US Citizenship: For Sale, Not For Merit
Newsweek recently showcased a former USCIS official, Robert Divine, now an attorney, generously providing advice on navigating the EB-5 'investor visa' program. This scheme offers U.S. residency to foreigners who invest significant sums—typically $800,000—into American businesses. Mr. Divine, having once been USCIS Chief Counsel, now helps clients effectively buy their way into the country,
leveraging intimate knowledge of the very system he once helped enforce. (One might call this a classic example of the revolving door, but only if you appreciate understatement.) While ordinary immigrants navigate backlogs, quotas, and convoluted rules, the 'Gold Card' pathway is readily accessible to those who can afford the lavish sums. This isn't just about 'tips'; it's about a tiered system
where access to residency is directly proportional to one's bank balance. The unspoken reality is that the U.S. immigration system, often portrayed as a meritocracy or a compassionate haven, maintains a thriving, legal fast-track for the wealthy, effectively monetizing citizenship for the right price.