, Give me your rich, richer, and low interest on my real estate projects. Laughing all the way to the Russian banks!
10
In the meantime, a mother and her little child are deported back to sure death in Central American while Sen. Casey pleaded in vain to save them.
Mothers and fathers who have been here for decades are deported, leaving their children behind.
DACA kids are no longer safe.
Mushroom farms are raided by ICE.
Where, oh, where, is our America?
Mothers and fathers who have been here for decades are deported, leaving their children behind.
DACA kids are no longer safe.
Mushroom farms are raided by ICE.
Where, oh, where, is our America?
If you are Chinese and rich, you can easily buy yourself a seat in the American plutocracy.
If you are American born but poor or even middle class, well, that is kind of too bad since for righteous Republicans who are already members of the American plutocracy, that means you are morally unworthy. You might be "American" but you don't count as a real player. The Trumpcare bill that has now gone to the Senate makes the same point.
Now, we are all living the Republican dream!
If you are American born but poor or even middle class, well, that is kind of too bad since for righteous Republicans who are already members of the American plutocracy, that means you are morally unworthy. You might be "American" but you don't count as a real player. The Trumpcare bill that has now gone to the Senate makes the same point.
Now, we are all living the Republican dream!
9
Yup, that's the plan, on the same day there is news that Haitians who fled to the US after the earthquake and have a protected status are now being closely scrutinized for possible deportation. I guess if you don't come to this country with money, you are not welcome.
7
A member of the Kushner family doing something "shameless" to make money---I'm shocked! Shocked I tell yah!
10
Exactly! The Kushners are infamous in New York City real estate. His father taped his own brother in a relationship with a hooker, then sent the tape to his brother's wife to blackmail him. They aren't the champions of ethics and values, even if they seem to be a refined bunch.
2
Aren't there laws against this sort of thing? If so, why can't they be applied? If not, why don't we have them? Oh! Maybe we are already in a dictatorship and what the Head Honcho says goes.
4
No. There is a law that favors this sort of thing. The EB-5 visa program was created as part of the Immigration Act of 1990, when Jared Kushner was in grade school. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services advertises the EB-5 visa program and list the rules and regulation on its website at https://www.uscis.gov/working-united-states/permanent-workers/employment....
And so the Trump Crime Family rolls on. Who is going to stop this nonsense? Obviously not the Republicans. They are shameless. They don't care.
Can't someone bring lawsuits to the courts to at least put a temporary halt to this stinking garbage? We're as corrupt as a banana republic.
It's so sad, it makes my heart break, to think of America like this. I know America is culpable of great misdeeds in the world. But this? This corruption on such a large scale?
The Trump Crime Family truly must be stopped if America has any chance of surviving. We are being laughed at all over the world. And also the world is worried and sickened by this man and his spawn and their relatives.
Disgusting. Absolutely disgusting.
Can't someone bring lawsuits to the courts to at least put a temporary halt to this stinking garbage? We're as corrupt as a banana republic.
It's so sad, it makes my heart break, to think of America like this. I know America is culpable of great misdeeds in the world. But this? This corruption on such a large scale?
The Trump Crime Family truly must be stopped if America has any chance of surviving. We are being laughed at all over the world. And also the world is worried and sickened by this man and his spawn and their relatives.
Disgusting. Absolutely disgusting.
11
Ah, how quickly the worm turns on the issue of immigration with the editorial board and commenters alike. Concepts such as "nativism" "protectionism" and "populism" (all codes for soft racism and xenophobia) are all on full display here!
1
The trump family are grifters that are completely immune to shame.
8
This is an OLD program. Did you criticize Obama when he continued it?
Or is it just that you like to criticize Trump whenever he moves a muscle?
Or is it just that you like to criticize Trump whenever he moves a muscle?
HURRY, hurry, hurry, while the deals still last. Visas for sale for the selected few. MORE, you say you want more? For a one time investment of $500 thousand you can qualify for American citizenship. Isn't it amazing.
These deals will not last. Sign up now, you don’t even have to speak English. For a few hundred thousand more you can bring in relatives and have your photo taken with the president shaking your hand.
Larger deals available with the addition of shipping and handling. As a bonus you get a framed certificate of membership in the Make the Kirschner Family Richer Foundation, to display with your certificate of citizenship. Opt for the Gold Level and you get to own a Republican congressperson of your choice.
Hucksters is as hucksters do and selling what you don’t own is what corrupt this regime is all about. It's nice to own a government to supplement a for profit business. Congress certainly agrees.
These deals will not last. Sign up now, you don’t even have to speak English. For a few hundred thousand more you can bring in relatives and have your photo taken with the president shaking your hand.
Larger deals available with the addition of shipping and handling. As a bonus you get a framed certificate of membership in the Make the Kirschner Family Richer Foundation, to display with your certificate of citizenship. Opt for the Gold Level and you get to own a Republican congressperson of your choice.
Hucksters is as hucksters do and selling what you don’t own is what corrupt this regime is all about. It's nice to own a government to supplement a for profit business. Congress certainly agrees.
6
Jared Kushner’s little sister may be guilty of name dropping, but Hillary Clinton’s young brother Tony Rodham was caught up in a real EB-5 visa scandal. Rodham was president and CEO of Gulf Coast Funds Management. In 2013, Alejandro Mayorkas, the director of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services—which grants EB-5 visas—was investigated for improperly intervening to help Rodham’s firm secure approval for participating in the EB-5 visa program. One of the visas that Rodham's was trying to acquire was for a Chinese telecommunications company sometimes accused of close connections with Chinese intelligence operations. Mayorkas later became President Obama’s nominee for Deputy Director of Homeland Security, a position he held until Donald Trump became president.
5
why do i get images of zero mostel and gene wilder every time i read about this scam??
2
Is it any wonder why Donald Trump refuses to divulge his income tax returns?
No news here. America is the best 'democracy' money can buy, and the best citizenship money can buy.
The EB-5 program did not start out to give the wealthy a way to work around the usual immigration standards. Its start was tied to business creation in the neediest areas within the United States. The idea was to reward investments in poor and rural areas with special immigration considerations.
However, after the last recession and throughout the OBAMA (!) administration the program has became a system to basically sell US citizenship to the Chinese superrich as a a shortcut to naturalization.
That's right, Barry the Drone King, who deported more illegals than any other president, at the same time sold American citizenship to wealthy foreign investors and tried to make the progress that the rich can buy their way to an American passport permanent as part of his (failed) immigration overhaul.
SAD.
The EB-5 program did not start out to give the wealthy a way to work around the usual immigration standards. Its start was tied to business creation in the neediest areas within the United States. The idea was to reward investments in poor and rural areas with special immigration considerations.
However, after the last recession and throughout the OBAMA (!) administration the program has became a system to basically sell US citizenship to the Chinese superrich as a a shortcut to naturalization.
That's right, Barry the Drone King, who deported more illegals than any other president, at the same time sold American citizenship to wealthy foreign investors and tried to make the progress that the rich can buy their way to an American passport permanent as part of his (failed) immigration overhaul.
SAD.
8
Right after the election #45 has doubled the entrance fee for be a member of his Mar-a-Gaudy club in Florida from 100K to 200K.
Now the company of his 'senior' advisor Kushner is peddling green-card visas at a lousy pop of 500K in China to enrich themselves.
Ivanka-dearest received the ok for the registration of several trademark to peddle her cheap merchandise inside the world's largest currency manipulator China - as daddy called it - the very day she sat next to President Xi at dinner, and at the end of the love fest, voila, China was no longer a currency manipulator.
"When fascism comes to America, it will wrap itself in the flag, carry the cross, while stuffing the pockets of its leader's family with ill begotten money from shady sources".
Compared to the Trumpf mishpocha, the Borgias were a family of class and dignity.
Now the company of his 'senior' advisor Kushner is peddling green-card visas at a lousy pop of 500K in China to enrich themselves.
Ivanka-dearest received the ok for the registration of several trademark to peddle her cheap merchandise inside the world's largest currency manipulator China - as daddy called it - the very day she sat next to President Xi at dinner, and at the end of the love fest, voila, China was no longer a currency manipulator.
"When fascism comes to America, it will wrap itself in the flag, carry the cross, while stuffing the pockets of its leader's family with ill begotten money from shady sources".
Compared to the Trumpf mishpocha, the Borgias were a family of class and dignity.
7
More innuendo this week to attack Trump. The Russian connection is not working out so time to move on to a program that was perfectly legal before Trump. According to your news, Trump simply renewed the program. Since when do recent Democrats care about the rural poor other than to photograph one to show their tattoos and bad teeth in order to demonstrate lack of breeding and good taste? I.e., a Trump voter. It is time for this newspaper to latch on to some substantive issues it cares to advocate for but like the Democratic party, it comes up empty handed.
2
That being said, I don't hear about how the Obamas benefited from this type of arrangement.
I first heard about this on NPR. The program itself is a disgrace. All this anger at "illegal" immigrants, taking away jobs and murdering Americans, is really directed at people fleeing poverty and violence in their home countries. But, as usual, there are loopholes in the law that allow the wealthy to get into this country using their money. Disgusting.
Disappointingly, but not surprising, is the Trump/Kushner alliance, that manipulates these loopholes in the law to make more money for their families, while the Idiot-in Chief rails against illegal immigration.
Are you feeling "great" yet? I am feeling used.
Disappointingly, but not surprising, is the Trump/Kushner alliance, that manipulates these loopholes in the law to make more money for their families, while the Idiot-in Chief rails against illegal immigration.
Are you feeling "great" yet? I am feeling used.
4
Isn't that what the US is about. Pay and play. Nothing is scared. Any law can be changed to accommodate the illegal. New motto for America, make the illegal legal, make the slave love his owner who gives him sunshine, health care and guns. Everything has a price America. Phonies!
3
To Omar Ibrahim -
What are Jewish credentials in business and politics? Are they like Saudi Arabian credentials in business and politics?
What are Jewish credentials in business and politics? Are they like Saudi Arabian credentials in business and politics?
To quote the Clintons and their acolytes, "It was all legal."
2
When is someone going to scream "ENOUGH IS ENOUGH?"
I can't even bear to open the paper any more, for fear of reading another stomach-turning story about these vulgar hucksters.
I can't even bear to open the paper any more, for fear of reading another stomach-turning story about these vulgar hucksters.
1
Where is the GOP outrage...or even a single comment?
SILENCE
NOT my president
SILENCE
NOT my president
And I thought we were shutting down immigration of all sorts. I guess not if it enriches the grifter president and his grifting relatives. Wow, hubris is reaching new heights.
1
One of the reasons Democrats find themselves in the weak position they are in is the inability to focus on a few legitimately egregious and significant acts by the Trump administration rather than throwing mud and hoping some if it will stick.This visa program has been around for years and has been widely used by real estate developers as an inexpensive way of raising capital.
Criticize the existence of the Program, not it's use by Kushner companies.
Criticize the existence of the Program, not it's use by Kushner companies.
2
Another reason is their complete sellout to the big banks, and to corpocracy generally - meanwhile failing utterly to properly champion progressive causes.
Kushner's sister did point out possible future changes concerning the law and made sure her brother's father in law is President Trump, family connections are valuable.
1
It may be legal, but it's not ethical and it smells of grubby money scroungers, showing that with some people no matter how much money you have, it's never enough and they will use any avenue to a make a cheap buck!
I guess we shouldn't be surprised that the Kushner's are so similar to the Trump's in trying to take any advantage they can to bill their pockets with cash.
I'd say based on this revelation of enrichment which in a sense not only pulls in the Kushner family, it also has a lot to do with the Trump family of Grifters; ethnics and conflicts of interest are nothing more than words without any consequences.
I would say just based on this alone, that not only does Jared Kushner, but Ivanka as well need to have any security clearances pulled, and be barred from any future Whitehouse or government business.
It seems like no boundary is big enough or wall high enough for Trump's or the Kushner's to try and sell themselves or Whitehouse access for a profit.
I guess we shouldn't be surprised that the Kushner's are so similar to the Trump's in trying to take any advantage they can to bill their pockets with cash.
I'd say based on this revelation of enrichment which in a sense not only pulls in the Kushner family, it also has a lot to do with the Trump family of Grifters; ethnics and conflicts of interest are nothing more than words without any consequences.
I would say just based on this alone, that not only does Jared Kushner, but Ivanka as well need to have any security clearances pulled, and be barred from any future Whitehouse or government business.
It seems like no boundary is big enough or wall high enough for Trump's or the Kushner's to try and sell themselves or Whitehouse access for a profit.
7
The EB-5 program was designed to attract kleptocrats and money launderers as investor/immigrants. It was designed to bail out projects that couldn't be completed if they were required to attract domestic investors who wanted a reasonable return on their investment. It was designed as a scam, in other words. A criminal enterprise. It's worked out very well for it's designers.
3
In Vermont, a Florida based developer convinced Jay Peak ski resort owner to avail of this EB5 to expand the resort. Unfortunately this developer created a ponzi scheme. The money from green cards was used to buy properties in Manhattan and support lavish lifestyle. The original ski resort owner got greedy and now he lost everything and about to go to jail.
I'm sure this program is also used to bribe local politicians who approve these kind of projects. Just because people are rich does not mean they would be good residents of the US.
I'm sure this program is also used to bribe local politicians who approve these kind of projects. Just because people are rich does not mean they would be good residents of the US.
1
I have a solution! Extend EB-5 to cover investments on infrastructures, social security and rebuilding the inner cities. Now people on the left can have money to spend on their pet projects. It should be a win-win solution.
1
Kushner's project is in Jersey City. Hard to be more inner city than that.
1
" immigration officials do not properly vet applications for fraud and illicit sources of money."
Isn't that the key to reforming the system? The first time the full 10,000 visas were issued in one year was in 2011, which if memory serves was during the Obama administration.
Since the NYT states that Kushner's project would be funded without the visa program but at higher interest rates, the NYT's position seems to be that a project should cost more, esp. if it dislikes Kushner and Trump.
Isn't that the key to reforming the system? The first time the full 10,000 visas were issued in one year was in 2011, which if memory serves was during the Obama administration.
Since the NYT states that Kushner's project would be funded without the visa program but at higher interest rates, the NYT's position seems to be that a project should cost more, esp. if it dislikes Kushner and Trump.
2
It may be legal, but it's not ethical and it smells of grubby money scroungers, showing that with some people no matter how much money you have, it's never enough and they will use any avenue to a make a cheap buck!
I guess we shouldn't be surprised that the Kushner's are so similar to the Trump's in trying to take any advantage they can to fill their pockets with cash.
I'd say based on this revelation of enrichment which in a sense not only pulls in the Kushner family, it also has a lot to do with the Trump family of Grifters; ethnics and conflicts of interest are nothing more than words without any consequences.
I would say just based on this alone, that not only does Jared Kushner, but Ivanka as well need to have any security clearances pulled, and be barred from any future Whitehouse or government business.
It seems like no boundary is big enough or wall high enough for Trump's or the Kushner's to try and sell themselves or Whitehouse access for a profit.
I guess we shouldn't be surprised that the Kushner's are so similar to the Trump's in trying to take any advantage they can to fill their pockets with cash.
I'd say based on this revelation of enrichment which in a sense not only pulls in the Kushner family, it also has a lot to do with the Trump family of Grifters; ethnics and conflicts of interest are nothing more than words without any consequences.
I would say just based on this alone, that not only does Jared Kushner, but Ivanka as well need to have any security clearances pulled, and be barred from any future Whitehouse or government business.
It seems like no boundary is big enough or wall high enough for Trump's or the Kushner's to try and sell themselves or Whitehouse access for a profit.
1
Heck...if we are going to 'sell' citizenship stakes legally then we should maximize the return to the US in terms of costs to get the EB-5...say for $10M non-refundable 'fee' each person could purchase the right to get an EB-5 and be fully vetted and fast-tracked for legal residency and ultimately citizenship....
Eventually someone in this administration will be going to jail. We could make a game out of who will be first.
3
Sounds like a good way for well-funded middle Eastern terrorists to get operatives into the US easily. Wait, aren't we supposed to be plugging those holes? No? We only block poor refugees as potential terrorists, not wealthy Saudis who back the real ones?
4
Boy, this Trump administration is not hear no evil, speak no evil, see no evil. It's just evil.
2
What happens in our country with Trump and family is from Ripley. And it produces more nausea than the one that Mr. Comey felt. And all this in view and inexhaustible patience of the authorities, In which part of the way was the National Security?. Apparently the measures orevebtuvas of this only apply to those who According to Trump, rapists, drug traffickers, or people who can not buy from the president's son-in-law visas of a million dollars per person. This bundle of lawbreakers is not confirmed by the tax cuts to the rich, nor by the genitalia to canara kenta which is Trump Care, that short wick pump. Few and worthy lawmakers are attentive and proactive in relation to this new dynasty that, day after day, demonstrates their creativity, as well as the abuse, abuse and assault of the population that chose or not the current president.
Affluent Chinese seeking to invest in a "stable democracy"??? The irony of this turn of phrase is lost either on the Times...or on the Chinese. I fear we are entering an era that is neither stable, nor a democracy.
3
Another glaring example of the Trump family using their position to enrich themselves through a myriad of conflict-of-interest activities while disregarding and discarding the average American and plundering the health system for personal gain. I guess the GOP weenies in Congress are standing in line waiting for the trickle down plundering to enrich them. Sad state.
2
Reminds me of the Borgias. What would Lucretia not do to further the interests of her family, oh, and of course The Church?
1
Many others have said it better in their comments, but how many ways are we going to be violated and sold out by the venal, corrupt disgusting, immoral bunch who claim to run the country?
They have access to every way to take, take, take and are making use of all with some new twists. What next???
They have access to every way to take, take, take and are making use of all with some new twists. What next???
2
Invest $500K and create 10 jobs is the criteria? I suppose it might depend on what a job is defined as, but surely they're not counting the very transitory construction jobs, which might last six months? We might be able to solve part of this problem by reasonably requiring the job be long term (10 year minimum) and require subsequent verification of its sustainment.
2
Yeah but think of the great maid and maintenance jobs that will be created.
1
Thank you for this article.
I'm clear, after reading it (and after a bit of real-life experience of real estate sales in California) that such conferences drive rich immigrants to buy property in the U.S. with the promise that they will not only become "bi-coastal" but also that they will be able to profit from inequities in our tax code that were designed to benefit real estate owners -- just in an era in which most people who owned real estate in the U.S. were also U.S. citizens.
It doesn't take much intelligence to infer that, working with Trumps and Kushners, foreigners are now being encouraged to use expensive green cards to charge high rents to American citizens, pushing up the cost of living for the very people who "America First" is supposed to help and harming working-class citizens at the expense of the agendas of internationalists (and, potentially, the agents of foreign powers).
Such cynical sales of power and privilege in America are destroying the very fabric of our democracy and cannot be allowed to stand.
I'm clear, after reading it (and after a bit of real-life experience of real estate sales in California) that such conferences drive rich immigrants to buy property in the U.S. with the promise that they will not only become "bi-coastal" but also that they will be able to profit from inequities in our tax code that were designed to benefit real estate owners -- just in an era in which most people who owned real estate in the U.S. were also U.S. citizens.
It doesn't take much intelligence to infer that, working with Trumps and Kushners, foreigners are now being encouraged to use expensive green cards to charge high rents to American citizens, pushing up the cost of living for the very people who "America First" is supposed to help and harming working-class citizens at the expense of the agendas of internationalists (and, potentially, the agents of foreign powers).
Such cynical sales of power and privilege in America are destroying the very fabric of our democracy and cannot be allowed to stand.
8
I would question whether the United States is still the "stable democracy" it was before January 20. Every single day of the current administration brings a new threat to stability and democracy.
7
The US calls itself a "republic", not a democracy, because its representative apportionment doesn't pass a democratic laugh test.
3
Point taken, Steve. I opted to use the language from the op-ed piece. For what it's worth, I believe our republic is in grave danger, too. :-(
Our new first family, with the Times' help, is giving me an education about some parts of the law I'd never have learned about, since they don't directly impact the life of a retired middle-class wage earner.
I do have one suggestion about this article. As I read it, I wondered whether other countries offer similar benefits. From reading other responders, I see that they do. I think it would have been helpful to my understanding if the author had included a discussion of similar offerings from other countries.
I do have one suggestion about this article. As I read it, I wondered whether other countries offer similar benefits. From reading other responders, I see that they do. I think it would have been helpful to my understanding if the author had included a discussion of similar offerings from other countries.
All countries with these programs wind up increasing the cost of real estate for their native citizens.
4
The EB-5 program should be for investments in infrastructure, not luxury developments.
8
Trump at associates don't even try to avoid conflict of interests. They rund the country like a banana republic and write laws that will allow them to enrich themselves shamelessly, but legally. Disgusting.
If the US wants millionaires to buy (which is very much doubt) citizenship then the fee should go straight into government revenue as an "import tax" and vetting should still be done with the usual care.
If the US wants millionaires to buy (which is very much doubt) citizenship then the fee should go straight into government revenue as an "import tax" and vetting should still be done with the usual care.
5
The Times wrote: "Mr. Trump made restricting immigration, including for refugees fleeing violence, a central plank of his campaign. Yet, he seems O.K. with letting real estate moguls take advantage of a program that sells green cards. In this administration, the interests of the first family and its rich and powerful friends come first."
And you're surprised at this? Really? Trump and his shameless band of opportunists have always been in it for the quick buck. The White House is just another means to an end for them.
Remember when the Clintons caught flak for selling access to the Lincoln bedroom? Sounds so quaint now, doesn't it?
And you're surprised at this? Really? Trump and his shameless band of opportunists have always been in it for the quick buck. The White House is just another means to an end for them.
Remember when the Clintons caught flak for selling access to the Lincoln bedroom? Sounds so quaint now, doesn't it?
2
Business as usual for the Trump's minions and families. They have been getting away with behavior like this for years and the letter of the law is with them. Their only problem now is they are in the spotlight and in a quandary. Is it such that they might have to consider the morality of their behavior or are they above that?
1
They seem to lack the capacity for moral reflection and amelioration.
The Trumps' blatant parlaying of the power of the White House into lining their own pockets is a direct outcome of Citizens United. That SCOTUS decision, possibly the worst ruling since Dred Scott, made constitutional the dominance of the political process by wealthy people. It became perfectly legal for anyone with big money to buy influence, since "money talks" was now a literal statement of law. Running for office became an exercise in courting billionaires and big corporations, and representing the citizens of the United States became secondary, since they didn't have enough money to speak loud enough. The top 1% discovered that they could get away with buying all the political power and any objections would be just whispers in the wind.
So of course now we have a president and his family who use their public positions to enrich themselves with no shame whatsoever. And the 70% of us who oppose them can protest all we want, but they won't change. The only power we have left is to organize, drown out the people who own all the megaphones, and vote these kleptocrats out.
Every one of us must vote in 2018 and 2020. Every single one.
So of course now we have a president and his family who use their public positions to enrich themselves with no shame whatsoever. And the 70% of us who oppose them can protest all we want, but they won't change. The only power we have left is to organize, drown out the people who own all the megaphones, and vote these kleptocrats out.
Every one of us must vote in 2018 and 2020. Every single one.
7
Incidentally, I would like to know what Jared and Ivanka Trump are actually accomplishing in the White House. They may not take salaries, but they have staff that cost taxpayers large amounts of money (through salary, expenses), and I would imagine that the Trump-Kushners are reimbursed for expenses, and had their offices refurnished, etc, at a cost to taxpayers. So what, exactly, are they accomplishing. From what I can see on social media, Ivanka meets with business leaders who already founded successful businesses. This might burnish Ms. Trump's reputation, but I'm unclear about what it does for these business leaders or anyone else. And Mr. Kushner....I can't tell what he is doing at all. If they want to use up government resources (which the Republicans love to cut and cut....Trump does not even want to fill many open positions) then the Trump-Kushner's need to prove some value.
4
Thanks for this editorial. The Trump-Kushner family's use and abuse of the presidency is the biggest story out of this administration so far. Nepotism, self dealing, international conflicts of interest, disrespect for norms and standards, ethics violations, hypocrisy, etc., etc. A rolling scandal that's rising to the level of Watergate and Iran-Contra. Our Republican controlled Congress is unlikely to do much about it. But relentless investigation and reporting might overcome denial of the mess we're in and help revive respect for democratic values.
5
The Congress is just raking in the hay while the sun shines too.
One wins this game by scoring bigtime and then dropping out.
One wins this game by scoring bigtime and then dropping out.
1
I remember when EB-5 was enacted - instead of helping the "boat people" who were actually poor, tired, and yearning to breathe free, we created a program for the "yacht people."
Worse, the buy-in isn't pegged to inflation.
Worse, the buy-in isn't pegged to inflation.
4
There are many grifters in and around our governments- Federal, State and Local. Sadly, most of it rarely gets reported to the American people. The Kushners seem to be just the latest in a long line.
The basic concept of the Visa program which is to accelerate the processing of people willing to invest and create jobs is not a bad one. What is apparently lacking is a requirement that the investors site their investments in economically disadvantaged areas and that they live in those communities.
The basic concept of the Visa program which is to accelerate the processing of people willing to invest and create jobs is not a bad one. What is apparently lacking is a requirement that the investors site their investments in economically disadvantaged areas and that they live in those communities.
3
This is really a "red herring". In the land of capitalism, we are "shocked, shocked" that folks with money can establish priority? As a nation, we also allow a generous portion of our immigration quota to individuals and families who are not of financial means and are often uneducated, poor, refugees, or asylum seekers. There is no harm in welcoming businesses as well. This is nothing new. Perhaps those expressing the false outrage should get out of that well known coffee shop and visit their local gas station, convenience store, donut shop, or cleaners and see who owns them.
No matter who served in office. No matter the party or policies. No matter the background, religion, race, and we hope sex, of the person serving in high office we WERE the *United States of America* in that script on the side of Air Force 1 and as portrayed by the best actors in movies. From our good fortune of birth, or application, we stood apart from the banana republics, the clowns, the antics, the despots, and self-enriching dictators. We took comfort in that. We were different. We were better. Perfect? No? Always right? Always seemly? Hardly. But all in all we could hold our heads up as being what statesmanship was about.
In what must be one of the greatest ironies, do we now, after 240 years, look to England to fulfill that role in the world where the monarchy, figurehead as it may be, serves as a model of stability and statesmanship despite its flaws?
In what must be one of the greatest ironies, do we now, after 240 years, look to England to fulfill that role in the world where the monarchy, figurehead as it may be, serves as a model of stability and statesmanship despite its flaws?
Most of the wealthiest people in America, including the Kushner's, share the same background. This is nothing new to them. All they care about is money. Greed Trumps all. No pun intended.
1
It's getting to the point where Trump and his family are fleecing the country to make as much money as possible during his time as president and they're getting away with it. Every time I read a column like this; and at this point it seems to be daily, I get so angry I want to throw something.
3
This is a business philosophy, a family, and an administration that is rooted in several principles and attitudes. Among them: what's mine is mine and what's yours is [always] negotiable. Smug, arrogant, self-important, corrosive, hypocritical, manipulative, venal. What, they resent these aspersions? Then The Family and Their Cronies can and should--indeed, it is strongly advised--walk a few steps back to get an objective view of what we see in their actions. It's the Money-Makes-It-Right Existentialism. If Truth doesn't fit them, they don't wear it.
This is already more than tiresome. One need not be a historian, an economist, a philosopher or any other intellectual to know Right From Wrong or to be certain that such ethics (or lack thereof) are a major factor in the erosion of nations great and small. Make America great again? Invest directly, without self-interested subterfuge shenanigans, in the depressed, despairing towns and cities of America. THAT'S WHY THEY HIRED YOU.
This is already more than tiresome. One need not be a historian, an economist, a philosopher or any other intellectual to know Right From Wrong or to be certain that such ethics (or lack thereof) are a major factor in the erosion of nations great and small. Make America great again? Invest directly, without self-interested subterfuge shenanigans, in the depressed, despairing towns and cities of America. THAT'S WHY THEY HIRED YOU.
I wish the Editorial Board would put their heads together and offer some suggestions as to how we can overcome the daily onslaught of abuses by this administration. Every day, during the pre-election cycle, we heard about how Trump did this and said that, but we were never empowered with means to stop him. We know they are all abhorrent creatures; let's find a way to stop them!
4
Richard Phelps writes: "I doubt very much that there is any country in the world where one cannot buy citizenship for the right price."
1. Where is your evidence for such a statement?
2. I thought we were supposed to be "exceptional."
3. Wouldn't you expect the Chinese (and other) government to use this program to get spies and other undesirables into the US?
4. If the government is selling citizenship, why should the profits go to private businesses?
We are being swamped.
1. Where is your evidence for such a statement?
2. I thought we were supposed to be "exceptional."
3. Wouldn't you expect the Chinese (and other) government to use this program to get spies and other undesirables into the US?
4. If the government is selling citizenship, why should the profits go to private businesses?
We are being swamped.
5
This must be the market for all these $3.5 million and up apartments being built in this neighborhood right now.
1
Perhaps Jason Chaffetz developed the problem with his foot knowing the Trump/Kushner clan would be sending a lot of investigation business his way and he had no stomach for it. Benghazi was so much more interesting. A couple of questions, does anybody vet the source of the Chinese funds, and why can't the Kushners borrow money in the good old USA. I think I know the answer to that question.
1
Making America Great Again by selling citizenship to the highest bidder, creating jobs for no one, and promoting greater income inequality.
2
It's shameful to give wealthy immigrants green cards and not hard working Mexican farm workers. Why not at the very least allow Mexicsn workers a temporary visa to do much needed work in the USA? Just as with other visas, we can alot them to Mexicans who will not take work from Americans. For example as a psychologist I can get a visa to work in New Zealand because that country has a shortage of psychologists.
Surprise! When you're an oligarch surrounded by oligarchs, this is what you get: A government of the oligarchs, by the oligarchs and as here with the Kushners, especially for the oligarchs.
More suggestions that the Trumps are family are in it for the money. If you like the Trumps, don't worry their friends in Congress will protect them. It's all pretty disgusting.
1
I thought the third world banana republic island governments were sleazy and corrupt to the core when I read they had citizenship papers available for a price. Little did I know our corrupt government had citizenship for sale also, just that our price was higher, like a high-priced prostitute vs. a street walker.
Totally disgusting use of power and money, totally!
Totally disgusting use of power and money, totally!
2
How hypocritical of the Times to accuse Trump of being a hypocrite on immigration. Trump did not make "restricting immigration... a central plank of his campaign." Rather, he was in favor of eliminating illegal immigration, not legal immigration.
By contrast, the Times has consistently spoken in favor of all types of immigration, legal or illegal, as contributing to the essence of America. Yet, now the Times opposes this form of legal immigration because the EB-5 beneficiaries have financial resources that will benefit America and Americans.
As Justice Gorsuch reminded a few Democratic senators, law should not automatically favor the poor guy over the rich guy. Indeed, America should prefer granting immigration status to successful people with something to give instead of those who will be big consumers of government services.
By contrast, the Times has consistently spoken in favor of all types of immigration, legal or illegal, as contributing to the essence of America. Yet, now the Times opposes this form of legal immigration because the EB-5 beneficiaries have financial resources that will benefit America and Americans.
As Justice Gorsuch reminded a few Democratic senators, law should not automatically favor the poor guy over the rich guy. Indeed, America should prefer granting immigration status to successful people with something to give instead of those who will be big consumers of government services.
1
I guess if you want to become n oligarchic autrocrat who takes all the wealth and power, you'd try to convince society's schlemiels that you'll do the opposite and lie that you care about and will help them.
What did anyone expect? If it financially benefits the President or his family members, it's fine even if it's at the expense of the country. Where are all the Trump supporters that were so concerned about American jobs? Most will support and defend this shameful activity. Much like Trumps surrogates especially Sean Spicer who claimed the DOJ was giving them a "heads up" when Sally Yates was telling the White House Counsel that Michael Flynn was compromised by the Russians. The National Security Advisor was compromised and the White House took 18 days to remove him. I feel safer already. Trump's core supporters will defend anything, including Trump expanding his financial empire and when called on it will blame Obama and the liberals siting "fake news" and disloyal Americans.
I'm sickened by what's taking place in America right now and no longer recognize my own country. This is not what those who served, fought and died for envisioned when they took up arms to keep our country free and safe. Everything is now for sale by the con man in the White House and his minions. Why would any of these people care about healthcare when they could remove it and give themselves a tax break? Look at who Mitch McConnell picked to head up re-writing the healthcare bill. If you're elderly, poor, sick or otherwise not rich, you just don't count and are expendable.
Hey Trumpees, are we winning yet?
I'm sickened by what's taking place in America right now and no longer recognize my own country. This is not what those who served, fought and died for envisioned when they took up arms to keep our country free and safe. Everything is now for sale by the con man in the White House and his minions. Why would any of these people care about healthcare when they could remove it and give themselves a tax break? Look at who Mitch McConnell picked to head up re-writing the healthcare bill. If you're elderly, poor, sick or otherwise not rich, you just don't count and are expendable.
Hey Trumpees, are we winning yet?
I am waiting to hear the outrage from the Republican members of Congress. All I hear is silence.
1
Anyway you spin this program, if you have the wealth to invest, you get a visa. I don't recall that being written on the foot of the Statue of Liberty. Give me your rich...
This investment property in New Jersey must be a real loser if they can't find any local investors willing to join Kushner group. Cheat the Asians, but they get a green card, so not bad deal?
This investment property in New Jersey must be a real loser if they can't find any local investors willing to join Kushner group. Cheat the Asians, but they get a green card, so not bad deal?
2
EB-5 funding is not inherently bad policy. It does attract foreign investment to the United States and it does support growth, jobs and initiatives that might not otherwise be funded with relatively small individual investments that cannot buy influence the way single, large funders certainly do. In a nation that believes in globalism, it makes sense. But for the nationalist Trump administration, with all its anti-immigration rhetoric, it makes no sense at all. And for members of the "Trump royal family" to use it is further proof that they really are the robber barons many Americans suspect them of being.
100
Foreign investment MAY have a few positives, but its not all roses. Oligarchs looking to launder money are buying up property in NYC, SF, and all over California -- to name but a few locations. They drive up the price of property in these markets. Do you want to live with the air quality of China, or the business practices of the Russians? I want to know more about who these people are before we welcome them, and their money, on our shores. Not least of it is big questions about how they they made their money.
Congress establishing the EB-5 program during the administration of George HW Bush in 1990. This isn't anything new...and EB-5 financing isn't easy money to get. And EB-5 investors are the MOST investigated candidates of ANY visa category. Not only do they undergo personal reviews including face-to-face interviews, they also have to prove that their investment funds were legally sourced. They even have health and biometric reviews...and they have to do it TWICE! Once when they invest and a second time, 2 years later, when their conditional status is approved. And these are governmental reviews — not the developer who wants their money.
Robber barons has cachet to it, reminiscent of swashbluckling risk takers. The Trumps do not rise to the level of robber barons. The closest Trump will come to a baron is naming his son one. No, these folks are common, tacky, cheap grifters who have raised cheating and lying to an ugly art form.
The Trump gang's profiteering over the capture of the Presidency is horrific and outrageous. But in one sense it is a sideshow which distracts from the abominations of the Ryan Republican efforts to destroy the legacy of Roosevelt and subsequent administrations. Instead of a health care bill that benefits all Americans we have one designed to benefit the wealthy. Their targets next will be Medicare and Social Security. Unfortunately the over 65 refuse in general to believe anyone would or could target these really beneficial programs, but be forewarned they are after any "welfare" programs that can be used to reduce taxes on the wealthy. Note that the 50 to 64 age group are specifically targeted to allow the insurance companies to benefit as much as possible before this age group is eligible for Medicare. With extra high premiums this age group will not be able to afford care and will more likely die off before eligibility for Medicare. The Dark Forces have taken over, the foxes are guarding the hen house.
141
The foxes are in the hen house and are picking the hens, which is us, off one illness at at time.
I'd like to add Medicaid to the list above. Skilled nursing homes in NY (Albany) run $12K/Mo. Most of the residents are on Medicaid. I think the untold story behind the cuts (almost $1trillion) is that all the families that have loved ones in nursing homes are now going to be footing that bill. They will have no inheritance, they will have to take their very sick loved ones into their homes and pay or provide their nursing needs.
This is one over 65 who is terrified of "reform" of medicare - a system I have paid into since it's inception in 1965 (I was 16 and worked a very part time job but still had to pay social security and medicare even though it was miniscule). I know many others 65+ who are equally concerned and concerned as well about the cuts to medicaid that are the only medical life-line for our less well-off brothers and sisters and their children. I also know that a vast number of Americans have been unable to save the funds necessary to fund life after work, mostly due to low wages. Please don't assume those of us over 65 are clueless or un-caring.
The Trump presidency has become the mirror for the US to really take a good look at itself. Mr. Trump lacks any political know-how and his background includes being reality-show personality and grafter extraordinaire. Not only does he lack any knowledge about navigating the shark-infested DC waters, he believes that he is wise because he is rich. Admittedly, he is cunning, and abuses any means not specifically forbidden, any loophole to hold on to his "real" life.
He did not really want to become president, but now that he was electorated, our leader he will use every means available to him to do what he has always done. Every legal and not-illegal means will be milked to profit himself and his family.
We, on the other hand, should use his presidency to recognize the loopholes and strive to close them. Good luck to us and may we all survive to do so.
He did not really want to become president, but now that he was electorated, our leader he will use every means available to him to do what he has always done. Every legal and not-illegal means will be milked to profit himself and his family.
We, on the other hand, should use his presidency to recognize the loopholes and strive to close them. Good luck to us and may we all survive to do so.
126
Mr Trump believes he is wise because he is a 10-on-a-scale-of-1-to-10 narcissist.
2
Actually, he has crossed the "line" multiple times and the GOP led congress just sits by and rakes in the cash. They, evidently, are not interested in democracy or freedom. All they are interested in is themselves and their wealth. Bad for our country and bad for all of us.
I wouldn't say he is cunning.
I'd say the man (and his family and in-laws)) have absolutely no shame whatsoever.
They'll stoop to anything for money.
I'd say the man (and his family and in-laws)) have absolutely no shame whatsoever.
They'll stoop to anything for money.
1
For months all we heard from the presidential campaign of Trump was "lock her up" and false accusations about the Clinton foundation and the accusation of "pay to play" made against Ms. Clinton.
Well, along comes a family of grifters who are practicing the same thing Ms. Clinton was accused of-pay to play and fatten the wallets of the grifter family-legally.
However, Ms. Clinton was accused, with no proof, that she used her office as a vehicle in the pay to play. In the case of the grifter family, they are, in plain view, using our house as their vehicle and defiling that house in the process.
Sadly, due to the legality of this sordid activity, we cannot chant "lock him up". But, we can hold the grifter family accountable.
Perhaps we should just put a big huge sign, the best and most beautiful sign, on the White House that states "The Trump International White House". It would be fitting as they, the grifter family, has merged the house into their enterprises.
Well, along comes a family of grifters who are practicing the same thing Ms. Clinton was accused of-pay to play and fatten the wallets of the grifter family-legally.
However, Ms. Clinton was accused, with no proof, that she used her office as a vehicle in the pay to play. In the case of the grifter family, they are, in plain view, using our house as their vehicle and defiling that house in the process.
Sadly, due to the legality of this sordid activity, we cannot chant "lock him up". But, we can hold the grifter family accountable.
Perhaps we should just put a big huge sign, the best and most beautiful sign, on the White House that states "The Trump International White House". It would be fitting as they, the grifter family, has merged the house into their enterprises.
209
Why is everyone suddenly use the word "grifters?"
It's not inaccurate, but there are lots of synonyms that are equally useful to describe tree Trump clan. Are Democrats now spreading universal talking points like the Republicans do?
Outs nice to see since pushback from the democratic party but becoming mite like republicans is not the solution.
It's not inaccurate, but there are lots of synonyms that are equally useful to describe tree Trump clan. Are Democrats now spreading universal talking points like the Republicans do?
Outs nice to see since pushback from the democratic party but becoming mite like republicans is not the solution.
Rich immigrants come to the US, and work and pay taxes.
If you read the NY Times, you'll realize we need more tax revenue to pay for everything we need to pay for. We need to fund schools, medical care, and anti-poverty programs. These people come to the US, and pay local property tax, state income tax, and Federal income tax right away, and not small amounts, either.
If you read the NY Times, you'll realize we need more tax revenue to pay for everything we need to pay for. We need to fund schools, medical care, and anti-poverty programs. These people come to the US, and pay local property tax, state income tax, and Federal income tax right away, and not small amounts, either.
5
That all may be true, but this administration fundamentally ran on a platform of regulating immigration to prevent natives from losing their jobs to foreigners. Then they go behind their constituents backs and offer visas to foreigners to line their own pockets. You may not mind, but it's absolutely hypocritical and I doubt they would have gotten the votes if they had been honest about their intentions.
The EB-5 program has been around for a while and clearly it brings in the cash. What the problem is that the Kushner family using the Trump/Kushner "brand" to bring funds in for their specific projects. It is grand scale nauseating and an amazing lack of etiquette for the Kushner family to promote themselves (and their wallets) in the manner, to say the least.
Not to mention Trump's policies concerning immigration....
Not to mention Trump's policies concerning immigration....
Guess what, Jonathan? Illegal immigrants pay taxes too. Not only sales taxes, and real estate taxes in the form of rent, but if they give a fake SS number in order to work they fork over money they'll never see again. Agreed, there are lots of things that need doing around this shell of a superpower, but selling entry tickets for capital is disgusting. Taxes on huge incomes and dividends should be the source. Is your surname Kushner by any chance?
1
On top the egregrious use of a visa program for the wealthy, this creates a situation that places like New York, or London experience with luxury buildings taking up all the real estate for wealthy investors to shelter their money and make affordable housing an unattractive alternative to building empty luxury apartments. That squeeze those who actually live and work here to the margins of the city.
39
Sadly, this is different only in degree from tipping the maitre d' to get a good table in a restaurant. "Pay to play" and the EB-5 program are all cut from the same cloth, just more of it. Countries engage in the hunt for money as well--Ireland exempts artists income from tax under certain circumstances. The only one on the planet I can think of who is free of the stain of monetization of everything is the Dalai Lama.
5
No difference between sitting at a table in a restaurant and entering the country?
The wealthy really do live with a different set of rules.
The wealthy really do live with a different set of rules.
Well, heck, once you export most of the jobs, what do you have left to sell? Sell off the actual companies, sell off real estate, and then, why, just sell off being American. Everything has a price.
Hasn't anyone ever read about the fall of Rome?
The only problem is that if we have barbarians at the gate, we don't have to look outside the gate to find them. For the most part they are running our companies, running our markets and running our government.
Hasn't anyone ever read about the fall of Rome?
The only problem is that if we have barbarians at the gate, we don't have to look outside the gate to find them. For the most part they are running our companies, running our markets and running our government.
38
Well said!
They are all a bunch of thieves, starting with our President.
I'm talking about the President's entire family. Leaving his younger son and grandchildren out of this all the adults seem to have an inordinate talent of using Trump as an ATM.
And Trump himself is a flawed person, crooked in all his so call "DEALS" and untruthful in his dealing with his so called "Base."
Max Bialystok of the Producers was a saint compared to this money mad tribe.
I'm talking about the President's entire family. Leaving his younger son and grandchildren out of this all the adults seem to have an inordinate talent of using Trump as an ATM.
And Trump himself is a flawed person, crooked in all his so call "DEALS" and untruthful in his dealing with his so called "Base."
Max Bialystok of the Producers was a saint compared to this money mad tribe.
37
@Vincent189: How does the financial skulduggery of the Kushners differ, ethically speaking, from Obama's interaction with the mobster and convicted felon, Tony Resko in Chicago, which resulted in the sale of a choice piece of property to Obama in the center of the city?0r former president's acceptance of a $400,000 honorarium from the Street? Should not that money be donated to the people, since O would not have commanded that fee if we had not elected him President?$60 million for a book divided 50-50 with his spouse? That money also, at least a substantial portion, should go to charity. Obama may claim to have written 2 books,but it is the "secret de polichinelle" that Bill Ayers was to O what Maxwell Perkins was to Tom Wolfe, who never would have been able to have his manuscripts published in their raw form. Perkins tidied them up, rewriting many, a Sisyphean task, which may explain why he became an alcoholic.According to "les on dits,"Ayres, O's neighbor, heavily edited "Dreams from my Father. " According to noted critic, Christopher Anderson, "Dreams from my Father,"'s literary style resembles Ayres's. Take this insinuation for what you think it is worth. Am reminded of the old Oscar Brand song, "Everyone's a Dodger," and I am not referring to the Los Angeles baseball team.
The Trump Crime Family is on the same playing field as any Mafiosi family.
Mr. Harrison,
You are correct and I am thinking of the Clinton's who had a remarkable gain in wealth along with the former speaker Pelosi who was worth thousands when she first went into congress and now she and her husband are in the million range.
So except for Bernie they are all thieves.
However I think--my opinion--the Trump family are cashing in fast and furious. Doing this with unabashed greed. Again my opinion.
You are correct and I am thinking of the Clinton's who had a remarkable gain in wealth along with the former speaker Pelosi who was worth thousands when she first went into congress and now she and her husband are in the million range.
So except for Bernie they are all thieves.
However I think--my opinion--the Trump family are cashing in fast and furious. Doing this with unabashed greed. Again my opinion.
What more does it take? I don't like being taken as a sap, but we all will be if these conflicts of interest are not totally removed. I never realized how weak our Constitution is. The overwhelming majority of this country wants Trump impeached. If the Republicans fail to realize this, they will be rolled under the bus in 2018 and beyond. In no way should one of the Kushner's Chinese clients find a back door into this country.
23
Trump is not the problem. He is more blatant, more shameless than others, true. But he is the simply American way of politics, on steroids. Spin, double-talk, conflict of interest, venality, self-promotion, the revolving doors of power and influence and payoffs: these didn't originate with Trump. Nearly if not all presidents in recent memory (if not forever) have parlayed their presidencies into a future of wealth, comfort, celebrity. Democrat or Republican, it doesn't seem to matter. Only the degree of smoothness and hypocrisy which the person exhibited distinguishes one from another. Trump may be more vulgar and greedier/needy than others, but he's not really different. That's the beauty of Trump, that in him we can't fail to see the deficiencies in our political and economic systems when we look at him. Will we learn, will we clean up our augean stables? Probably not. We'll return to the days of yesteryear (2016) and think we've redeemed our nation.
they'll crucify Flynn - those who certainly were in on the vig-holder Putin's nifty "win-win-on-pain-of-death" Bromance plan. & the Orange Ofay will get off with nary a consequence, smelling like whatever aftershave he's using, currently Blood of the Poor.
Carter is exempt, I submit, amidst recent Presidents, from the charge of Mammon.
It's obvious that what we need here is a big, beautiful wall. A wall that surrounds the White House and separates the Trump and Kushner business interests from the presidency. This wall needs to be high enough to keep the president from throwing tweets, executive orders and signed legislation over the top, with added protections to keep him from tunneling underneath, a tactic he is well known for.
I propose that Congress immediately appropriate funds for construction of this big, beautiful wall. I believe the construction of this wall is something the majority of Americans would support.
I propose that Congress immediately appropriate funds for construction of this big, beautiful wall. I believe the construction of this wall is something the majority of Americans would support.
55
It is way cheaper not to create this kind of pollution in the first place.
why build a wall when there are so many beautiful private prison cells available?
It's not that these bits of corruption happen that's the issue -- they have occurred throughout our history. But how often have we had such a morally bankrupt Congress that is so blithe to look the other way and normalize this rot?
These visas are a sham used by the wealthy (usually from less developed countries) to get visas for family members to study and live in the US. Often the source of their wealth is very dubious, to say the least. If Trump is serious about immigration reform, this is one of the areas he'll look at.
14
Everything about Trump is window-dressing. Inside the suit is just a void.
1
I don't have enough context to say whether 10,000 immigrants per year is a lot. At face value, I'd say allowing people to buy a visa is incredibly unfair and deeply un-American. The action is not unprecedented though. Think about the H1B program. This requires more work and some innate intelligence but essentially the U.S. is targeting foreigners that can afford the most education. The Kushner relationship to the White House certainly is unprecedented though.
In any event, visa or no, the foreign real estate investment market is rife with corruption. This has been going on for a while now. I remember noticing high priced luxury apartments start going up around the same time as the Great Recession. You'd find these brand new fancy buildings parked in the middle of nowhere and wonder who was ever going to buy a unit. Take a ride along New Jersey highways and you'll understand.
Sure enough though. You'd find the building selling out without anyone ever moving in. The buildings would sit empty even while bought and paid. I figured foreign investors were using the properties to park cash while markets and currencies were still unstable. I didn't know about the immigration aspect. Either way, you have figure the charade is going to collapse eventually. Maybe EB-5 visas are what's propping up demand for these shell buildings.
In any event, visa or no, the foreign real estate investment market is rife with corruption. This has been going on for a while now. I remember noticing high priced luxury apartments start going up around the same time as the Great Recession. You'd find these brand new fancy buildings parked in the middle of nowhere and wonder who was ever going to buy a unit. Take a ride along New Jersey highways and you'll understand.
Sure enough though. You'd find the building selling out without anyone ever moving in. The buildings would sit empty even while bought and paid. I figured foreign investors were using the properties to park cash while markets and currencies were still unstable. I didn't know about the immigration aspect. Either way, you have figure the charade is going to collapse eventually. Maybe EB-5 visas are what's propping up demand for these shell buildings.
11
Yes, Trump is up to his eyeballs in the money laundering business.
A good solution to this would be to put a line item in the budget for Trump and family. Maybe 50 billion would be a start for this year, the the proviso that they do no more harm to the reputation of the U.S.
6
Enabling these jerks is a historical stain on the entire nation. It won't wash out for decades once it infuses the federal judiciary.
1
Oh, but they would want double whatever you offered.
This is so funny. Ask Senator Leahy and Bernie Sanders, both of Vermont, how important the E-B5 program for investments into their state. The hypocrisy of this article is evident. An investment into the EB-5 program is no guarantee of return of principle. There is risk. Congress passed this law and businesses use it.
4
Apparently, the interests of the Trump Family and its rich and powerful friends came first in the last Administration also.
Mmaybe some of the commenters and the writer of the opinion should consider the jobs that were created by EB5. Bringing money and jobs, through foreign investment, to the USA is good, not bad. Almost every country in the world tries to do this, except of course places like North Korea. To hear the comments we can never have a President who has wide business experience and investments because someone will think of a potential conflict. What about the President who makes decisions because it will help his political party isn't that a conflict?
2
Granted. So would it be out of line to stipulate what type of investment should qualify for the program? Buying a house is a pretty far cry from buying a business or establishing a start up.
Clearly no sane investor would invest in Trump Inc or Kushner Inc. The EB-5 program allows foreigners to buy green cards to pay for "investments" that have too low a rate of return for American investors.
1
Does the publishing industry have "scandalous" tax write offs? Better look into it before casting the first stone.
1
The harm done to our integrity by EB-5 is immeasurable. When Trump refuses Syrian refugees and deports random Mexican workers and rails against "illegal immigrants" and then uses cash as the criterion for admission, America suffers. If you have lived in America for 10 or 20 years, paid taxes, own a house but don't have a green card you are summarily packed onto a bus and sent to Mexico while a rich person can buy citizenship we have become a criminal organization. The Trump family and friends are corrupting our government and their behavior invites lawlessness and erodes the fundamental basis of democracy. Shameful.
18
So let me get this straight...very wealthy Chinese folks who bankroll the Kushner/Trump family are good and people who come over in boats and have no money are bad because all they have to offer are themselves.
Absolutely nothing can shame these people. They will continue to shop around, using whatever means possible, to entice rich people to give them money in exchange for coming to our country. They are not doing this for the good of our country, to "make america great again"; they are doing it to get rich and bankroll their golf courses and make more money off wealthy golfers...they are just a bunch of grifters.
Absolutely nothing can shame these people. They will continue to shop around, using whatever means possible, to entice rich people to give them money in exchange for coming to our country. They are not doing this for the good of our country, to "make america great again"; they are doing it to get rich and bankroll their golf courses and make more money off wealthy golfers...they are just a bunch of grifters.
22
Whenever I ask a rational question about the Trumps that could be interpreted as being either supportive or naïve, I have to preface it with the comment that I did not support Trump and thought he was not capable of being president
I really don’t know any Trump supporters but I have to ask this question of everybody: Wasn’t it obvious—to everybody—that Trump, his family and friends would privatize the presidency and “game” the system?
These are avaricious business people, their history details it, the way Trump campaigned foretold it and the people he selected to run every department reflect the same behavior.
Even avid Trump supporters expected these questionable business practices to become government standards; so why does every article, opinion column and editorial continually recount the style of Trump, family and friends?
It ought to be clear by now that you cannot embarrass these people. If this behavior is illegal, isn’t about time to take action against a sea of impending troubles?
Don’t just remind us that the Trumps are “at it again.” Other than impotent marching and writing letters to a deaf congress, tell us what other steps are open to us.
I really don’t know any Trump supporters but I have to ask this question of everybody: Wasn’t it obvious—to everybody—that Trump, his family and friends would privatize the presidency and “game” the system?
These are avaricious business people, their history details it, the way Trump campaigned foretold it and the people he selected to run every department reflect the same behavior.
Even avid Trump supporters expected these questionable business practices to become government standards; so why does every article, opinion column and editorial continually recount the style of Trump, family and friends?
It ought to be clear by now that you cannot embarrass these people. If this behavior is illegal, isn’t about time to take action against a sea of impending troubles?
Don’t just remind us that the Trumps are “at it again.” Other than impotent marching and writing letters to a deaf congress, tell us what other steps are open to us.
10
Trump is so transparently a crook that the only reasonable inference one can make from his empowerment is that he validates millions of wannabes.
Trumps fleecing of our democracy gets more depressing daily.
10
I've always laughed at the corruption and cronyism of third-world banana republics. Those found in Africa, Eastern Europe, Asia... I never thought the USA would become a caricature. I was wrong. We are becoming despicable.
9
the pResident we deserve, perhaps?
As the old saying goes: He who has the Gold, Makes the Rules.
Any doubt on how Trump family's fortune --and the 1% wealthiest Americans -- will end up in the next four years?
Any doubt on how Trump family's fortune --and the 1% wealthiest Americans -- will end up in the next four years?
6
As illustrated by this story, would Ayn Rand have been able to grasp that it is the rich, not the poor, who are the takers of society. And now they are further enabled and emboldened by a Grifter in Chief.
2
Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged" heroes dropped out of it all.
And how many Russians and Saudis have "bought" visas through EB-5 because trump needed funds for his real estate interests?
3
Russia has the Oligarchs running things, the USA has the Trump kleptocrats.
We thought government contractors were the scourge of government waste but the Trump family presidency has set the bar to new heights.
We thought government contractors were the scourge of government waste but the Trump family presidency has set the bar to new heights.
5
Is there no line the Trump extended family will not cross in pursuit of their own enrichment at the expense of America?
2
Trump, Ivanka, Kushner and both sons are all using their new stature to $line their pockets. Well, Trump did say he'd be the first president to make a $profit.
A sucker is born every minute and Trump seems to have cornered the market.
A sucker is born every minute and Trump seems to have cornered the market.
2
Will Congress ever do anything?
Is democracy still alive?
This is just the kind of issue that will test that.
Can a family of greedy grifters stage a complete coup and get away with it?
Watch this space.
Is democracy still alive?
This is just the kind of issue that will test that.
Can a family of greedy grifters stage a complete coup and get away with it?
Watch this space.
1
Aslan, these are rhetorical questions, yes?
Financial predators taking care of their own first. Imagine that. These folks are nothing more than corporate servants skirting the fine line between right and wrong. All the while counting their new found money on the way to the bank and proclaiming immigrants who are not wealthy and of financial interest to them as enemies of the country. Such shallow and hypocritical people are a disgrace and shameful. They make us all look bad.
1
The EB5 visa program gets funds for Trump & Associates "investors." The HB1 visa program gets employees for Trump & Associates businesses. Profiting of foreigners for their own personal gain, while claiming to help the Americans. Isn't this beautiful?
Trump and Kushner families greedy, crooked and corrupt? Who could have predicted that america? What a bunch of chumps the vaunted " american public" actually is- played for suckers again....
1
Too bad Jared didn't learn anything after his dad went to jail. I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
2
How does investment in a real estate venture create "10 permanent jobs", since by definition real estate ventures come to an end upon their completion. Or are they thinking about the janitors that eventually would service them. Business always complains about regulations and time and again they get around them, creating by their complaints an atmosphere for further unwarranted concessions. And the "forgotten" men believe that these people are going to help them?
1
Jared Kushner and his sister earned their wealth and power the old fashioned way...they inherited it.
What is wrong with Jared Kushner, who is an unpaid White House adviser not subject to Senate confirmation and the son-in-law of the President of United States, converting his public service into personal, family and corporate profit?
By concealing his personal, family and corporate income tax returns and business records that is exactly what Donald John Trump is doing. And as he says the American people knew that and Trump still won election to occupy the Oval Office of our White House. Little sister Kushner simply stated the obvious.
If the American people wanted royal rule our national anthem would be 'God Save The Queen' and we would not need any Trumps.
What is wrong with Jared Kushner, who is an unpaid White House adviser not subject to Senate confirmation and the son-in-law of the President of United States, converting his public service into personal, family and corporate profit?
By concealing his personal, family and corporate income tax returns and business records that is exactly what Donald John Trump is doing. And as he says the American people knew that and Trump still won election to occupy the Oval Office of our White House. Little sister Kushner simply stated the obvious.
If the American people wanted royal rule our national anthem would be 'God Save The Queen' and we would not need any Trumps.
123
Trump won the Electoral College. He's the second Republican in 16 years to become president without winning the popular vote. Makes you wonder about the shape of American democracy.
@Maggie Mae
Winning a majority of the Electoral College as determined by the popular vote majority in fifty state elections plus the District of Columbia is the shape of 'democracy' in our American Constitutional divided limited power republic. There is no national popular vote democratic election.
Winning a majority of the Electoral College as determined by the popular vote majority in fifty state elections plus the District of Columbia is the shape of 'democracy' in our American Constitutional divided limited power republic. There is no national popular vote democratic election.
2
He did not win the election. He won the EC. Most of us did not want this immoral lying kleptocrat and his unholy spawn looting our great nation
2
When the fox is put in charge of the chicken coup you eventually end up with no chickens. That's probably not good for the chickens or the fox. These Trump money grabs are becoming increasingly more transparent and inartful. Keeping track of the GOP looting of America is like herding cats. Clearly, this has become the land of opportunity over the land of justice and equality.
249
I think your spelling of coop (coup) was a Freudian slip!
The EB-5 visa program is an obscenity with obscene consequences. We have a situation where, for $500K, investors can buy their pathways to US citizenship.
In Indiana on the other hand, a Hispanic man, a 20-year US resident, father of a good family, founder of a local restaurant, employer of several local residents, pillar of his community, with no criminal record, has been apprehended for deportation. He was arrested when he voluntarily reported in to an immigration office. His family was broken up, his business ruined, and a community resource was severely damaged.
Meanwhile, the struggling border town of Newport VT suffers an enormous mid-village scar from an abandoned commercial construction project resulting from a felonious EB-5 sponsored scam that has damaged the entire Northeast Kingdom of Vermont with no restitution in sight for a seriously economically challenged region.
Our immigration policy is as insane as our national health care, and that's saying something.
In Indiana on the other hand, a Hispanic man, a 20-year US resident, father of a good family, founder of a local restaurant, employer of several local residents, pillar of his community, with no criminal record, has been apprehended for deportation. He was arrested when he voluntarily reported in to an immigration office. His family was broken up, his business ruined, and a community resource was severely damaged.
Meanwhile, the struggling border town of Newport VT suffers an enormous mid-village scar from an abandoned commercial construction project resulting from a felonious EB-5 sponsored scam that has damaged the entire Northeast Kingdom of Vermont with no restitution in sight for a seriously economically challenged region.
Our immigration policy is as insane as our national health care, and that's saying something.
475
I would much rather have people with money immigrating to this country than those without it. Or without education, skills, means of support, etc. We should have entry rules more in line with those of Canada and Australia.
Gaming the EB-5 visa which guarantees a path to citizenship or the much touted and maligned H1B visa which offers no such guarantee are both reprehensible. It is just that the EB-5 is for foreign fat cats who benefit local fat cats such as the Kushners, Trumps, etc. Selling green cards for $500,000 seed money to create jobs seems cheap. In this instance it is Chinese. What if the well heeled dubious Saudi charities bought a few of these visas for ISIS sympathisers masquerading as investors? Are we vetting these investors and the source if their funds? This is the gilded hole in the Wall to be built by President Trump. Since he's having difficulty getting Congress to approve funding for the Wall, our real estate Moghul in the White House can raise the funds selling visas to foreign investors and tycoons! Scrap this program!
135
Yes, the investors and source of funds are thoroughly vetted. EB-5 investors go through three specific vetting efforts, as opposed to other visa categories (including asylum seekers) which may be just one or two. Source of funds is a HUGE part of the documentation process, and I would opine that it is impossible to get through this process without a legitimate, clean, documented source of funds.
Money changing hands for special favors is corrupt practice.
Let us call this entire scheme exactly what it is, namely corruption.
Let us call the Kushner family and those other real estate persons utilizing this scheme exactly what they are, namely corrupt.
Senators Feinstein (D-CA) and Grassley (R-IA) did the right thing by trying to eliminate the EB-5 program, with its practice of special favors for special entities.
Trump signing a spending bill that extended this practice is simply an enabler to corruption.
How convenient that his extended family profits from his action.
Are we at all surprised.
Incidentally, the matter of Hillary's e-mails pales into insignificance by comparison.
Let us call this entire scheme exactly what it is, namely corruption.
Let us call the Kushner family and those other real estate persons utilizing this scheme exactly what they are, namely corrupt.
Senators Feinstein (D-CA) and Grassley (R-IA) did the right thing by trying to eliminate the EB-5 program, with its practice of special favors for special entities.
Trump signing a spending bill that extended this practice is simply an enabler to corruption.
How convenient that his extended family profits from his action.
Are we at all surprised.
Incidentally, the matter of Hillary's e-mails pales into insignificance by comparison.
7
After Yates' and Clapper's testimony yesterday, and the Trump familiy's shenanigans, and the missiles, and Donald's tweets and twitters, Mar-a-Lago and NYC expenses, and most anything connected with Donald Trump, Anthony Weiner's computer looks pretty darn silly. Right, Mr. Comey?
How this country stooped this low is sick and sad.
How this country stooped this low is sick and sad.
220
And yet, even though those who oppose Trump are a majority - through gerrymandering, controlling both houses and effective propaganda, the minority that had 3 million less votes in the last election will continue to rule and solidify power.
2
Comey: Trump's waggy-tail puppy dog. I think the man is still mentally pre-pubescent.
Let's deport poor Mexicans and Latinos from Central America living here illegally, eking out a living and roll out the red carpet and make room for the Chinese Billionaires trying to escape air pollution. We might need a permanent committee to triage and investigate the laundry list of totally shady, marginally shady and seemingly but not really shady dealings of this hundred-headed serpent.
42
Why is ANYONE surprised that 'Trump/Kushner Inc." would use the White House as anything but another promotion gimmick?
His Cabinet is a coffee flavor, "Choc-Full-O-Billionaires", the legislation he offers is a new television show called "Wheel of Our Fortunes" in which billionaires spin to see who gets the lowest tax rates and his chicken hawk approach to warfare smacks of what some soldiers commented about Patton, "Our blood, his guts".
So the "welcome mat" is laid down for Chinese loaded with cash while penniless refugees, well, they can just suck pond water.
Has he announced plans to change the 'Statue of Liberty" to "Trump Time Share Monument/Condos" yet?
His Cabinet is a coffee flavor, "Choc-Full-O-Billionaires", the legislation he offers is a new television show called "Wheel of Our Fortunes" in which billionaires spin to see who gets the lowest tax rates and his chicken hawk approach to warfare smacks of what some soldiers commented about Patton, "Our blood, his guts".
So the "welcome mat" is laid down for Chinese loaded with cash while penniless refugees, well, they can just suck pond water.
Has he announced plans to change the 'Statue of Liberty" to "Trump Time Share Monument/Condos" yet?
32
The EB-5 visa program was created in 1990, when Jared Kushner was nine-year old. All companies that seek foreign capital use the EB-5 program as part of their marketing strategy. This is what Congress intended when it created the program. According to the New York Times, “the [Kushner] firm raised about $50 million from Chinese investors in EB-5 funding for another project in Jersey City, a Trump-branded luxury apartment tower that opened in late 2016.” President Obama was in the White House at the time.
1
The Beijing and Shanghai marketing events were hosted by a Chinese company that matches Chinese investors with companies seeking venture capital. The company distributes a brochure that includes information about the EB-5 visa program, which the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service also advertises on its website. The Kushner firm set up a booth and gave presentations at the event. The Kushner firm did the same thing when President Obama was in the White House. According to the New York Times, “the firm raised about $50 million from Chinese investors in EB-5 funding for another project in Jersey City, a Trump-branded luxury apartment tower that opened in late 2016.” When Jared Kushner was the firm’s CEO, he gave the presentations. This year his sister Nicole gave the presentation, telling attendees that her brother had joined the Trump administration and was no longer connected to the firm. Of course, this was common knowledge.
Dear Mr. Case,
And which relatives of Mr. Obama attended the event?
And in THIS event, why wasn't the 'press' allowed into the 'closed door' presentation which, I understand, showed pictures of Mr. Trump and the White House?
Sorry, you'll need a LOT more lipstick for this particular porcine.
And which relatives of Mr. Obama attended the event?
And in THIS event, why wasn't the 'press' allowed into the 'closed door' presentation which, I understand, showed pictures of Mr. Trump and the White House?
Sorry, you'll need a LOT more lipstick for this particular porcine.
1
As far as I am concerned, the issue here is not if the visa program is good policy. The issue is the continuing efforts by the Trumps and the Kushners to cash in and enrich themselves by virtue of the Presidency. Is it too much to expect that a President and his family comport themselves with grace and dignity?
Perhaps the most telling example of this is the President's first speech before the Congress. Everyone oohed and aahed about how "Presidential" he was during the speech. Why can't the President act Presidential every day while in office? I take major issue with GOP policies, but I can't recall one GOP President extending back to and including Richard Nixon who was as crass and grasping as this one and his family.
Perhaps the most telling example of this is the President's first speech before the Congress. Everyone oohed and aahed about how "Presidential" he was during the speech. Why can't the President act Presidential every day while in office? I take major issue with GOP policies, but I can't recall one GOP President extending back to and including Richard Nixon who was as crass and grasping as this one and his family.
590
"Is it too much to expect that a President and his family comport themselves with grace and dignity?" Yes. This president and his family are the perfect antithesis of grace and dignity.
3
To ask for grace and dignity from this family? Yes, you are asking too much.
1
The only thing "presidential" about his speech was his ability to read from a teleprompter, albeit badly. Without a prepared text, Trump babbles incoherently. One just has to read the transcripts.
I want to know who is really behind the curtain. It certainly isn't the Grifter in Chief.
I want to know who is really behind the curtain. It certainly isn't the Grifter in Chief.
The newly elected President Donald Trump is corrupt together with his whole family. Jared Kushner the Secretary of every department with absolutely no experience is actually a master of none. We wanted him to do one thing which is to get rid of Steve Bannon he failed.
Now come his sister, father even the wife Ivanka who mastered how to speak softly and look stunning with absolutely no facial expression. She was supposed to channel Donald to support woman`s issues she is not doing a single thing to achieve that.
The whole family is poised to be looters and takers.
Now come his sister, father even the wife Ivanka who mastered how to speak softly and look stunning with absolutely no facial expression. She was supposed to channel Donald to support woman`s issues she is not doing a single thing to achieve that.
The whole family is poised to be looters and takers.
59
I hope someone somewhere is compiling a file on all these clear conflicts of interest in which Trump and his family are enriching themselves (UAE, Philippines,China etc etc). This has become so egregious that even before 2018 the Congress will need to move toward impeachment under the emoluments clause. Public opinion needs to be informed and mobilised to that end.
38
The Republican Congress is nothing but a collection of stooges lapping up plutocrat money for selling people into captivity. Expect nothing but more enablement of the worst of the worst from these suckups.
1
It is more and more difficult to imagine how Trump can ultimately escape impeachment.
1
google CREW...Richard Painter and Norm Eisen..they used to be ethics lawyers for both Pres. Bush and Obama..they are keeping tabs..
1
The thing that's so insulting about this program is how "chump change" it is. $500K for a visa? That doesn't even buy you a studio in Manhattan. Charge real money - like $5M. Better yet - tie it to the something with meaning, like the net wealth of the President or the average net wealth of his cabinet.
18
In life there are two sets of rules...one set for the rich and another for all of the rest of us.
But the Trumps and Kushners have even sunk to a new all time low with their shameless exploiting of the Office of the President in just the first 100 days of Trump's term.
But the Trumps and Kushners have even sunk to a new all time low with their shameless exploiting of the Office of the President in just the first 100 days of Trump's term.
38
There are no rules for the mega-rich. There are rules for the modestly rich.
Thieves, pirates, and liars involved in the fleecing of government by using power and influence for personal profit and gain. Our democracy is becoming their marketing agent, at the tax payers expense!
43
I really believe it's time for Congress to look into trumps conflict of interest's. This is just another example of him and his family using the job of POTUS to enrich themselves. His daughter and son-in-law should not be part of any white house staff. All of this might be a gray area in the law however I believe a honest, aboveboard president would not look for loop holes in the law to enrich himself.
31
Honest and aboveboard? Surely you dream sir. This maybe the most corrupt administration since Grant.
1
Do you really think the Republican congress will look into this? You must be extremely naive.
1
The whole rotten Republican delegation to Washington is every bit as conflicted as Trump, and their oaths are equally worthless.
1
The only possible hope is that the blatant corruption Trumpians have indulged causes the most blind, deaf and apathetic voter to call for across the board reforms.
The way in which extremely wealthy parties have dominated US elections has to be stopped, and it has to be through Congressional action. A real populist rebellion would demand that some balance of power - and wealth - be returned - maybe the Trump/Kushner dances with the oligarchs of their world will trigger universal disgust. Until then, the rest of us live with the daily nausea...
The way in which extremely wealthy parties have dominated US elections has to be stopped, and it has to be through Congressional action. A real populist rebellion would demand that some balance of power - and wealth - be returned - maybe the Trump/Kushner dances with the oligarchs of their world will trigger universal disgust. Until then, the rest of us live with the daily nausea...
19
Well no big surprise here. To Trump supporters: The white house is open for business and getting an unvetted visa is up to the highest bidders. Visa holders that will take your jobs. So see it really wasn't the Mexican field workers you needed to worry about. The swamp gets a little murkier every day. And as long as the Trump-Kushner oligarchy says they aren't doing it, you buy it. Pathetic.
39
The level of corruption, greed and fraud this administration is pursuing with the vocal support of Fox News, Churches and Congress is shocking. I couldn't get this script produced because they would tell me it lacks believability
Do your job Congress...Do it now.
Every newspaper and tv news hour and radio show should have a section on this administrations corruption. We have the weather, sport and Today in Trump Corruption we have....
Each segment should name and flog those that are simply not doing their job in government. A published list for all to see - every day
Do your job Congress...Do it now.
Every newspaper and tv news hour and radio show should have a section on this administrations corruption. We have the weather, sport and Today in Trump Corruption we have....
Each segment should name and flog those that are simply not doing their job in government. A published list for all to see - every day
27
There is no fat chance of the Republican-controlled House and Senate responding with legislative restraints on this. self-serving presidency at any time in the near future. Is
not the recent health care bill passed by the House proof
enough of this?
not the recent health care bill passed by the House proof
enough of this?
What I don't understand is what sort of fantasy land Trump's average supporters live in that allows them to think this sort of thing is okay? How naive does one have to be to think that giving Trump a pass on this sort of thing will engender him or his family to dry up the swamp by even just one teaspoon. They haven't ever bought a used car?
As to his wealthy supporters, them I understand. Greed and lust, plain, simple, end of story.
As to his wealthy supporters, them I understand. Greed and lust, plain, simple, end of story.
31
Trump enablers believe sucking up makes manna shower down.
1
"...raising the minimum investments for the program,...". Oh you mean like doubling the rate at Mar-a-lago. Elizabeth Warren had it right when she described this crowd as a bunch of "Money Grubbers." In my best Comey: "Lordy" these people are embarrassing. I'm embarrassed and New York City aught to be doubly embarrassed. What a bunch of money grubbing creeps.
27
Trump is reviled in New York City. Few voted for him here. We knew what he was all about way back when, and he was mostly a punchline. Now he is no joke, and it's no accident that his first foray back into the city was not until last week. He rushed in and out, because the protestors were out in droves. Bad optics. New York City need not be "doubly embarrassed." We did not elect him.
1
Well, what a surprise!! Who would have thought it possible? Trump extended this "policy"!
There is no news about this administration that is too disgusting.
The real sadness is that there are still so many people who support Trump, Kushner, Ivanka and the rest of the lot. Millions of people think this is good? They celebrate the man and his family and cronies?
Chinese or Russians or other billionaires get to be citizens by "investing" in the USA. Right. This is good because.....we need more immigrants to help us develop! What about those bad hombres who pick grapes? Guess we don't really want them since they can't purchase gold toilets.
Please tell me this is all a bad dream and we will wake up soon.
There is no news about this administration that is too disgusting.
The real sadness is that there are still so many people who support Trump, Kushner, Ivanka and the rest of the lot. Millions of people think this is good? They celebrate the man and his family and cronies?
Chinese or Russians or other billionaires get to be citizens by "investing" in the USA. Right. This is good because.....we need more immigrants to help us develop! What about those bad hombres who pick grapes? Guess we don't really want them since they can't purchase gold toilets.
Please tell me this is all a bad dream and we will wake up soon.
28
We're splitting up and throwing out families who have been here for decades while hawking visas to foreign investors. Has national decency fallen that far?
66
Canada has a similar visa program that has enticed 100,000 Chinese millionaires to Vancouver in the last 30 years. Their program allows foreigners with a net worth of at least 1.6 million to get a visa.
5
Yes, it's true, and many of us are very upset. They each buy several houses to flip.
2
Canada does have such a program. And it has led to a major housing issue where the 'homegrown' residents can no longer afford to live there (Vancouver). What happens to the infrastructure of a jurisdiction when the nurses, bus drivers and maintenance workers all move away because they can't afford it? The program has turned into a nightmare.
2
That program was developed so the rich Hong Kong citizens who were thrown under the bus by Britain would have a safe haven after 1997.
Wouldn't be a lot more straightforward to just outright sell visas for $500k? I think the country and the public would see more benefit from it, rather than having the uberwealthy elites cash in.
12
This is not fresh news. Visas for sale.
Fortune magazine artyice exposed it almost 3 years ago--but our govt failed to do anything. http://fortune.com/2014/07/24/immigration-eb-5-visa-for-sale.
Whatis the matter here? Oh, the rich get whatever they want or can sell for a quick profit--even crooks.
Fortune magazine artyice exposed it almost 3 years ago--but our govt failed to do anything. http://fortune.com/2014/07/24/immigration-eb-5-visa-for-sale.
Whatis the matter here? Oh, the rich get whatever they want or can sell for a quick profit--even crooks.
5
@ mike: "This is not fresh news. Visas for sale."
When has this country EVER had a president and his family directly benefiting from such transactions. Fresh news indeed, and the longer this congress allows it to flourish unchecked, the harder it will be to rid our country of the stench.
When has this country EVER had a president and his family directly benefiting from such transactions. Fresh news indeed, and the longer this congress allows it to flourish unchecked, the harder it will be to rid our country of the stench.
2
Nicole Meyer was shamelessly trading on her brother's relationship with Trump. Inappropriate, highly so.
Re EB-5: it was a more important source of capital during the economic downturn. The program should be revised by requiring that assisted projects be located in economically distressed areas.
Re Trump's extension of the program through September: like the rest of the federal budget, as the Times knows. Unnecessary cheap shot, NYT.
Re EB-5: it was a more important source of capital during the economic downturn. The program should be revised by requiring that assisted projects be located in economically distressed areas.
Re Trump's extension of the program through September: like the rest of the federal budget, as the Times knows. Unnecessary cheap shot, NYT.
6
Mr. Kushner's divesting himself of any part of his family business (at least one of them) is a joke. He is a young man who can easily be brought back into the business down the road. Even if he starts his "own" real estate business, he can do so with the family name and even family money. There is no way that a Kushner or a Trump is going to actually disconnect from the family business. What benefits the business benefits all of them whether currently in or out of the business.
67
Here is my problem - the nation of my birth has become increasingly corrupt, almost completely turned away from its founding principles, and has, under trump and the republican-controlled congress, become little more than a banana republic, a virtual pariah on the global stage. The administration and its cronies flout ethical and moral behavior each and every day, literally daring those who still care to do anything about it, because they know we cannot. We are therefore faced with a choice - to either accept being taken for the fools too many of our fellow countrymen clearly are, thereby tacitly approving of it all, or leave this country for another in which a majority of citizens still value and demand national character. That is an extremely revolting choice to have to make, especially toward the end of one's life. It never should have come to this.
173
We can also vote the Republicans out of office in 2018 and start impeachment proceedings. We can demand investigations of every ongoing corruption, and kudos to the Times for covering the daily chicanery and criminality that is the Trump administration. We can boycott his products and those of his son and daughter. We can vote to overturn Citizens United, which has corrupted the American government and bought the Republican Congress. We can demand universal health coverage, and immigration reform, so that you can't buy citizenship if you're a wealthy Chinese investor who can drive up the price of real estate so that in-country Americans can no longer afford to live where they've been raised and we all become Tibetans. Yes, you can do more than flee to another country.
1
MIchael, well said.
I think it is an open question whether the Trump supporters suffer from stupidity or mendacity. There is a theory that they know full well how grotesque and incompetent he is and they knowingly punished the "liberal elites" by voting for him. They hate us more than they love the country. Either way, it's horrible.
I think it is an open question whether the Trump supporters suffer from stupidity or mendacity. There is a theory that they know full well how grotesque and incompetent he is and they knowingly punished the "liberal elites" by voting for him. They hate us more than they love the country. Either way, it's horrible.
1
Scotland and France are looking better and better and better with each passing scandal.
1
Breaking news: A new poll identifies the Nixon Presidency as the most ethical ever. The leading question was: Trump v Nixon.
Breaking news: A new poll identifies Jared Kushner as the most selfless patriot ever putting his billions in a trust to serve the nation. The poll also identifies Kushner as the most crafty ever in the history of the Republic by risking his billions to the care of his sister who speaks English but apparently has never understood terms like nepotism, abuse of power. Jack Abamoff is near sainthood contrasted with the horrific abuse of this Kushner family.
The most disturbing aspect: contrast the media on this horrible visas for sale scheme to enrich the Kushner family with the megatons of coverage of the Hillary Emails which amounted to a hill of beans.
The abuse is now become so grotesque: Spicer's lies, Trump's lies, Kushner family corruption - it's the new normal. It doesn't shock anymore.
Breaking news: A new poll identifies Jared Kushner as the most selfless patriot ever putting his billions in a trust to serve the nation. The poll also identifies Kushner as the most crafty ever in the history of the Republic by risking his billions to the care of his sister who speaks English but apparently has never understood terms like nepotism, abuse of power. Jack Abamoff is near sainthood contrasted with the horrific abuse of this Kushner family.
The most disturbing aspect: contrast the media on this horrible visas for sale scheme to enrich the Kushner family with the megatons of coverage of the Hillary Emails which amounted to a hill of beans.
The abuse is now become so grotesque: Spicer's lies, Trump's lies, Kushner family corruption - it's the new normal. It doesn't shock anymore.
106
The US is too brain dead to see what a soggy insult to intelligence it has become by pandering to dominionist narcissism.
2
Sorry, but I fail to understand the uproar.
For many of us, it has always been about money and never more so than in the good old USA
Money talks. It always has. It most likely always will. There will always be some who are unable to get enough of it, no matter how much they already have.
I doubt very much that there is any country in the world where one cannot buy citizenship for the right price.
Money has always influenced our politics. Again, there are those who will do almost anything (and in some cases one can drop the "almost") to add more money to their individual pockets with no regard for how this effects anyone else.
There are many Americans very willing to increase their own material wealth regardless of the fact that some who cannot afford to pay for proper health care will lose their lives or the lives of other family members.
Yes, Trump is an excellent example of this type of person and it is likely that those who would associate with him share this mindset. He is no different from many others.
The constant pursuit of more and ever more money is a disease that affects many of us. And until someone finds a cure for it (Good luck!) those of us that have managed to avoid this disease have to learn to accept that we are the lucky ones, and to be more understanding, and forgiving, of those who suffer from it.
For many of us, it has always been about money and never more so than in the good old USA
Money talks. It always has. It most likely always will. There will always be some who are unable to get enough of it, no matter how much they already have.
I doubt very much that there is any country in the world where one cannot buy citizenship for the right price.
Money has always influenced our politics. Again, there are those who will do almost anything (and in some cases one can drop the "almost") to add more money to their individual pockets with no regard for how this effects anyone else.
There are many Americans very willing to increase their own material wealth regardless of the fact that some who cannot afford to pay for proper health care will lose their lives or the lives of other family members.
Yes, Trump is an excellent example of this type of person and it is likely that those who would associate with him share this mindset. He is no different from many others.
The constant pursuit of more and ever more money is a disease that affects many of us. And until someone finds a cure for it (Good luck!) those of us that have managed to avoid this disease have to learn to accept that we are the lucky ones, and to be more understanding, and forgiving, of those who suffer from it.
104
Turn the other cheek to the Kushner's et al ?
Not me!
Not me!
9
you are burying illegal activity under the broad brush criticism of the prevalence of greed. not very useful.
8
There is no cure for excess greed short of a progressive net worth tax. If no negative feedback is applied to these extremists, they lead nations into chaos.
1
The Trump empire continues. Common sense is completely gone.
The political radar is broken. Of course Jared Kushner will benefit
from being the President's son-in-law but Trump is the Commander in
Chief, and that's where the blame lies. Allowing Trump to function
without any guidance or strategy is sheer folly. The GOP leaders
can help guide Trump to common sense reality. A word about Steve Bannon:
he is still on the team but probably has been instructed to stay out
of the spotlight. And the Apprentice Emperor stumbles forward for
the next hundred days.
spotlight.
The political radar is broken. Of course Jared Kushner will benefit
from being the President's son-in-law but Trump is the Commander in
Chief, and that's where the blame lies. Allowing Trump to function
without any guidance or strategy is sheer folly. The GOP leaders
can help guide Trump to common sense reality. A word about Steve Bannon:
he is still on the team but probably has been instructed to stay out
of the spotlight. And the Apprentice Emperor stumbles forward for
the next hundred days.
spotlight.
26
Oligarchy is on full swing at the WH
43
Apparently the Kushner clan got the group discount on Trump University diplomas. Name dropping is their senior thesis. A+!
28
One has to wonder how this will play with "the base" in the heartland. They hate poor Mexicans. How do they feel about wealthy Chinese buying their way into the country, and raising housing prices for native-born Americans?
36
They won't know or care if they do hear. Fox and friends will cleanse this from their minds.
4
Is this one of those "loopholes", and lets admit it is one, that Trump says he is gonna close?
I wont hold my breath.
I wont hold my breath.
18
legal to obtain such a visa I do not doubt, but implying that your brother's father in law, the President of the US, is the final arbiter of such cases? If that's legal it's time to make it illegal. And since when did legalities trump Presidential ethics? Oh wait, I answered my own question.
20
Every single day since Trump was signed into office the further down the peripheral rabbit hole he is dragging us.
The country I know is fading away.
I feel like a "stranger in a strange land"
Someone, something has got to make it end and really soon!
The country I know is fading away.
I feel like a "stranger in a strange land"
Someone, something has got to make it end and really soon!
41
EB-5 is a scam, period. Correlating investments in luxury real estate with rich foreigners obtaining citizenship from it is absurd beyond belief. Firms that provide this financing often substantially mark up the price of the funds they obtain from Visa buyers, thereby inflating their profits to even greater heights than the developers receiving the funds.
Kushner and EB-5 is a conflict of interest that does not need to be investigated - just prosecuted. Right to the top.
Kushner and EB-5 is a conflict of interest that does not need to be investigated - just prosecuted. Right to the top.
33
I know you are trying to twist this article to reflect badly on Trump et al as is your cause, but the reality is different- even if the chorus hereabouts does again choose to jump on your reporting and sing from the same demented hymn sheet.
The fact is the EB-5 has been a path to entry for anyone with a chunk of liquid cash since 1990 (and certainly not limited to real estate developers). They can become citizen (if they so wish). It's their choice. Usually a choice limited to millionaires admittedly. So why do we offer this?
We offer EB-5 privilege (and it is a privilege) to attract capital and investment, which itself attracts or has the potential to attract and create employment. Switzerland (yes, EVEN Switzerland) and many others offer similar.
EB-5 is nothing new, only the way you are trying to spin it is new.
It's raining today, are you going to blame Trump for that?
Grow up!
The fact is the EB-5 has been a path to entry for anyone with a chunk of liquid cash since 1990 (and certainly not limited to real estate developers). They can become citizen (if they so wish). It's their choice. Usually a choice limited to millionaires admittedly. So why do we offer this?
We offer EB-5 privilege (and it is a privilege) to attract capital and investment, which itself attracts or has the potential to attract and create employment. Switzerland (yes, EVEN Switzerland) and many others offer similar.
EB-5 is nothing new, only the way you are trying to spin it is new.
It's raining today, are you going to blame Trump for that?
Grow up!
3
Trump isn't going to close any immigration loophole to rake off from.
1
Hey, thanks for breaking it down for me. To be fair to Donnie, EB-5 is nothing new. What IS new are the changing tides of global wealth and soon to be obvious elite class of Chinese kleptocrats snatching up property in the US (if not already so).
A rigged system may compel a reassessment of the origin of said gains to acquire legal residency status.
A rigged system may compel a reassessment of the origin of said gains to acquire legal residency status.
The difference you fail to see, is that Jared is using his position as advisor to the President, not in the interests of the U.S., but in his own self-interest. Example: Jared meets with Chinese investors and bankers to discuss trade imbalances between Chinese dumping of steel in the U.S. If he's more interested in having those investors invest in his real estate holdings, then how hard will he negotiate in the interests of U.S. steel? He most likely cares less about steel workers in Cleveland than he does about his 53 story condo on West 57th. There lies the conflict of interest you fail to see.
1
Oh, leave young Jared alone. He is not even a billionaire. Even when they eliminate the estate tax affecting only people like his father-in-law, he only stands to gain hundreds of millions in the long run. Swamp? Corrupt? Unqualified? How can we even think such things?
22
A house is only as safe as it's weakest door...a door that can be opened with money is an open invitation for terrorists to stroll in.
22
The real problems with the EB1 Program are the derisory types of "Jobs" it encourages, and the tiny (by plutocratic standards) investment required.
Let's talk about a $5 Million investment that creates above median wage manufacturing jobs, with an automatic (from the investor) plus a requirement that the investor drop of say $25K (Put into a trust) per worker in the corporate retirement fund; The "Investor" and all associated financial entity's should be statutorily barred from any benefits from the Retirement Fund.
No more of the service and warehouse "job creation" nonsense, manufacturing.
Let's talk about a $5 Million investment that creates above median wage manufacturing jobs, with an automatic (from the investor) plus a requirement that the investor drop of say $25K (Put into a trust) per worker in the corporate retirement fund; The "Investor" and all associated financial entity's should be statutorily barred from any benefits from the Retirement Fund.
No more of the service and warehouse "job creation" nonsense, manufacturing.
78
@Orc:
It's a scam involving sale of a loophole. After enough palms get greased the loophole miraculously opens. "Open sesame ... ".
But Administration spokespersons like Sean and KellyAnne see, hear, and speak no evil.
"Nothing to see here ... .
Nothing to see here ... .
Move along ... .
Move along ... .
Keep moving ... .
Keep moving ... .
Nothing to see here ... ".
It's a scam involving sale of a loophole. After enough palms get greased the loophole miraculously opens. "Open sesame ... ".
But Administration spokespersons like Sean and KellyAnne see, hear, and speak no evil.
"Nothing to see here ... .
Nothing to see here ... .
Move along ... .
Move along ... .
Keep moving ... .
Keep moving ... .
Nothing to see here ... ".
Job creation: more golfers!
1
The US is not going to manufacture its way out of anything. Unless we go back to a system where we do it all, and I mean all of it, domestically. And then completely close off nearly all imports. But we're not gonna do that - because there's no money in it!
I can just imagine if this was Chelsey Clinton and her husband while her mother was president. Congress would be loosing its mind and racing to enact investigations, press conferences and outrage. The Kushners are cashing in while Washington looks the other way at the latest distraction.
45
@Annie:
Not "Washington". "Washington Republicans", conservative Republicans who beat their breasts and bray about being sticklers for probity especially.
"If someone on my team steals, it's clever politics. If someone on your team steals, it's a federal case".
Not "Washington". "Washington Republicans", conservative Republicans who beat their breasts and bray about being sticklers for probity especially.
"If someone on my team steals, it's clever politics. If someone on your team steals, it's a federal case".
4
We did look the other way.Masssive donations to the Clinton Foundation fromRussians and others looking for favors.....Clintons were friends of Trumps up till recently...
1
Read the Chinese partner company's website. It explicitly says that 1 Journal Square is "government supported" in Chinese. They are openly selling what the buyers assume will be a "safe" investment protected by the state, just like in the PRC.
15
Our President's daughter is hawking her clothing line on camera. Her husband's family is selling access to our country to wealthy Chinese. What's next? This administration is corrupt, selling its influence and prestige at home and over seas; making out country look like a banana republic. Where are the courts? Where is the Congress? We must have laws that make these acts illegal. Why are they not being enforced?
26
@Patrick:
What's next? KellyAnne hawking Mar-A-Lago memberships from the Oval Office while her boss is down there playing golf.
What's next? KellyAnne hawking Mar-A-Lago memberships from the Oval Office while her boss is down there playing golf.
1
They're pining for the Rapture. Wait until you see how much worse the courts will get, stuffed with 120+ more "Federalist Society" necromancers as judges.
1
Wealthy Chinese scamming the system (and America) are good. "Mexicans" trying to get a better life for their families by taking great personal risk are bad. Ok, got it.
31
Having accused Clinton of turning the White House into a hedge fund, whatever that could possibly mean, Trump and the rest of his self-declared royal family make even the "crimes" they falsely accused her of seem trivial. Their shameless, open hypocrisy makes us seem a nation of fools. Maybe we are.
26
No question about it it. The US is a nation of miserable children pining for the end of the world.
1
It's funny that an immigration program that started in 1996 and was never criticized before by this editorial is suddenly painted as a scandalous scheme to enrich the Trump and Kushner families. If this program is "unduly benefitting real estate moguls" why wasn't it terminated in the 8 years of the Obama government? This is a great example of malicious fake news!!!
4
Wrong! The Obama family was not the beneficiary of this program. Trump and company are turning it into a feature to grow their own fortune. Note there is a limited supply of these visas, but when you do business with the president's family, well...
Corruption.
Corruption.
6
@Al:
Hardly.
President Obama confronted Republican Congresses during most of both terms. He might well have proposed it. But Republicans would never have agreed because their strategy was to obstruct the Obama Administration at every turn while blaming him and it for it.
And those programs benefited too many Republican Party donors, just like illegal immigration did and still does. How many undocumented aliens do you think Trump's golf resort and hotel companies employed as gardeners and groundskeepers, wait staff and housekeepers, dishwashers, busboys, cooks and maids during the last quarter-century?
Hardly.
President Obama confronted Republican Congresses during most of both terms. He might well have proposed it. But Republicans would never have agreed because their strategy was to obstruct the Obama Administration at every turn while blaming him and it for it.
And those programs benefited too many Republican Party donors, just like illegal immigration did and still does. How many undocumented aliens do you think Trump's golf resort and hotel companies employed as gardeners and groundskeepers, wait staff and housekeepers, dishwashers, busboys, cooks and maids during the last quarter-century?
1
The EB-1 program is for real estate developers, not U.S. Government representatives. This is plain as the nose-on-your-face conflict of interest. Is Kushner negotiating trade deals with the Chinese to further U.S. interests or negotiating to have their money invested in his real estate projects? And spare us with the "fake news". It's embarrassing as it exposes you for the Fox dupe that you are.
1
Another example of naked opportunism from the Trump tree. Boss Tweed and all of Tammany Hall must be smiling with approval. The Kushners' unabashedly flaunt any shred of propriety with a sales pitch that screams influence peddling worthy of a third world dictatorship or corrupt monarchy.
Coming on the heels of Trump's daughter receiving three patents in a Chinese market famous for not being easy to break into, all I can conclude is that our Presidency is for sale to the highest bidder.
Too bad we don't have Groucho Marx here to hold a televised auction.
Coming on the heels of Trump's daughter receiving three patents in a Chinese market famous for not being easy to break into, all I can conclude is that our Presidency is for sale to the highest bidder.
Too bad we don't have Groucho Marx here to hold a televised auction.
13
Trump and the top .01% first everyone else get in line. As the Donald liked to yell from the podium the system is rigged.
7
I cannot understand the super rich always wanting even more. They can't take it with them.
Perhaps they subscribe to the beliefs of the ancient Egyptians?
Perhaps they subscribe to the beliefs of the ancient Egyptians?
3
It's a game with the rich, competing with the other uber-rich over who's richer than whom. They cannot even count it; As I see it, the amount of money is finite; there is an end to it, it's not just ethereal zeros endlessly off to the right for ever; so the more each of these superrich, and the Jared Kushners and the Trumps are amongst them, have, the less there is for the least of us to live on. If ONLY our rich turned into philanthropists - who'd worry if the sewage system, or our transit, or whatever desperately needs money for renewal - were named, gratefully, for the Kushners or whoever else had generously shared their wealth, rather than merely wanting more more more. And pigs might fly.
Dynastic narcissism. They have to provide the funds for the next round of little mini-me grifters.
good job NYT, you did your job for the day!
this type of program is all over the world, where countries basically sell access to get into the country for a hefty "investment" - either company or real estate.
good for you, you mananged to tie an editorial on the visa program, very common all over the world, into a dig, a poke, a stab at the trumps.
one more day of the trump presidency, 5 or 6 more op-ed's by the NYT that are anti trump. keep up the good work.
this type of program is all over the world, where countries basically sell access to get into the country for a hefty "investment" - either company or real estate.
good for you, you mananged to tie an editorial on the visa program, very common all over the world, into a dig, a poke, a stab at the trumps.
one more day of the trump presidency, 5 or 6 more op-ed's by the NYT that are anti trump. keep up the good work.
Although no one can blame Trump for this program, it seems strangely congruent with his philosophy of government. Only now, for example, do we finally get a definition of what he means by the "extreme vetting" of refugees. The grant of a visa to someone who invests $1 million surely qualifies as an extremely high standard for admission.
From another perspective, however, this program parallels other examples of special privileges for those with money. Line-jumping in airports and movie theaters; toll roads and special traffic lanes on interstates; and easy access to doctors, all represent cases where money, rather than virtue or accomplishment, mock the democratic ideal of equality.
The wealthy have always enjoyed access to goods and services denied to middle and working-class people. Now, money enables them to skip the waiting that frequently accompanies the purchase of goods and services which almost everybody buys. Line-jumping, it would appear, no longer necessarily triggers expulsion from the park... or the country.
From another perspective, however, this program parallels other examples of special privileges for those with money. Line-jumping in airports and movie theaters; toll roads and special traffic lanes on interstates; and easy access to doctors, all represent cases where money, rather than virtue or accomplishment, mock the democratic ideal of equality.
The wealthy have always enjoyed access to goods and services denied to middle and working-class people. Now, money enables them to skip the waiting that frequently accompanies the purchase of goods and services which almost everybody buys. Line-jumping, it would appear, no longer necessarily triggers expulsion from the park... or the country.
3
The H1-B enables Americans to sell out skilled, well educated, reasonably well paid Americans and import poorly skilled labor, primarily from India, to "replace" those Americans.
We are left awash with low skill, low pay, and low performing immigrants in the wake of that wonderful American management schema.
EB-5 on the other hand seeks to mimic Canada's immigration approach. If you can pay ($X), then, you can buy a citizenship. $X, I think, is currently one million dollars.
This attracts successful people from all over the world to Canada to continue to build Canada into one of the most successful nation states on earth.
So, of course, the NY Times has never reported on the surge H1-B.
but, now, they report on the EB-5 as if it is evil.
I wonder how many reporters the NY Times has replaced with H1-B and offshoring. Probably many.
We are left awash with low skill, low pay, and low performing immigrants in the wake of that wonderful American management schema.
EB-5 on the other hand seeks to mimic Canada's immigration approach. If you can pay ($X), then, you can buy a citizenship. $X, I think, is currently one million dollars.
This attracts successful people from all over the world to Canada to continue to build Canada into one of the most successful nation states on earth.
So, of course, the NY Times has never reported on the surge H1-B.
but, now, they report on the EB-5 as if it is evil.
I wonder how many reporters the NY Times has replaced with H1-B and offshoring. Probably many.
1
Remember the Republican outrage about Bill Clinton allegedly selling overnights in the Lincoln bedroom in exchange for donations? At least the donors only got to stay one night. These EB-5 "investors" get to stay forever; does anyone really think their green cards will ever expire? And who performs the extreme vetting of the type, quality, and salaries and benefits that come with the whopping 10 jobs they allegedly create? No one? Oh. What a surprise - not.
I don't care when this program started, who started it, or who is doing it now -- all of this welfare for the rich has got to stop and stop now. Those of us who work for a living and pay taxes can no longer afford to shoulder the burden of subsidizing the rich. And that includes the extended Trump family.
I don't care when this program started, who started it, or who is doing it now -- all of this welfare for the rich has got to stop and stop now. Those of us who work for a living and pay taxes can no longer afford to shoulder the burden of subsidizing the rich. And that includes the extended Trump family.
9
In addition to the comments of NancyPearl and FunkyIrishman describing the program: This program is not unique to the United States. I believe Canada used to have such a program--and may still. I believe many other countries do as well--some of which may not be tied to job creation (Monaco, perhaps?)
Its the same short term greed and political corruption that gave Vancouver and Sydney astronomical house prices which have squeezed its citizens out of the market.
The developers pay the politicians who create the visas. The developers beneift, the politicians take kickbacks and the land and buildings are transferred to the Chinese.
The irony is that Trump was voted in for pointing this out yet it was just another con as his family cash in.
The developers pay the politicians who create the visas. The developers beneift, the politicians take kickbacks and the land and buildings are transferred to the Chinese.
The irony is that Trump was voted in for pointing this out yet it was just another con as his family cash in.
8
The program as such is probably not bad. I would just raise the minimum investment commitment to, let's say, $2.5million from presently $500,000 in rural areas and $5.0million in non-rural places. Thus, we would at least ensure that there is some real "quid pro quo". On the Kushners, I would tell them that one day there will be "regime" change and that everything that was not 100% legal or kosher will be investigated and prosecuted the day after.
1
The Kushners (Jared, Ivanka and Nicole Meyer), however talented are becoming a major liability and distraction for the president and it may be time for Trump to keep them from the white house and restrict them to occasional visitors. Regarding visa in exchange for investment is a practice that several countries have introduced including Canada. Skimming the cream of highly skilled people of another country has been done in the past. Balancing the selection of the type and diversity of immigrants with golden visa that are let in, along with taking in the hungry, sick, poor huddled masses of refugees could be in the interest of the nation as has been done by the USA since the beginning of the last century. But this has to be transparent.
2
Your problem with that is that it's the poorest, lower, and middle class income Americans who end up footing the tab for both, while the wealthy get the benefits. Convient, no?
1
China says it is a Communist country. Under true Communism all people are equal. So every Chinese man or woman should be able to buy a $500000 stake in USA.
3
"n this administration, the interests of the first family and its rich and powerful friends come first."
Trump, from day one of his sordid campaign, never hid his motive for wanting to be president. His supporters knew exactly what they were voting for.
P.T. Barnum said it best.
Trump, from day one of his sordid campaign, never hid his motive for wanting to be president. His supporters knew exactly what they were voting for.
P.T. Barnum said it best.
8
Every day another episode of the Evil Empire.
17
From the top to the bottom, this administration
is as corrupt as any third world banana republic,
Goodbye democracy. It was nice while it lasted.
is as corrupt as any third world banana republic,
Goodbye democracy. It was nice while it lasted.
32
Reply to Carla: It happened so Fast! We need Pres. Obama and all our media to be screaming about this everyday.
1
What do we expect, DT's just a con artist who didn't think he'd win. There's no 'deal' too low for him and apparently his family.
Congress sees it too. Where are the GOP? Just trying to push a few more things through to ease the way for Big Money before too many shoes drop.
Not a day goes by that isn't extremely, not mildly, nauseating.
Congress sees it too. Where are the GOP? Just trying to push a few more things through to ease the way for Big Money before too many shoes drop.
Not a day goes by that isn't extremely, not mildly, nauseating.
16
Another sales pitch the Trump family can make to wealthy foreign investors is that they are working overtime to guaranty American citizenship will come with huge tax benefits. For the filthy foreign rich this represents the loophole of a lifetime.
6
The Trump kleptocracy, along with the cabal of greedy jackals in the extended family, seem determined to push the outrage envelope; to search for the limits of tolerance of the American people. When will the limits be found?
9
Someone bragged about groping women, appealed to racists and the basest of human instincts, bashed foreigners, praised dictators, made outlandish promises and won the Presidency. Evidently, there are no limits.
6
How 'bout a Kickstarter campaign to raise $500k so a war refugee fleeing atrocities can get a Green Card?
EB-5 is of the rich, by the rich, for the rich...
EB-5 is of the rich, by the rich, for the rich...
8
The Feinstein-Grassley bill will surely be a test to see how serious Mr. Trump is about immigration. My guess is that he will do nothing about the EB-5 program because it would benefit him personally. This is a further example of his narcissistic personality which has been demonstrated over and over again in this administration. Anything that benefits him or his family, such as his unwillingness to divest himself of his properties, even if it violates the Constitution, is okay with him. And anything that he perceives as a threat to his power, is done away with or ridiculed, like Sally Yates and federal judges who dare to disagree with him. His obsession with the number of his electoral votes and his loss of the popular vote he perceives as a commentary on the legitimacy as presidency, as does his constant dismissal of the very serious investigation into Russia's meddling in our democratic affairs. And we wonder why hardly anything has gotten done during the first 110 days of his presidency. No wonder the Republicans had such a bash after the narrow passage of their health care bill. They probably know that such "successes" will be few and far between as long as this narcissistic president is in office.
While desperate refugees, fleeing all manner of tyranny, are made to wait in line, the wealthy are allowed in at the head of the line. The elimination of EB-5 should be a bipartisan action which demonstrates to Mr. Trump that his self-interest will not govern our country.
While desperate refugees, fleeing all manner of tyranny, are made to wait in line, the wealthy are allowed in at the head of the line. The elimination of EB-5 should be a bipartisan action which demonstrates to Mr. Trump that his self-interest will not govern our country.
7
The Kushners are pigs. This is legal bribery.
Trump's plan to deport the undocumented is cruel & insane - while his relatives sell 'golden visas' to Chinese investors.
In 1926, 22 yr old Willem de Kooning left Rotterdam & came to the U.S. as a stowaway, landing in Newport News & making his way to NYC. Supporting himself as a house painter, de Kooning studied at the Arts Student League. From 1935 - 1937 he worked for the W.P.A. painting murals but was terminated because he wasn't a U.S. citizen - but not before a drawing was exhibited at MOMA. De Kooning married his wife Elaine (also a great painter) in 1943, de Kooning became a U.S. citizen in 1961. He & Elaine moved to East Hampton N.Y. where he spent the rest of his life, dying in 1997. de Kooning was one of the greatest painters of the 20th Century, counting among his friends Jackson Pollock, Franz Kline, Arshile Gorky, Mark Rothko, Lee Krasner, Hans Hofmann, Robert Motherwell & Paul McCartney.
In Trump's rationale, de Kooning should have been deported between 1926-1961, possibly before he led the art world into Abstract Expressionism in the 1950s. Maybe ICE would have grabbed him at the Cedar Tavern & deported him back to Rotterdam.
In 2015, a de Kooning painting sold for $300 million, a common price for his work.
What's wrong w/ this country when Chinese millionaires can buy access to residency from Trump's relatives while Trump deports hard-working people who came here to make a better life?
Obscene.
Trump's plan to deport the undocumented is cruel & insane - while his relatives sell 'golden visas' to Chinese investors.
In 1926, 22 yr old Willem de Kooning left Rotterdam & came to the U.S. as a stowaway, landing in Newport News & making his way to NYC. Supporting himself as a house painter, de Kooning studied at the Arts Student League. From 1935 - 1937 he worked for the W.P.A. painting murals but was terminated because he wasn't a U.S. citizen - but not before a drawing was exhibited at MOMA. De Kooning married his wife Elaine (also a great painter) in 1943, de Kooning became a U.S. citizen in 1961. He & Elaine moved to East Hampton N.Y. where he spent the rest of his life, dying in 1997. de Kooning was one of the greatest painters of the 20th Century, counting among his friends Jackson Pollock, Franz Kline, Arshile Gorky, Mark Rothko, Lee Krasner, Hans Hofmann, Robert Motherwell & Paul McCartney.
In Trump's rationale, de Kooning should have been deported between 1926-1961, possibly before he led the art world into Abstract Expressionism in the 1950s. Maybe ICE would have grabbed him at the Cedar Tavern & deported him back to Rotterdam.
In 2015, a de Kooning painting sold for $300 million, a common price for his work.
What's wrong w/ this country when Chinese millionaires can buy access to residency from Trump's relatives while Trump deports hard-working people who came here to make a better life?
Obscene.
22
Don't hold back next time, tell us how you really feel. "The Kushners are pigs" I love it.
8
Put lipstick on them & they're still oinking and rolling in mud.
1
The housing collapse of 2008, or the toxic loans and credit default swaps of foreclosed properties owned by Americans largely benefited foreign Chinese investors and the banks that sold them the foreclosed properties at auction for five times what the houses were worth, and for cash only.
I witnessed the auctions taking place behind the Court House of the Santa Clara County in down town San Jose. My first impression of the throng of well clad young Asian men with multiple hand held computers and devices was that they were technical workers, assembling for jury. I was mistaken.
In the Court House, I witnessed the same men on their hand held devices exchanging messages about foreclosed properties during what is called in California, Unlawful Detainer Hearings, eviction hearings for the banks to obtain court orders enabling them to evict the American owners. Men dashing in and out of a large old fashioned court house, who were NOT attorneys or parties to the cases, causing a disturbance, yet none of the Deputies ever stopped them. Those men were Chinese Realtors, the same men, as those I saw outside the court, waiting for an auction to begin, with their Asian customers online. Their customers were waiting to buy for million in cash for substandard housing in criminally challenged zones of San Jose and of Santa Clara County. The result was the take over of American owned properties by the Chinese. Their take over has irreparably harmed housing in CA.
I witnessed the auctions taking place behind the Court House of the Santa Clara County in down town San Jose. My first impression of the throng of well clad young Asian men with multiple hand held computers and devices was that they were technical workers, assembling for jury. I was mistaken.
In the Court House, I witnessed the same men on their hand held devices exchanging messages about foreclosed properties during what is called in California, Unlawful Detainer Hearings, eviction hearings for the banks to obtain court orders enabling them to evict the American owners. Men dashing in and out of a large old fashioned court house, who were NOT attorneys or parties to the cases, causing a disturbance, yet none of the Deputies ever stopped them. Those men were Chinese Realtors, the same men, as those I saw outside the court, waiting for an auction to begin, with their Asian customers online. Their customers were waiting to buy for million in cash for substandard housing in criminally challenged zones of San Jose and of Santa Clara County. The result was the take over of American owned properties by the Chinese. Their take over has irreparably harmed housing in CA.
7
Both the Trumps and the Kushners are rude and cannot behave in public. We have a princely class here in our ertswhile democracy, except that they have no ...well class. No pun intended.
7
I'm sick of hearing Republicans talk about everything they do is to "create jobs." When is the national press going to start asking them, where are the jobs?
13
The wealthy do not create jobs. Demand creates jobs, employers simply step into the process and connect demand to labor. It is a valuable service, but it is not job "creation" Money is not God.
3
Is there anyone in the Trump/Kushner family with any shame?
18
And how good are those jobs for the workers?
"Shame? What is that? How much does it cost?"
-Ivanka Trump
-Ivanka Trump
1
What on earth are these people thinking in dealing with the chinese - the mind boggles.
3
They were taught well. Haha, it's worth reading what convictions sent the Kushner father to jail. This story is colorful. Maybe he watched too many episodes of the Sopranos.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Kushner
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Kushner
8
"Golden Visas"? More like "Golden Fleece" - as in America has been fleeced by this snake oil salesman.
Sadly, many Americans continue to buy his product.
Sadly, many Americans continue to buy his product.
11
This is nothing new and has nothing whatsoever to do with the Trumps or the Kushners. I have a young friend (lawyer, 36 year old) who travels all over the world (Vietnam, China, Singapore, Turkey -- just a very few) and makes colossal money pushing these programs. They are all legal. Do I agree with this? Probably not. But it has been going on for years. Where were all these reports when we were in the Obama administration or the Clinton administration? Sorry. You are all hypocrites if you want to pin it on Trump.
4
Was Obama's family "selling" those Visas like Trumps familynis??? I agree the whole program needs to be done away with.....we're deporting immigrants and at the same time selling Visas like an express pass to citizenship to wealthy Chinese. Time to end it.
1
Nancy Pearl - Good point. The difference is that the family of and the Special Advisor to the President of the United States is being enriched by a scheme using their influence. It is not a conflict of interest? To borrow a phrase from The Washington Post: "If you don't get, you don't get it."
2
Did the Clinton and Obama families benefit personally from it, as do the Kushners and Trumps, and in such vast sums? That is the point of this editorial.
2
I, personally have had interest in the EB-5 Visa program. ( est. 1992 ) I can enter the U.S for 6 months minus a day every calendar year anyways.
Job Creation Requirements;
-----------------------------------
An EB-5 investor must invest the required amount of capital in a new commercial enterprise that will create full-time positions for at least 10 qualifying employees.
For a new commercial enterprise not located within a regional center, the full-time positions must be created directly by the new commercial enterprise to be counted. This means that the new commercial enterprise (or its wholly owned subsidiaries) must itself be the employer of the qualifying employees.
For a new commercial enterprise located within a regional center, the full-time positions can be created either directly or indirectly by the new commercial enterprise.
Direct jobs are those jobs that establish an employer-employee relationship between the new commercial enterprise and the persons it employs.
Indirect jobs are those jobs held outside of the new commercial enterprise but that are created as a result of the new commercial enterprise.
In the case of a troubled business, the EB-5 investor may rely on job maintenance.
The investor must show that the number of existing employees is being, or will be, maintained at no less than the pre-investment level for a period of at least 2 years.
------------------------------
Where exactly are the jobs being created ?
Job Creation Requirements;
-----------------------------------
An EB-5 investor must invest the required amount of capital in a new commercial enterprise that will create full-time positions for at least 10 qualifying employees.
For a new commercial enterprise not located within a regional center, the full-time positions must be created directly by the new commercial enterprise to be counted. This means that the new commercial enterprise (or its wholly owned subsidiaries) must itself be the employer of the qualifying employees.
For a new commercial enterprise located within a regional center, the full-time positions can be created either directly or indirectly by the new commercial enterprise.
Direct jobs are those jobs that establish an employer-employee relationship between the new commercial enterprise and the persons it employs.
Indirect jobs are those jobs held outside of the new commercial enterprise but that are created as a result of the new commercial enterprise.
In the case of a troubled business, the EB-5 investor may rely on job maintenance.
The investor must show that the number of existing employees is being, or will be, maintained at no less than the pre-investment level for a period of at least 2 years.
------------------------------
Where exactly are the jobs being created ?
5
The jobs are working in companies which sell the real estate, and that then begets more jobs working in companies which sell the real estate. Prices in Santa Clara county have doubled in 5 years.
2
@scientella
So basically you are telling me that all these Chinese ''immigrants'' ( that some do not know more than a few words in English ) are all selling real estate ?
sure ...
So basically you are telling me that all these Chinese ''immigrants'' ( that some do not know more than a few words in English ) are all selling real estate ?
sure ...
1
uh, i don't think that's what scientilla is saying. I think (s)he is saying that that's what jobs are presumably being created, ostensibly for Americans. Maybe even some bonus resulting construction jobs, ostensibly for Americans.
1
A few years ago I went to a top ranked university in New England and my roommate was a Chinese national who studied civil engineering and also happened to be the scion of a multimillion dollar real estate/construction company.
He is currently overseeing the construction of one of these luxury condo developments in Jersey and markets it almost exclusively to Chinese investors from the mainland. His company employs a few dozen employees, a mixture of Americans, Chinese-Americans, and Chinese citizens.
A lot of the work is outsourced to local firms (contractors/legal.etc) that are well connected to the municipal government in Jersey; because, as he says, connections matter as much in America as they do in China, and if problems arise, his partners have ways to make them 'go away.'
Interest from China is strong, which is no surprise. I mean, what would you do if you woke up one day with 20 million dollars, some skeletons in your closet, declining environmental quality, and an uncertain political/economic climate? I would immigrate, Switzerland, Canada, and Australia would be on my list too, but America would probably be my top choice.
In China the government uses its power to manipulate private businesses for gains; while in America, big business does the same thing to governments to further interests and profits...two sides of the same coin if you ask me.
And then we elected a billionaire hustler narcissist with the mentality of a used car salesman to fix this problem.
He is currently overseeing the construction of one of these luxury condo developments in Jersey and markets it almost exclusively to Chinese investors from the mainland. His company employs a few dozen employees, a mixture of Americans, Chinese-Americans, and Chinese citizens.
A lot of the work is outsourced to local firms (contractors/legal.etc) that are well connected to the municipal government in Jersey; because, as he says, connections matter as much in America as they do in China, and if problems arise, his partners have ways to make them 'go away.'
Interest from China is strong, which is no surprise. I mean, what would you do if you woke up one day with 20 million dollars, some skeletons in your closet, declining environmental quality, and an uncertain political/economic climate? I would immigrate, Switzerland, Canada, and Australia would be on my list too, but America would probably be my top choice.
In China the government uses its power to manipulate private businesses for gains; while in America, big business does the same thing to governments to further interests and profits...two sides of the same coin if you ask me.
And then we elected a billionaire hustler narcissist with the mentality of a used car salesman to fix this problem.
6
Only the Republicans can put a stop to the plunder. And they show no inclination to do so.
15
As mentioned in the editorial, the visa was established in 1990 (under President George H.W. Bush) but was renewed by every president afterwards from time to time. The last time it was renewed was on December 10, 2016 by President Obama.
If it was or is such a scandal magnet, why was it always renewed and why did President Obama do so right before leaving office..
One wonders why Sen Feinstein and Sen. Grassley did not take the matter up with President Obama, who as mentioned above, renewed it and introduced their bill only in January 2017 when Mr. Obama left office.
If it was or is such a scandal magnet, why was it always renewed and why did President Obama do so right before leaving office..
One wonders why Sen Feinstein and Sen. Grassley did not take the matter up with President Obama, who as mentioned above, renewed it and introduced their bill only in January 2017 when Mr. Obama left office.
67
The reason EB-5 was never a scandal magnet is because it flew under the radar. Those days just ended. If other presidents actually understood what was going on one would hope this would have ended long ago.
3
Because President Obama's sister was not flogging the visas in China to benefit the family coffers . . .
3
President Obama's agenda did not include enriching his family fortune through government programs not did he deny anyone, with proper vetting, entry to the US.
2
Yet another shameful instance of corruption eating away at our Democracy.
We should do away with EB5 and Trump and his nepotism ASAP.
We should do away with EB5 and Trump and his nepotism ASAP.
4
The Trump and Kushner families have bonded over their greed and unbound opportiunism. The whole grasping lot of them have never missed a chance to further enrich themselves. At family gatherings, I wouldn't be surprised if they steal each other's silverware.
9
The Trumps and Kushners are the greediest most vulgar people to ever inhait a penthouse in Manhattan let alone the White House. Their shameless avarice is a thing to behold. The even greater mystery is why his base who readily screamed "Lock her up!" about Ms. Clinton's transparent, audited 501(c)(3) charitable foundation aren't screaming from the rooftops about Trump/Kushners actual "pay for play." Trump prayed upon middle american racism all campaign long with his "tough talk" on China. His supporters loved that! Now - he's happily dealing with the Chinese in any way that furthers his personal enrichment. And his supporters are silent. This is the even greater mystery to behold. In the meantime - to the millions, including GOP Congress people, who are on the record for wanting to go after Ms. Clinton for the Clinton Foundation - it's time to be people of principle and go after Trump for his actual corruption.
13
Legal is as legal does, as We are such a great Nation of Laws … and lawyers, who for $1000 an hour stand ready to defend the rights of Kushner ilk from sea to shining sea.
Change? You want change, you say? Call your Congressperson, see what s/he has to say.
"We are the exceptional Nation. We don't not discriminate on the basis on the basis of wealth. Speaking of which, how much would you like to contribute to my next campaign? Speak now or forever hold your tongue. No, I will not slam the gates of welcome in the face of people just because they are rich."
Change? You want change, you say? Call your Congressperson, see what s/he has to say.
"We are the exceptional Nation. We don't not discriminate on the basis on the basis of wealth. Speaking of which, how much would you like to contribute to my next campaign? Speak now or forever hold your tongue. No, I will not slam the gates of welcome in the face of people just because they are rich."
10
Let's see if I have it straight.
Illegal immigration which drives down the price of labor is OK - and those who are critical of illegal immigration are unfeeling bigots.
But legal immigration under EB-5 is reprehensible, even though it creates pools of low-interest capital that are invested in real estate, benefiting construction salaries.
Is that the analysis of the NY Times Editorial Board?
It would be interesting for the members of the Editorial Board to actually try to obtain funding for a real estate project - and to discover just what a challenge it is to do so. The notion that many real estate projects "would almost surely have happened anyway" is naive.
Illegal immigration which drives down the price of labor is OK - and those who are critical of illegal immigration are unfeeling bigots.
But legal immigration under EB-5 is reprehensible, even though it creates pools of low-interest capital that are invested in real estate, benefiting construction salaries.
Is that the analysis of the NY Times Editorial Board?
It would be interesting for the members of the Editorial Board to actually try to obtain funding for a real estate project - and to discover just what a challenge it is to do so. The notion that many real estate projects "would almost surely have happened anyway" is naive.
2
An administration can not operate on a pretense of being firm on illegal immigration and pushing discriminatory immigration policies while also selling green cards for private benefit. This should be investigated and prosecuted accordingly, even impeachment should be an option. Even if this is just another Trump/Kushner business scam, this is despicable behavior, well beyond hypocrisy and well below even the lowest standards of decency.
9
Gack...wrong Clinton brother mentioned in previous post. It was Tony Rodham, Hillary's brother, who pitched for E-B5 money from the Chinese. See story Here:
http://www.politico.com/story/2015/03/hillary-clinton-brother-tony-rodha...
http://www.politico.com/story/2015/03/hillary-clinton-brother-tony-rodha...
2
Obviously, millions of people want to come to the USA.
Being able to live here legally is obviously very valuable,
likely far more valuable than $500,000.
So why not set aside several thousand visas -- say 100,000 --
and auction them off to the highest bidders,
proceeds to the U.S. Treasury.
Being able to live here legally is obviously very valuable,
likely far more valuable than $500,000.
So why not set aside several thousand visas -- say 100,000 --
and auction them off to the highest bidders,
proceeds to the U.S. Treasury.
7
Minimum bid $10,000,000 in cash.
2
The Trumps have taken grifting to a whole other playing field, they are the big dogs, snarling and slobbering better than anyone. By the time Trumps four years are over, he'll own half the world.
In the meantime, can we talk about conflict of interest? Anyone . . .