US immigration agency job cuts will bring visa system to a halt

US immigration agency job cuts will bring visa system to a halt

The US federal agency responsible for immigration, processing visa applications and approving citizenship is threatening to furlough more than half of its workforce unless Congress provides additional funding, according to a spokesperson.

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is preparing to furlough 70 percent of its staff, unless it receives fresh funding, which would bring an already backlogged system to a virtual halt.

USCS, an agency of the Department of State largely depends on fees from new immigration applications for its operations, now faces an historic budget shortfall.

This comes at a time when President Donald Trump’s 2020 re-election campaign manifesto highlights slashing legal and undocumented immigration to America.

Already the number of new immigrants to the US has been dramatically curtailed by new regulations, executive actions and travel restrictions introduced to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

The agency has seen fee income decline by 50% since March has requested a $1.2bn bailout from Congress to avoid drastic staff reductions.

"On or before July 2, approximately 13,400 USCIS employees will receive notice that if USCIS must proceed with an administrative furlough, they would be furloughed beginning August 3," the USCIS spokesperson's statement said.

Staff furloughs "will for sure cause noticeable delays immediately," one USCIS employee, who asked not to be named, told the Reuters News Agency. "There are already so many backlogs to work through. It's insane to even contemplate how bad this is going to get."

This week, Trump signed a presidential proclamation banning US entry under a number of categories of temporary visa holders. He also extended the ban on some green card applicants, which the administration said would help open more jobs for unemployed Americans.

The move may win Trump votes, but could also hurt the beleaguered US economy, which has seen many States put the brakes on reopening for business following a spike in Coronavirus Covid 19 cases.

Western nations compete for talented nurses, doctors, engineers, teachers, as well as entrepreneurs and investors. Even if their ultimate destination is America, professionals, such as nurses from the Philippines, will often apply for jobs in the UK, New Zealand or Australia to work or settle abroad. Not all will pursue the American dream after gaining permanent residence or citizenship in another country

Wealthy business people and investors may choose to take their money elsewhere and settle in countries like Canada and Australia or EU countries where they feel more welcome.

EU countries, such as Cyprus offer a guaranteed route to citizenship in the European Union.

The Cypriot immigration policy and legal framework now enable Non-EU applicants to obtain Cypriot citizenship on an expedited basis – fast.

If you have funds to invest and would like to know more about the Cyprus golden visa programme visit: http://eugoldenvisaprogramme.com

UK will change Immigration Rules for Hong Kong citizens if China passes new law

UK could change Immigration Rules for Hong Kong citizens if China passes new law

Britain will change the country’s Immigration Rules to offer millions of people in Hong Kong "a route to citizenship" if China imposes new security laws, Boris Johnson said.

Writing for the Times, Prime Minister Johnson said the UK would "have no choice" but to uphold its ties with the territory.

The announcement comes as China faces mounting criticism over its planned law, which many people in Hong Kong fear could end their unique freedoms, which the rest of China does not enjoy.

The UK government has held talks with allies including the US and Australia about what to do if China imposes the new law - which would make it a crime to undermine Beijing's authority - and people start fleeing Hong Kong.

In the Times, the Mr Johnson stated that if China passes the law, people in Hong Kong who hold British National (Overseas) (BNO) passports will be allowed to come to the UK for 12 months without a visa. Currently they are allowed to come for six months.

Currently, approximately 350,000 people in Hong Kong have a BNO passport, with a further 2.6 million others also eligible.

Passport-holders would also be given further immigration rights, including the right to work.

These rights Mr Johnson said could place them on a route to citizenship,".

Mr Johnson added that the immigration changes "would amount to one of the biggest changes in our visa system in British history".

"If it proves necessary, the British government will take this step and take it willingly.

"Many people in Hong Kong fear their way of life, which China pledged to uphold, is under threat.

"If China proceeds to justify their fears, then Britain could not in good conscience shrug our shoulders and walk away; instead we will honour our obligations and provide an alternative."

The last British governor of Hong Kong, Lord Patten, said the offer of support from the UK government was "morally and politically right".

He accused China's ruling Communist Party of employing "bullying" tactics, adding: "Sooner or later with a bully you have to stand up to them, otherwise you'll get knocked about."

Asked whether the UK was entering a new Cold War with China, Lord Patten told the BBC's World at One: "I think we're entering a period of realism with China...

"This is not us against China, it's the way in which the Chinese Communist regime can't stand us, and they've cracked down on Hong Kong because it represents all the things which [President] Xi Jinping dislikes."

As part of an agreement signed at the time, it enjoys some freedoms not seen in mainland China - and these are set out in a mini-constitution called the Basic Law.

The UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab urged China to reconsider its plans which, he said, would threaten Hong Kong's autonomy and prosperity.

MPs from Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand have urged the United Nations to appoint a special envoy to Hong Kong to monitor how the new law affects human rights.

This new policy is in stark contrast with the treatment of Hong Kong citizens - when the Immigration Rules were changed to prevent mass immigration to the UK - in the years before the former British colony was handed back to China in 1997.

BNO passports were granted to all Hong Kong citizens born before the Chinese handover in 1997. Whilst the second-class passports allowed the holder some protection from the UK foreign service, they did not give the right to live or work in Britain.

Hundreds of thousands of Hong Kong citizens, many of them wealthy business people, chose to take their money and settle in countries like Canada and Australia where they felt more welcome.

It remains to be seen whether or not today’s citizens will choose to settle and invest in the UK when other countries, such as Cyprus offer a guaranteed route to citizenship in the European Union.

The Cypriot immigration policy and legal framework now enable Non-EU applicants to obtain Cypriot citizenship on an expedited basis – fast.

If you would like to know more about the Cyprus golden visa programme visit: http://eugoldenvisaprogramme.com

Cyprus, the Fastest Route to EU Golden Visa Citizenship and Permanent Residency

Cyprus is a modern fast-growing EU country, which is also steeped in history. The Bible mentions the early Apostles who travelled to Cyprus and formed early Christian churches in the region during the days of Roman Empire.

As a member of the European Union and Commonwealth, Cyprus is strategically placed to take advantage of economic growth in a growing region straddling Europe and the Middle East.

Cyprus has recently been ranked the 5th best relocation destination in the world by an international lifestyle review (source: 2014 report prepared by Knight Frank, a leading independent, global real estate consultancy firm). Ranked by key business and leisure indicators, Cyprus was the only European country alongside Switzerland to make it into the top five – ahead of London, Madrid and Monaco. Cyprus ranked highly because of its favourable tax regime for new residents, particularly high net worth individuals. And with at least 320 days of sunshine a year, and classified as the sunniest European location, you can enjoy an incredible lifestyle on this beautiful island in the sun.

Europe has established itself as the most sought-after region in terms of high net worth immigration, accounting for over half of the total number of global citizenship applications, with the Caribbean in second place, followed by North America in third. Recent studies conducted by global immigration experts, ranked the Cyprus Citizenship by Investment Program among the “top ten best in the world”.

The Cypriot immigration policy and legal framework now enable Non-EU applicants to obtain Cypriot citizenship on an expedited basis – fast. There are a number of reasons the Cyprus Citizenship by Investment Program is now considered to be the most attractive in Europe, including:

·        Application process takes 6 months, with approval granted within 2 to 3 months, being by far the fastest route to EU Citizenship.

·        There is no requirement to make a donation to the local government, in contrast to many other citizenship programs worldwide.

·        Cyprus does not require applicants to live on the island prior, during or after the application process, unlike all other EU countries with citizenship programs that impose residency requirements.

·        Simple and straightforward application process with no requirements to disclose source of wealth or funds,

·        No medical testing, no interview, and no language requirements.

·        Approved by the EU (being one of only two CBI programs in Europe with official EU approval).

·        English is widely spoken.

Since 2013, there have been over thousands of successful applicants under the Cypriot programme, generating more than €3 billion in investment.

How does the Cyprus Citizenship and Passport to EU Programmework?

A minimum investment of €2.0 million in property or real estate is required, plus a donation of €75,000 to the Governments Research and Development fund  and €75,000  to the Land Development Organisation.

Cyprus uniquely offers a fast-track route to citizenship within just 6 months of making the required investment. This guarantees a Cypriot passport and citizenship of an EU country, giving the holder the right of freedom of movement and work, travel, study and to live anywhere within the EU, including countries such as Germany, France and Italy. The investment may be reduced down to €500,000 after 5 years.

The obvious attraction for high net worth individuals is the rapid citizenship for qualifying real estate investments.

How does the Cyprus Permanent Residency Programme work?

Investors can secure permanent residency rights in Cyprus through investment in new property or real estate in the country. The permanent residency programme is one of the fastest and straight forward investor visa programmes in Europe. It requires investment of only €300,000 into property to gain the Cyprus residency permit.

The permanent residency visa is granted within two months of the investment and covers the whole family including parents - of both the main applicant and spouse - plus dependent children up to the age of 25. Residency is valid for life and can be passed down to dependents and spouse.

The permanent residency programme offers rights of travel throughout the European Union and requires a single visit to Cyprus by all family members every two years.

Investments may be made by a company for which the main applicant and spouse are beneficial owners. The investment can be in to a maximum of two brand new properties provided they reach the €300,000 permanent residency limit.  

If you would like more information about the EU Golden Visa Cyprus Investment Programme, email charles@charleskelly.net