073116-CHARLES KOCH SILENT ON WHITE HOUSE RACEVogelDenise
17 USC § 107 (LIMITATIONS On EXCLUSIVE Rights - FAIR USE)
Many did not see the COLLAPSE of the United States’ DESPOTISM Government Regime and/or the KOCH’s CRUMBLING Empire because they were TOO BUSY entertaining the DISTRACTIONS and LISTENING to the LYING LIPS of the White Supremacist/ZIONIST-Controlled Media that SOUGHT to keep the TRUTH HIDDEN from those who WANTED to be IGNORANT!
LESSON LEARNED: The Jews/Zionist came after the WRONG AFRICAN-American (Vogel Denise Newsome) who is NOT afraid of them. Newsome is NOT a POLITICIAN! Newsome is NOT afraid to go AGAINST the United States’ DESPOTISM Government Regime! GOD is more POWERFUL!
- Many trade association chiefs first worked in politics, either as lawmakers or congressional staffers. Recruiters seek out these individuals for their experience navigating policy processes and relationships on Capitol Hill.
- Some critics see the movement of politicians into lobbying and trade association leadership as a "revolving door" that risks improper influence. However, recruiters argue these political veterans have valuable skills for advocacy groups.
- One recruiter placed a former congressman, Richard Baker, as the new head of the Managed Funds Association, citing his ability to bridge both industries and politics.
White collar crime poses the greatest threat to society compared to violent and organized crime. It affects the most people since victims are often unaware of the crime until much later. There are three types of white collar crime - embezzlement, fraud, and forgery/counterfeiting. Embezzlement, such as in the mortgage crisis, has had widespread economic impacts. Fraud by businesses increases costs to all consumers. Forgery/counterfeiting undermines foreign policy and trade agreements when discovered, as in the case of indicted Blackwater executives. Overall, white collar crime has broader negative consequences than other crimes.
Identity theft remains a pernicious threat to consumers. While the federal government and private sector have done much to address this issue, it is important that legislators and regulators remain vigilant to protect consumers from this ever-evolving fraud.
Top 10 Canadian Places to Retire: on a Shoestring Budgetfanaticalfascis79
The document evaluates the top 10 places to retire in Canada on a limited budget. It provides details on 10 locations across Canada that offer a low cost of living, affordable housing, proximity to cities, low crime, good weather and activities. The locations include Fredericton, NB, Outlook, SK, Comox, BC, Charlottetown, PE, Salmon Arm, BC, Halifax, NS, Prince Albert, SK, Cobourg, ON, Victoriaville, QC, and Joliette, QC. The document concludes that Canadians look for affordable communities close to amenities, and that many locations allow retirees to enjoy a budget lifestyle and travel during winter.
073116-CHARLES KOCH SILENT ON WHITE HOUSE RACEVogelDenise
17 USC § 107 (LIMITATIONS On EXCLUSIVE Rights - FAIR USE)
Many did not see the COLLAPSE of the United States’ DESPOTISM Government Regime and/or the KOCH’s CRUMBLING Empire because they were TOO BUSY entertaining the DISTRACTIONS and LISTENING to the LYING LIPS of the White Supremacist/ZIONIST-Controlled Media that SOUGHT to keep the TRUTH HIDDEN from those who WANTED to be IGNORANT!
LESSON LEARNED: The Jews/Zionist came after the WRONG AFRICAN-American (Vogel Denise Newsome) who is NOT afraid of them. Newsome is NOT a POLITICIAN! Newsome is NOT afraid to go AGAINST the United States’ DESPOTISM Government Regime! GOD is more POWERFUL!
- Many trade association chiefs first worked in politics, either as lawmakers or congressional staffers. Recruiters seek out these individuals for their experience navigating policy processes and relationships on Capitol Hill.
- Some critics see the movement of politicians into lobbying and trade association leadership as a "revolving door" that risks improper influence. However, recruiters argue these political veterans have valuable skills for advocacy groups.
- One recruiter placed a former congressman, Richard Baker, as the new head of the Managed Funds Association, citing his ability to bridge both industries and politics.
White collar crime poses the greatest threat to society compared to violent and organized crime. It affects the most people since victims are often unaware of the crime until much later. There are three types of white collar crime - embezzlement, fraud, and forgery/counterfeiting. Embezzlement, such as in the mortgage crisis, has had widespread economic impacts. Fraud by businesses increases costs to all consumers. Forgery/counterfeiting undermines foreign policy and trade agreements when discovered, as in the case of indicted Blackwater executives. Overall, white collar crime has broader negative consequences than other crimes.
Identity theft remains a pernicious threat to consumers. While the federal government and private sector have done much to address this issue, it is important that legislators and regulators remain vigilant to protect consumers from this ever-evolving fraud.
Top 10 Canadian Places to Retire: on a Shoestring Budgetfanaticalfascis79
The document evaluates the top 10 places to retire in Canada on a limited budget. It provides details on 10 locations across Canada that offer a low cost of living, affordable housing, proximity to cities, low crime, good weather and activities. The locations include Fredericton, NB, Outlook, SK, Comox, BC, Charlottetown, PE, Salmon Arm, BC, Halifax, NS, Prince Albert, SK, Cobourg, ON, Victoriaville, QC, and Joliette, QC. The document concludes that Canadians look for affordable communities close to amenities, and that many locations allow retirees to enjoy a budget lifestyle and travel during winter.
Brent Wilkes, a Poway military contractor, has been identified as "co-conspirator No. 1" in the Cunningham bribery case. Wilkes cultivated political contacts over 20 years, donating over $600,000 to politicians and spending $1.1 million on lobbying. This helped his firms, including ADCS, receive at least $95 million in government contracts since 1996. The article describes how Wilkes used campaign contributions and lobbying to gain influence with politicians like Cunningham and Hunter, who would then pressure the Pentagon to award contracts to Wilkes' firms, even over the objections of Pentagon officials.
The newsletter discusses several developments related to the EB-5 visa program:
1) Senators introduced a new Startup Visa Act that would create an EB-6 visa for immigrant entrepreneurs who receive venture capital funding and create 5 jobs.
2) NPR profiled how the EB-5 program is providing financing for construction projects in a down economy.
3) Attorneys published an article analyzing the rapid growth of EB-5 regional centers and risks of the program.
4) USCIS will host an EB-5 forum for immigration attorneys to discuss updates and ask questions.
Obama's online campaign was very effective and helped contribute to his success. His website made it easy for people to register to vote, stay updated on his campaign through email updates, and donate money. However, his initial lack of security checks for donations led to some controversies over possible fraudulent donations from non-US citizens or with stolen credit cards. He later updated his site to address some of these issues.
1) A Reuters article provided a critical examination of the EB-5 visa program, noting misleading promises made to foreign investors and high rates of applications that do not result in permanent residency.
2) A Florida developer is using EB-5 funding to build an unconventional fractional marina ownership concept never before seen in the US.
3) In Milwaukee, a preservation vs development battle was resolved with a compromise that allows an EB-5-funded Marriott hotel project to move forward while retaining the facades of existing buildings.
The document summarizes an investigation into USCIS Director Alejandro Mayorkas regarding his role in approving an EB-5 visa application. It describes how the investigation began in September 2012 when an FBI analyst tipped off the DHS Office of Inspector General. It then provides a chronology of events including emails between Mayorkas and USCIS staff regarding expedited visa requests. The chronology shows Senator Grassley's office requesting more information from DHS, FBI, and USCIS about the investigation into Mayorkas and issues with the EB-5 program.
This newsletter summarizes recent EB-5 investment efforts and developments in several US states and regions. It also announces a three-part seminar on essential EB-5 issues to be held in late April and June. Specifically:
1) California, Mississippi, Indiana, and New England are pursuing foreign investment through EB-5 regional centers and projects. California seeks to attract manufacturing jobs to the Inland Empire through centers.
2) A former DNC chair will help recruit EB-5 funding for an electric vehicle plant in Mississippi. Indiana is also exploring the program's potential.
3) A new center covering six Northeast states plans EB-5 funded projects in retail and brewing.
4
The article discusses the EB-5 visa program which allows foreign citizens to obtain US permanent residency by investing $500,000 in projects that create at least 10 US jobs. It profiles a Dutch family that invested in a Marriott hotel project in Washington DC to obtain green cards. The program has grown significantly in recent years as it provides a source of financing for developers during economic downturns. However, some argue it amounts to "buying citizenship" and allows wealthy foreigners to bypass the regular visa process. The article provides statistics on the growth of the EB-5 program and examples of hotel industry projects that have benefited from EB-5 investments. It also discusses issues that have arisen, including fraud cases brought by the SEC
Corporate LawYou, your brother, your sister, and your best friAlleneMcclendon878
Corporate Law
You, your brother, your sister, and your best friend’s Aunt were visiting and came up with the idea that together you could go into business offering mortgages to the public. Your best friends Aunt, Auntie Yoda is already working in the business and has lots of contacts with people and banks that have money to lend. She has wanted to start a business for some time because she knows how to be successful in this business and there is definitely money to be made. Your sister has experience with the local business community, your brother just completed his MBA in finance from Harvard, and you have been working in a bank while attending CC and you are about to graduate with an Associate Degree in Business! You are all convinced this is a workable business idea. You have been discussing how you are going to set up the business.
How would you analyze the organizational options available to you? What are the pro's and con's as they apply to these facts? What form of business organization would you prefer and why? Support your conclusions and discussion with legal analysis taking into account the legal attributes of each form and the operational aspects of each form.
Beware the Big Five
Tamsin Shaw
APRIL 5, 2018 ISSUE
The Darkening Web: The War for Cyberspace
by Alexander Klimburg
Penguin, 420 pp., $30.00
Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto/Getty Images
Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg pictured on an iPhone, August 2017
The big Silicon Valley technology companies have long been viewed by much of
the American public as astonishingly successful capitalist enterprises operated by
maverick geniuses. The largest among them—Microsoft, Apple, Facebook,
Amazon, and Google (the so-called Big Five)—were founded by youthful and
charismatic male visionaries with signature casual wardrobes: the open-necked
blue shirt, the black polo-neck, the marled gray T-shirt and hoodie. These founders
have won immense public trust in their emergent technologies, from home
computing to social media to the new frontier, artificial intelligence. Their
companies have seemed to grow organically within the flourishing ecology of the
open Internet.
https://www.nybooks.com/contributors/tamsin-shaw/
https://www.nybooks.com/issues/2018/04/05/
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/159420666X?ie=UTF8&tag=thneyoreofbo-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=159420666X
https://cdn.nybooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/shaw_1-040518.jpg
Within the US government, the same Silicon Valley companies have been
considered an essential national security asset. Government investment and policy
over the last few decades have reflected an unequivocal confidence in them. In
return, they have at times cooperated with intelligence agencies and the military.
During these years there has been a constant, quiet hum of public debate about the
need to maintain a balance between security and privacy in this alliance, but even
after the Snowden le ...
This document discusses research on the impact of immigrant entrepreneurs on the US economy. It summarizes studies finding that immigrants have founded a significant portion of new tech companies and patents in places like Silicon Valley and New Jersey. However, outdated US immigration laws threaten these entrepreneurs' ability to remain in the country. While immigrants contribute greatly to jobs and innovation, policymakers have been slow to modernize laws to support skilled immigrant founders.
- The document summarizes a meeting between US State Department and embassy officials in Guatemala discussing political and economic issues in Guatemala following the 1954 coup.
- Key topics discussed include the strained relationship between Guatemala's ambassador and the US embassy, tensions between Castillo Armas and the defense minister, conservative opposition groups, and the economic challenges facing Guatemala including its growing debt level.
- The US embassy recommends $14 million in grant aid for infrastructure projects like highways to support the government, arguing that requiring additional loans could undermine public confidence in Castillo Armas.
This document summarizes a meeting between US State Department and embassy officials regarding economic aid to Guatemala. They discuss political instability in Guatemala and the need to strengthen President Castillo Armas. The US embassy recommends $14 million in grant aid for infrastructure projects to boost the economy and public confidence without increasing Guatemala's debt burden. Granting the full amount would strengthen US influence and Castillo's position, while requiring Guatemala to borrow more could undermine his government. State Department officials agree to consider making $4 million in aid a grant rather than loan.
The document summarizes recent events related to the EB-5 visa program:
1) The Victorville Regional Center in California was shut down by USCIS for the first time, due to concerns over its job creation methodology and viability of its projects.
2) USAdvisors.org partnered with a major Chinese media company to broadcast information about the EB-5 program to over 100 million Chinese viewers.
3) USAdvisors.org will film interviews with EB-5 practitioners in several US cities to provide information to Chinese investors for broadcast on Chinese television.
The document provides updates on the EB-5 visa program and regional centers. It discusses how a new California regional center called Wave House is facing challenges with its first project at Belmont Park due to a large rent increase from the city. It also summarizes USAdvisors' visits to EB-5 attorneys, regional centers, and projects in California, and how the EB-5 program received significant attention at the recent AILA immigration law conference.
We watch the debates and listen to the stump speeches, but what about the facts they don't want us to know? Instant Checkmate has gathered the most infamous scandals about each 2016 presidential candidate. Make sure you know who you're voting for!
Want to see what's floating around the internet about your past? Run a background check on InstantCheckmate.com today!
The document discusses concerns about the EB-5 immigrant investor program and its ability to reliably create jobs and economic growth. It notes that many EB-5 projects fail or vastly overstate job creation projections. Critics argue the program lacks oversight and accountability. While some projects in Vermont created new businesses and tourism, many question the sustainability and profitability of the ventures due to discounted pricing and reliance on continued investment. Overall, the EB-5 program is portrayed as unpredictable and prone to fraud without reforms for reliable reporting and oversight of job creation claims.
Ginger rey essay example - abandoning america - research paperGinger Rey
This document discusses the negative impacts of outsourcing on the US economy and American workers. It argues that outsourcing is leading to widespread job losses as companies outsource work to foreign countries. This is increasing unemployment and forcing existing employees to accept lower wages. Outsourcing is also posing security risks, as personal data processed abroad increases the threat of identity theft. Additionally, outsourcing is exacerbating the US trade deficit by reducing exports and increasing imports. The document calls for policy reforms to protect American jobs and the economy from the harmful impacts of outsourcing.
This argumentative essay discusses immigration policy in the United States. It argues that President Trump's decision to repeal DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) is unconstitutional because it violates the 14th Amendment and concepts of citizenship. The 14th Amendment defines that everyone within U.S. borders is protected, regardless of legal status. While some argue that DACA overstepped presidential powers, revoking it violates the rights of Dreamers who have lived in the U.S. most of their lives. The essay maintains that the U.S. was founded by immigrants and has long welcomed people from diverse backgrounds, so restricting protections for undocumented people goes against American principles.
More Related Content
Similar to The $500,000 Green Card: Obama, Clinton Kin Courted By Foreign Middlemen
Brent Wilkes, a Poway military contractor, has been identified as "co-conspirator No. 1" in the Cunningham bribery case. Wilkes cultivated political contacts over 20 years, donating over $600,000 to politicians and spending $1.1 million on lobbying. This helped his firms, including ADCS, receive at least $95 million in government contracts since 1996. The article describes how Wilkes used campaign contributions and lobbying to gain influence with politicians like Cunningham and Hunter, who would then pressure the Pentagon to award contracts to Wilkes' firms, even over the objections of Pentagon officials.
The newsletter discusses several developments related to the EB-5 visa program:
1) Senators introduced a new Startup Visa Act that would create an EB-6 visa for immigrant entrepreneurs who receive venture capital funding and create 5 jobs.
2) NPR profiled how the EB-5 program is providing financing for construction projects in a down economy.
3) Attorneys published an article analyzing the rapid growth of EB-5 regional centers and risks of the program.
4) USCIS will host an EB-5 forum for immigration attorneys to discuss updates and ask questions.
Obama's online campaign was very effective and helped contribute to his success. His website made it easy for people to register to vote, stay updated on his campaign through email updates, and donate money. However, his initial lack of security checks for donations led to some controversies over possible fraudulent donations from non-US citizens or with stolen credit cards. He later updated his site to address some of these issues.
1) A Reuters article provided a critical examination of the EB-5 visa program, noting misleading promises made to foreign investors and high rates of applications that do not result in permanent residency.
2) A Florida developer is using EB-5 funding to build an unconventional fractional marina ownership concept never before seen in the US.
3) In Milwaukee, a preservation vs development battle was resolved with a compromise that allows an EB-5-funded Marriott hotel project to move forward while retaining the facades of existing buildings.
The document summarizes an investigation into USCIS Director Alejandro Mayorkas regarding his role in approving an EB-5 visa application. It describes how the investigation began in September 2012 when an FBI analyst tipped off the DHS Office of Inspector General. It then provides a chronology of events including emails between Mayorkas and USCIS staff regarding expedited visa requests. The chronology shows Senator Grassley's office requesting more information from DHS, FBI, and USCIS about the investigation into Mayorkas and issues with the EB-5 program.
This newsletter summarizes recent EB-5 investment efforts and developments in several US states and regions. It also announces a three-part seminar on essential EB-5 issues to be held in late April and June. Specifically:
1) California, Mississippi, Indiana, and New England are pursuing foreign investment through EB-5 regional centers and projects. California seeks to attract manufacturing jobs to the Inland Empire through centers.
2) A former DNC chair will help recruit EB-5 funding for an electric vehicle plant in Mississippi. Indiana is also exploring the program's potential.
3) A new center covering six Northeast states plans EB-5 funded projects in retail and brewing.
4
The article discusses the EB-5 visa program which allows foreign citizens to obtain US permanent residency by investing $500,000 in projects that create at least 10 US jobs. It profiles a Dutch family that invested in a Marriott hotel project in Washington DC to obtain green cards. The program has grown significantly in recent years as it provides a source of financing for developers during economic downturns. However, some argue it amounts to "buying citizenship" and allows wealthy foreigners to bypass the regular visa process. The article provides statistics on the growth of the EB-5 program and examples of hotel industry projects that have benefited from EB-5 investments. It also discusses issues that have arisen, including fraud cases brought by the SEC
Corporate LawYou, your brother, your sister, and your best friAlleneMcclendon878
Corporate Law
You, your brother, your sister, and your best friend’s Aunt were visiting and came up with the idea that together you could go into business offering mortgages to the public. Your best friends Aunt, Auntie Yoda is already working in the business and has lots of contacts with people and banks that have money to lend. She has wanted to start a business for some time because she knows how to be successful in this business and there is definitely money to be made. Your sister has experience with the local business community, your brother just completed his MBA in finance from Harvard, and you have been working in a bank while attending CC and you are about to graduate with an Associate Degree in Business! You are all convinced this is a workable business idea. You have been discussing how you are going to set up the business.
How would you analyze the organizational options available to you? What are the pro's and con's as they apply to these facts? What form of business organization would you prefer and why? Support your conclusions and discussion with legal analysis taking into account the legal attributes of each form and the operational aspects of each form.
Beware the Big Five
Tamsin Shaw
APRIL 5, 2018 ISSUE
The Darkening Web: The War for Cyberspace
by Alexander Klimburg
Penguin, 420 pp., $30.00
Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto/Getty Images
Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg pictured on an iPhone, August 2017
The big Silicon Valley technology companies have long been viewed by much of
the American public as astonishingly successful capitalist enterprises operated by
maverick geniuses. The largest among them—Microsoft, Apple, Facebook,
Amazon, and Google (the so-called Big Five)—were founded by youthful and
charismatic male visionaries with signature casual wardrobes: the open-necked
blue shirt, the black polo-neck, the marled gray T-shirt and hoodie. These founders
have won immense public trust in their emergent technologies, from home
computing to social media to the new frontier, artificial intelligence. Their
companies have seemed to grow organically within the flourishing ecology of the
open Internet.
https://www.nybooks.com/contributors/tamsin-shaw/
https://www.nybooks.com/issues/2018/04/05/
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/159420666X?ie=UTF8&tag=thneyoreofbo-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=159420666X
https://cdn.nybooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/shaw_1-040518.jpg
Within the US government, the same Silicon Valley companies have been
considered an essential national security asset. Government investment and policy
over the last few decades have reflected an unequivocal confidence in them. In
return, they have at times cooperated with intelligence agencies and the military.
During these years there has been a constant, quiet hum of public debate about the
need to maintain a balance between security and privacy in this alliance, but even
after the Snowden le ...
This document discusses research on the impact of immigrant entrepreneurs on the US economy. It summarizes studies finding that immigrants have founded a significant portion of new tech companies and patents in places like Silicon Valley and New Jersey. However, outdated US immigration laws threaten these entrepreneurs' ability to remain in the country. While immigrants contribute greatly to jobs and innovation, policymakers have been slow to modernize laws to support skilled immigrant founders.
- The document summarizes a meeting between US State Department and embassy officials in Guatemala discussing political and economic issues in Guatemala following the 1954 coup.
- Key topics discussed include the strained relationship between Guatemala's ambassador and the US embassy, tensions between Castillo Armas and the defense minister, conservative opposition groups, and the economic challenges facing Guatemala including its growing debt level.
- The US embassy recommends $14 million in grant aid for infrastructure projects like highways to support the government, arguing that requiring additional loans could undermine public confidence in Castillo Armas.
This document summarizes a meeting between US State Department and embassy officials regarding economic aid to Guatemala. They discuss political instability in Guatemala and the need to strengthen President Castillo Armas. The US embassy recommends $14 million in grant aid for infrastructure projects to boost the economy and public confidence without increasing Guatemala's debt burden. Granting the full amount would strengthen US influence and Castillo's position, while requiring Guatemala to borrow more could undermine his government. State Department officials agree to consider making $4 million in aid a grant rather than loan.
The document summarizes recent events related to the EB-5 visa program:
1) The Victorville Regional Center in California was shut down by USCIS for the first time, due to concerns over its job creation methodology and viability of its projects.
2) USAdvisors.org partnered with a major Chinese media company to broadcast information about the EB-5 program to over 100 million Chinese viewers.
3) USAdvisors.org will film interviews with EB-5 practitioners in several US cities to provide information to Chinese investors for broadcast on Chinese television.
The document provides updates on the EB-5 visa program and regional centers. It discusses how a new California regional center called Wave House is facing challenges with its first project at Belmont Park due to a large rent increase from the city. It also summarizes USAdvisors' visits to EB-5 attorneys, regional centers, and projects in California, and how the EB-5 program received significant attention at the recent AILA immigration law conference.
We watch the debates and listen to the stump speeches, but what about the facts they don't want us to know? Instant Checkmate has gathered the most infamous scandals about each 2016 presidential candidate. Make sure you know who you're voting for!
Want to see what's floating around the internet about your past? Run a background check on InstantCheckmate.com today!
The document discusses concerns about the EB-5 immigrant investor program and its ability to reliably create jobs and economic growth. It notes that many EB-5 projects fail or vastly overstate job creation projections. Critics argue the program lacks oversight and accountability. While some projects in Vermont created new businesses and tourism, many question the sustainability and profitability of the ventures due to discounted pricing and reliance on continued investment. Overall, the EB-5 program is portrayed as unpredictable and prone to fraud without reforms for reliable reporting and oversight of job creation claims.
Ginger rey essay example - abandoning america - research paperGinger Rey
This document discusses the negative impacts of outsourcing on the US economy and American workers. It argues that outsourcing is leading to widespread job losses as companies outsource work to foreign countries. This is increasing unemployment and forcing existing employees to accept lower wages. Outsourcing is also posing security risks, as personal data processed abroad increases the threat of identity theft. Additionally, outsourcing is exacerbating the US trade deficit by reducing exports and increasing imports. The document calls for policy reforms to protect American jobs and the economy from the harmful impacts of outsourcing.
This argumentative essay discusses immigration policy in the United States. It argues that President Trump's decision to repeal DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) is unconstitutional because it violates the 14th Amendment and concepts of citizenship. The 14th Amendment defines that everyone within U.S. borders is protected, regardless of legal status. While some argue that DACA overstepped presidential powers, revoking it violates the rights of Dreamers who have lived in the U.S. most of their lives. The essay maintains that the U.S. was founded by immigrants and has long welcomed people from diverse backgrounds, so restricting protections for undocumented people goes against American principles.
Similar to The $500,000 Green Card: Obama, Clinton Kin Courted By Foreign Middlemen (20)
The $500,000 Green Card: Obama, Clinton Kin Courted By Foreign Middlemen
1. The $500,000 Green Card: Obama, Clinton Kin Courted By
Foreign Middlemen
The obscure immigration program that helps wealthy foreigners get American Green Cards is
proving profitable to some people with very familiar names.
Hillary Clinton's brother is involved. So are powerful California politician Willie Brown and Chicago
political boss Richard M. Daley. One firm that helps wealthy Chinese gain access to the little-known
immigration program even tried to recruit President Obama's half-brother, Mark Obama-Ndesandjo.
"There are always going to be people in China -- and in any country for that matter -- who will try to
use influence and try to use well-known people for business opportunities," Obama told ABC News.
The immigration program in question is known by its visa designation -- EB5. It provides a short-cut
to a Green Card for foreign nationals willing to invest $500,000 to $1 million in certain American
business and development ventures. Obama said he was approached by a Chinese firm trying to find
Chinese investors for a transit development in the Los Angeles suburb of El Monte.
"They said they wanted to pay a lot," said Obama, who shared the same father as the American
President, but now lives in China. "But I told them I'm out of this, I don't want anything to do with
it."
2. ABC News
PHOTO: President Barack Obama's half-brother, Mark Obama-Ndesandjo, speaks with ABC News.
His gut instinct against further involvement appears to have been well placed. The El Monte
development as first proposed was never built and the original developers are no longer involved.
And like more than three dozen others connected to the immigration program, it became the subject
of a wide-ranging federal investigation, according to documents obtained by ABC News.
Politicians have been an attractive draw for the so-called EB-5 regional centers. The privately-run
centers have the job of recruiting foreign investors -- most of them coming from China. The centers
then pair the investors (and their money) with various hotel developments, business ventures and
construction projects.
Familiar names such as Obama or Clinton -- as in Hillary Clinton's brother Anthony Rodham, who
runs a regional center called Gulf Coast Funds Management -- help lend prestige to the ventures,
Obama-Ndesandjo said. That's even true despite having a distant relationship with his half-brother -
a topic Obama discussed in his recent book, An Obama's Journey.
"My feeling is that they probably felt that they would be able to get some status from that," he said.
Rodham did not return calls from ABC News seeking comment for this report.
3. John Woods/The Canadian Press/AP Photo
PHOTO: Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton at a Winnipeg Chamber of
Commerce luncheon in Winnipeg, Canada, Jan. 21, 2015.
The list of political names with ties to EB-5 continues to grow. Just this week, The Chicago Sun
Times reported on Daley's involvement in Tur Partners, a firm the former Chicago mayor opened
with his son, and has been approved by Homeland Security to recruit overseas investment for those
looking to obtain permanent U.S. residency.
In a number of high profile cases, internal documents show that regional centers with political
connections made efforts to use them. When Terry McAuliffe, now the governor of Virginia, got
involved in an electric car venture that was funded in part with EB-5 investments, he attempted to
unclog the government review process with calls and emails to the head of the program, Alijandro
Mayorkas, internal emails show. Sen. Harry Reid also used his political muscle to persuade the
immigration agency to expedite the processing of visas for investors in a Las Vegas hotel and casino
project.
Sen. Charles Grassley said he has spoken to several whistleblowers who are concerned about the
impact of this kind of political pressure.
"I have run across concerns from whistle blowers that people within the Department of Homeland
Security administering this program have... responded to political pressure to do what I call get to
yes very quickly," Grassley told ABC News.
4. ABCNews.com
VIDEO: Sen. Chuck Grassley Discusses Controversial EB-5 Program
The investment program exploded in popularity during the recent economic downturn, in large part
because it encouraged investment at a time many development projects were struggling to find
financing. Peter Joseph, who heads the trade association for EB-5 regional centers, said there is
nothing unusual about politicians getting involved to help cut through red tape in Washington.
"Generally speaking, it's very common for congressional offices to undertake issues on behalf of
constituents that -- involve dealing with federal bureaucracy," Joseph said.
5. Politicians appreciated that, Joseph said, because in many cases the foreign investment stimulated
job creation in their districts. Las Vegas, where construction had stagnated as the recession hit, was
a prime example of that.
"Senator Reid is proud to have successfully fought for a project that creates 8,600 Nevada jobs," a
Reid spokesman told ABC News in response to questions.
Increasingly, EB-5 programs have created headaches for the politicians who got involved. In South
Dakota, the use of political influence in an EB-5 venture to expand dairy operations in the state
became grist for attack ads in the recent U.S. Senate campaign. McAuliffe's reported efforts to enlist
help for his project from Mayorkas (a one-time Clinton appointee) wound up grist for political
attacks during his 2013 gubernatorial campaign. McAuliffe released a statement at the time saying
he made no effort to prod the immigration agency into granting visas. In his statement, he blamed
Grassley for ginning up the controversy.
"I find it unfortunate that a Republican Senator from Iowa -- who has a long history of support for
the EB-5 program --- selectively released information for the purpose of partisan attacks instead of
getting facts," McAuliffe said in the statement.
[Editor's Note: This report has been updated to clarify that The Chicago Sun Times reported on
former Mayor Richard Daley's involvement with Tur Partners, which the paper said was formed after
Daley left office.
http://abcnews.go.com/International/500000-green-card-clinton-obama-kin-courted-foreign/story?id=
28723441