Latest news with #GreenCards
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
11 green cardholders in Balasore move HC seeking benefits under defunct scheme
1 2 Cuttack: Eleven women from Balasore district have filed a petition in the Orissa high court, seeking benefits under the now-defunct Green Card scheme. The petitioners, who were issued the cards between 1988 and 2012, have alleged that they have not received any of the promised benefits even after years. The Green Card scheme, launched by the Odisha govt in 1983, aimed to encourage permanent family planning among couples with two or fewer children. Under the scheme, beneficiaries were promised homestead land, financial assistance to construct homes, reservation in housing loans for lower and middle-income groups, reservation for their children in technical education institutes and other incentives, such as participation in lotteries and monetary awards. At present, more than six lakh couples are Green Card holders in Odisha. Though the scheme was officially withdrawn in 2012, the petitioners have argued that discontinuation cannot be used as a reason to deny benefits to existing cardholders. During the hearing on June 26, advocate Sankar Prasad Pani, representing the petitioners, submitted that the Green Cards were issued by the state and the govt is duty-bound to honour the commitments made under the scheme. "Just because no fresh Green Cards are being issued now, it doesn't mean that existing holders should be denied the benefits," Pani told the court. Taking note of the submission, Justice Sashikanta Mishra directed the state counsel to seek instructions from the govt and explain why benefits had not been extended to the petitioners. The matter has been listed for further hearing on July 17. Last year, the petitioners had submitted a detailed representation to the Balasore collector on Nov 30 and to the secretary of health and family welfare department on Dec 16, but no action was taken, prompting them to move the high court. The petition seeks a court direction to the authorities concerned to consider the representations and provide the entitled benefits within a stipulated time. Most of the petitioners are landless and come from underprivileged backgrounds. A 2007 letter from the revenue and disaster management department had also directed the board of revenue to allot homestead land to Green Card holders, the petition said.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
DHS revokes temporary status of Haitians, other nationalities; Chaos, confusion set in
Millions of Haitians and other nationalities may be forced to leave the United States after one federal agency revokes their temporary status. People at the Haitian Support Center in Springfield are worried, confused, and scared. Not knowing what it all means or how long they can call the city of Springfield home. Viles Dorsainvil is the Executive Director at the Haitian Support Center and said, 'It's chaotic. It's confusing because at some point in time it's like a catch-22.' Around 15,000 Haitians live and work in Springfield, legally. Now, the Department of Homeland Security is emailing termination notices notifying hundreds of thousands of Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans that their temporary permission to live and work I the United States has been revoked and they should leave the country. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: Over 400K driver's license suspensions removed under new Ohio law Longtime local bowling alley gets new owner Israel attacks Iran, kills top military personnel; Tehran retaliates 'You came here just to work and have a life, and all of a sudden you find yourself in all of this chaos, which was not their or our expectation,' Dorsainvil said. While he's not aware of any notices sent to Haitians living in Springfield, he said there is confusion. 'I got a call from employers yesterday asking me which decision they should take about them. If they have to keep them or let them go,' Dorsainvil said. News Center 7 caught up with Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, who said Ohio businesses are worried about their bottom line. 'These Haitians are contributing to society. They're allowing us to produce things, and without them, these companies are going to have a very difficult time doing what they need to do,' DeWine said. For the time being, the Haitian Support Center is working to provide understanding to Haitians and legal help. 'So, our role is to work with them through this process,' Dorsainvil said. Haitians with a more permanent status and Green Cards are also worried, wondering if their status will come into question. But they are also scared that families will be split up. They are seeking more clarification in the coming days. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
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Business Standard
12-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
F-1 to EB-5 visa: How rich Indian students in US seek easier green card
An increasing number of Indian families are opting for the EB-5 investor visa route to secure permanent residency in the United States, as US President Donald Trump tightens controls on student and temporary work visas. The EB-5 visa programme grants Green Cards to foreign nationals who invest 800,000 (approximately Rs 7 crore) in a qualifying US business project. That investment must generate or preserve at least 10 jobs for US workers. Record surge in Indian EB-5 filings "In the first four months of FY2025 alone, Indian applicants filed over 1,200 I-526E petitions across reserved visa categories — more than any prior full year on record," Nicholas Mastroianni III, president and CMO of United States Immigration Fund (USIF), which operates EB-5 regional centres in the US, told Business Standard. According to data obtained through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and published by the American Immigrant Investor Alliance (AIIA) in February 2025, total EB-5 petitions from Indian nationals since October 2022 have exceeded 1,790. Year-wise Indian EB-5 petition filings: FY2020: Around 290 FY2021: Between 80 and 100 (impacted by Covid-19) FY2022: Over 1,100 (post-Reform and Integrity Act revival) FY2023: Around 650 to 700 FY2024: Around 600 to 700 b(October 2024 to January 2025): Over 1,200 "Projections suggest India may cross 2,000 petitions by the end of FY2025 if current momentum continues," Mastroianni added. Who is applying, and why? According to CanAm Enterprises, which manages EB-5 projects, there is a growing number of Indian parents filing petitions while their children are still pursuing undergraduate degrees in the US. Earlier, most applicants were professionals on H-1B visas or parents applying after their child's graduation. Piyush Gupta, vice president for India and the Middle East at CanAm, told Business Standard, "There's a shift. More families are filing in the first or second year of the student's undergraduate programme." Factors contributing to the urgency include: • Risk of visa retrogression in reserved categories like rural and high-unemployment areas • Fears over the proposed 5 million "Trump Gold Card" visa • Stricter enforcement of F-1 student visa conditions • Growing use of social media checks in visa adjudication A hedge against visa uncertainty "Indian parents are increasingly viewing EB-5 as a strategic insurance policy against the uncertainties of H-1B lotteries and student visa limitations," said Varun Singh, managing director at XIPHIAS Immigration. Gupta noted, "There is increasing scrutiny and unpredictability around temporary visa statuses. Parents are unwilling to let their children face decades of visa and work restrictions. EB-5 offers a more direct and secure alternative." "The concurrent filing option is also a major pull," he said. It allows eligible applicants already in the US to file their EB-5 petition and a Green Card application simultaneously, enabling them to work and travel while the case is pending. Mastroianni added, "It's not just about faster Green Cards. It's about independence from lotteries, employers and annual renewals. EB-5 puts families in control." The Trump Gold Card effect The Trump administration's plan to introduce a 5 million investor visa has further pushed Indian applicants to file under the current EB-5 terms. But would the EB-5 still be viable if replaced? "Policy proposals come and go. EB-5 has statutory backing and any replacement would face legal scrutiny," Singh said. "Still, a rise in costs or tighter rules could spark a short-term rush to lock in today's benefits." Gupta pointed to the programme's grandfathering provision, which guarantees that petitions filed before September 30, 2026, will be processed under current rules. He added, "Even if policies change, those who file on time will be shielded. This provides long-term stability." Protective measures in place To address concerns about the security of funds, most regional centres use protected escrow accounts. These accounts hold the investment until USCIS confirms receipt of the petition. "If the petition isn't properly filed, the funds are refunded. These systems offer confidence and legal safeguards for investors," Gupta explained. Why Indian families are acting now Recent developments over the past year have shaped investor sentiment: • In May 2025, the US Embassy warned that minor academic violations could lead to immediate F-1 visa cancellation • SEVIS terminations are increasing due to delays in reporting post-graduation work permits • Visa renewal procedures now involve social media checks, making them less predictable According to Mastroianni, families are not waiting for problems to arise. "They're acting before Optional Practical Training ends or visa rules change." Advantages of the EB-5 visa for Indian students and families Mastroianni listed the main draws: • No employer sponsorship or lottery dependence • Concurrent filing allows students in the US to apply for Green Cards and get work/travel rights quickly • Structured financing solutions help families comply with the RBI's 250,000 Liberalised Remittance Scheme cap Drawbacks and risks Singh cautioned that the EB-5 programme carries risks. "The 800,000 must be invested 'at-risk' for years. There are no guaranteed returns. Projects must meet USCIS job creation and compliance standards. And timelines can vary," he said. Gupta elaborated on investment types: Debt-based investments: These offer more predictable, modest returns (typically 0.25% to 0.5% annually) and clearer exit timelines (usually 4–5 years). Equity-based investments: These carry higher return potential but are riskier, with no guaranteed return or fixed timeline "Most seasoned investors choose debt models because of their predictability and seniority in repayment," he said. Legal challenges around "source of funds" and job creation requirements also add to the complexity. Alternatives to EB-5 Singh noted that while EB-5 remains the only direct investment route to a Green Card, there are workarounds. "The E-2 visa is a common substitute, but India doesn't have a treaty with the US. Some families use Grenadian or Turkish citizenship to qualify. Others look at EB-1C or EB-1A categories, though these are harder to qualify for." He said, "No other route offers EB-5's mix of clarity and control. If changes come, those who filed early will benefit most." Mastroianni added, "Why spend a decade waiting in line when you can secure permanent residency with confidence today? EB-5 isn't just a visa. It's a well-defined legal route for Indian families to settle in the US."
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Trump's foreign students ban was never about terror
The Trump administration has been clear about the motivation for cracking down on foreign students: it is a question of national security. Dozens of foreign students, with valid visas or Green Cards, have been swept up because of their support for pro-Palestinian causes. Deportation proceedings have focused on the power of the secretary of state to decide whether the person's presence on American soil would have 'serious adverse foreign policy consequences'. Last week, the administration took aim at another set of students. Marco Rubio, the secretary of state, announced he would 'aggressively revoke' the visas of Chinese students, including those with links to the Chinese Communist Party or who were studying sensitive subjects. That idea had been laid out in Project 2025, a blueprint drawn up by conservatives to kickstart Donald Trump's presidency. And it is a familiar strategy. The White House has frequently cited national security powers as the president pushed through new policies and regulations without having to resort to the long-winded and uncertain passage of legislation through Congress. In the same way, Mr Trump and his allies used questions of national security for his 'liberation day' tariffs, ramping up duties on imports. In that case, the tariffs are designed to rebalance what Mr Trump views as unfair trade practices, reduce US dependence on foreign products and to bring manufacturing jobs back home. In the same way, listen closely and Mr Trump and his vice-president have made no secret of their 'America First' plan for universities that goes beyond questions of national security. In the Oval Office last week, Mr Trump suggested a cap on the number of foreign students at Harvard University. 'We have people who want to go to Harvard and other schools they can't get in because we have foreign students there,' he said. An estimated 1.1 million students are enrolled at American universities, making the sale of a top-quality education one of the nation's best earners. Those students were worth almost $44 billion to the economy in the 2023 to 24 academic year, according to the Association of International Educators. JD Vance, Mr Trump's vice-president, said any reduction in foreign student numbers offered an opportunity and rejected criticism that it would lead to a brain drain. 'You've heard that criticism in particular as the president has talked about cracking down on foreign student visas and their abuses, but I think that's actually an opportunity for American citizens to really flourish,' he told Newsmax. And his words were echoed by Stephen Miller, the White House deputy chief of staff and key architect of the president's immigration policy. 'What we can't do is have a system that deprives Americans of an opportunity to contribute to their own country,' he told reporters at the White House last week. Taken together, their words suggest that what started as a crackdown on students supporting Hamas on university campuses, is underpinned by an America First agenda. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Time of India
03-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
UAE Golden Visa vs Trump's US Golden Visa: Which one is better for you?
As the race for the global elite's loyalty intensifies, two nations have rolled out the red carpet with the same golden promise: permanent residency without strings. On one side is the UAE's well-established Golden Visa scheme—sleek, efficient, and tax-friendly. On the other, Donald Trump's revived version of the EB-5 Investor Visa—controversial, political, but undeniably powerful. So which one is better for high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, and ambitious expats? Let's break it down. 1. The Basics: What Are They Offering? UAE Golden Visa: A renewable 10-year residency permit for investors, professionals, creatives, and property buyers. No need for a local sponsor, with the freedom to live, work, and study across all seven emirates. Trump's Golden Visa (EB-5 Reboot): Under Trump's second term, the EB-5 immigrant investor program has been fast-tracked and rebranded. It now promises Green Cards within 12–18 months for those who invest at least $800,000 in 'Trump-approved' infrastructure or real estate projects. Winner: UAE for flexibility. Trump's version remains tied to specific, government-favoured projects. 2. Real Estate Route: Who Makes It Easier? UAE: Invest Dh2 million (around $545,000) in property—mortgaged or off-plan—and you're eligible. You can co-own, buy under-construction assets, and still apply, provided the developer is government-approved. USA (Trump-era EB-5): Requires a minimum $800,000 in a designated Targeted Employment Area (TEA) or $1.05 million elsewhere. The property must generate at least 10 jobs, directly or indirectly. Winner: UAE. Less red tape, no job creation requirement, and faster processing. 3. Speed and Bureaucracy: Who's Swifter? UAE: Submit your title deed, take a medical test, and get your Emirates ID. The process can take as little as one month via the Dubai REST app or GDRFA. Trump's EB-5: Even with fast-tracking, investors must deal with USCIS scrutiny, job calculations, regional centre audits, and lengthy adjudications. Winner: UAE by a mile. American bureaucracy, even under Trump, is legendary. 4. Lifestyle & Tax: Who Offers a Smoother Ride? UAE: No personal income tax. Safe cities. World-class infrastructure. Direct flights to every major hub. Indian investors especially benefit from cultural proximity and established expat networks. USA: You pay taxes on worldwide income—even if you never live there. But it does come with the soft power of a Green Card , access to elite schools, and future citizenship. Winner: UAE for lifestyle and taxation. USA for long-term power plays. 5. Political Luggage: What's the Catch? UAE: The Golden Visa is technocratic, apolitical, and consistent. It's built to attract value—not votes. Trump's America: The EB-5 reboot is entangled with Trump's brand and MAGA politics. Critics say it's a pay-to-stay programme. Supporters say it's a capitalist filter for immigration. Winner: Depends on your politics. UAE is neutral. Trump's version is America, uncensored. 6. Family & Freedom: Who Wins Here? UAE: Sponsor your spouse, children, and even domestic workers. No residency time requirements—you can stay abroad and retain your visa. USA: Family Green Cards are included, but living outside the US for too long risks re-entry issues. And don't forget the IRS follows you globally. Winner: UAE. More freedom, fewer restrictions. So, Which One Should You Choose? Choose UAE if... You want speed, simplicity, tax advantages, and regional access. Perfect for Indian investors, digital nomads, and Middle East-linked entrepreneurs. Choose Trump's Golden Visa if... You're looking for the long game: US permanent residency, eventual citizenship, and a foothold in the world's most powerful economy—even if it's wrapped in populism and paperwork. Final Word In many ways, the UAE's Golden Visa is what America's EB-5 used to be—before it got bogged down by politics, fraud, and backlog. Trump may have put it back on the map, but the UAE has mastered the formula. The choice, ultimately, isn't just about geography—it's about how much friction you're willing to tolerate for a flag.
