VOA Chinese, Nov 10, 2011
http://www.voafanti.com/gate/big ... iwei-133613698.html
("目前已經有兩萬多人通過多種方式借錢給艾未未,幫助解決有關鉅額稅金的問題。艾未未的助理髮布消息説,截至今天(11月10日)零點,他們已經收到670多萬元的借款")
(2) 世界媒體看中國:繼續關注艾未未. VOA Chinese, Nov 10, 2011.
http://www.voafanti.com/gate/big ... .html133606658.html
(3) 一藏人喇嘛在加德滿都佛塔前自焚抗議. VOA Chinese, Nov 10, 2011.
http://www.voafanti.com/gate/big ... f-on-Fire-in-Nepal-
Quote:
"自焚者傷勢不重,僅手部受到灼傷。
"對最近這一連串藏族僧尼自焚抗議的作法究竟有沒有用的問題, 西藏流亡政府駐臺代表達瓦才仁對美國之音表示:'不是有沒有用的問題,而是西藏人還有其他的途徑嗎? 就像西藏境內的一些藏人,他們的任何訴求,都遭到軍警的暴力直接鎮壓。在這樣狀況下,因為信仰的原因,他們又不能採取暴力的抗議行動。所以説,這應該是他們在沒有希望的情況下,唯一的選擇。或者説,沒有選擇的選擇。'
(4) Robert Frank, Surge in Rich Chinese Who ‘Invest’ in US Citizenship. The Wealth Report (a brand of WSJ), Nov 9, 2011.
http://blogs.wsj.com/wealth/2011 ... in-u-s-citizenship/
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November 9, 2011, 3:09 PM ET
Surge in Rich Chinese Who ‘Invest’ in U.S. Citizenship
By Robert Frank
Despite all the talk of class warfare and punishing success, the U.S. remains a highly desirable place for the world’s rich. Especially for the rich Chinese.
According to data from the Immigration Service, thousands of wealthy Chinese have applied for the EB-5 Visa, also known as the “green-card-for-money” program.
Under the program, foreign investors must finance commercial projects in the U.S. by investing either $500,000 or $1 million and create at least 10 full-time jobs. The investors have to undergo a background check, identify the source of their wealth and create and sustain 10 full-time jobs. The investors and their families can get citizenship after five years if they fulfill the requirements.
Lots of rich people around the world apply. But the Chinese have become far and away the biggest users and beneficiaries.
In 2011, 2,969 Chinese citizens applied for the program and 934 were approved, according to the Immigration Service. (Approval doesn’t mean they get citizenship, it just means they can start the program). Their numbers represented more than three quarters of the total number of applicants and approvals.
It’s also a huge increase from previous years. In 2007, only 270 Chinese citizens applied and only 161 were approved, accounting for only about a third of the totals.
Why the huge increase?
The obvious reason is that China has a lot more millionaires and billionaires.
But the other reason is that these newly rich want out – or at least an escape hatch and presence in another country in case they have to flee.
A recent survey from the Bank of China and wealth researcher Hurun Report found that more than half of China’s millionaires are either considering emigrating or have already taken steps to do so.
The survey found that the most common reason cited by respondents for emigrating was their children’s education, followed by a desire for better medical treatment and the fear of pollution in China.
The top destination among those emigrating was the U.S., accounting for 40%, followed by Canada with 37%, Singapore with 14% and Europe with 11%, the survey showed.
The EB-5 program has stirred controversy for years, with some saying it’s brought welcome investment, and others saying it’’s a mercenary citizenship program that does little for actual employment.
Do you think the flood of Chinese investors getting citizenship is good or bad for the economy?
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