Breaking news

Trump Proposes $5 Million ‘Gold Card’ To Fast-Track U.S. Citizenship

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 26, 2025

In a provocative twist on traditional immigration policies, President Donald Trump unveiled plans to replace the existing EB-5 investor visa program with a streamlined “gold card” system, priced at around $5 million. The proposal, aimed squarely at high-net-worth individuals, promises a direct route to American citizenship while injecting fresh capital into the U.S. economy.

A Radical Reboot Of The EB-5 Program

Under the current EB-5 framework, foreign investors who commit significant funds to U.S. businesses that create or preserve jobs can secure a green card. However, Trump dismisses the existing system as “full of nonsense, make-believe, and fraud.” Instead, his administration envisions a simplified process: by purchasing a gold card for $5 million, investors would immediately gain green card privileges with a pathway to citizenship. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick emphasized the urgency of this overhaul, arguing that the outdated EB-5 program no longer meets the needs of a dynamic global market.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Targeting The Global Elite

Trump’s proposal is designed to lure affluent individuals into the U.S. market. “We’re going to be selling a gold card,” he declared, highlighting the program’s potential to attract wealthy investors looking for a hassle-free means of obtaining U.S. citizenship. When questioned about eligibility, Trump even suggested that certain Russian oligarchs might qualify, adding a touch of his characteristic candor to the discussion.

Implications For U.S. Economic Policy

The gold card initiative is more than just a change in immigration policy; it represents a strategic pivot toward attracting foreign capital through direct investment. By offering a clear and efficient pathway to citizenship, the administration hopes to foster a business-friendly environment that not only bolsters job creation but also reinforces America’s competitive edge on the global stage.

As details of the proposal are expected to emerge over the coming weeks, the nation watches closely. Whether this bold experiment will redefine American immigration policy or spark further debate remains to be seen. One thing is certain: Trump’s gold card plan is set to shake up the conventional wisdom of how foreign investment and citizenship converge in the United States.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Cyprus Construction Trends: Permit Count Slips While Value and Scale Surge in 2025

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 11, 2025

The Cyprus Statistical Service (Cystat) has reported a notable shift in the construction landscape for 2025. The latest figures reveal a modest 1.9% decline in building permits issued in March compared to the same month last year, signaling a nuanced trend in the nation’s developmental activities.

Permit Count Decline in March

In March 2025, authorities authorised 572 building permits—down from 583 in March 2024. The permits, which total a value of €361.5 million and cover 296,900 square metres of construction, underscore a cautious pace in permit approval despite ongoing projects. Notably, these permits are set to facilitate the construction of 1,480 dwelling units, reflecting an underlying demand in the housing sector.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Q1 2025: Growth in Value, Construction Area, and Dwelling Units

While the number of permits in the first quarter (January to March) decreased by 15.8% from 1,876 to 1,580, more significant, economically relevant metrics saw robust growth. Total permit value surged by 21.7%, and the authorised construction area expanded by 15.6%. Additionally, the number of prospective dwelling units increased by 16.7% compared to the corresponding period last year. This divergence suggests that although fewer permits were issued, the scale and ambition of the approved projects have intensified.

New Regulatory Framework and the Ippodamos System

Since 1 July 2024, a pivotal transition has taken place in permit administration. The responsibility for issuing permits has moved from municipalities and district administration offices to the newly established local government organisations (EOAs). The integrated information system, Ippodamos, now oversees the licensing process, streamlining data collection on both residential and non-residential projects across urban and rural areas.

Comprehensive Data Collection for Enhanced Oversight

The Ippodamos system categorises construction projects using the EU Classification of Types of Construction (CC). This platform gathers extensive data on the number of permits authorised, project area and value, and the expected number of dwelling units. It covers a broad spectrum of construction activities—from new builds and civil engineering projects to plot divisions and road construction—while excluding renewals and building divisions. The thoroughness of this new regulatory structure promises greater operational transparency and more informed decision-making for policymakers and industry stakeholders.