The United States is the most open immigration country in the world. On May 14, 2002, President George W. Bush signed the "Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act." Bush wrote the following:
The United States is not a fortress; no, we never want to be a fortress. We are a free country; we are an open society. And we must always protect the rights of our law-abiding citizens from around the world who come here to conduct business, to study, or to spend time with their families.
(Americaisnotafortress;no,weneverwanttobeafortress.We'reafreecountry;we'reanopensociety.Andwemustalwaysprotecttherightsofourlaw-abidingcitizensfromaroundtheworldwhocomeheretoconductbusinessortostudyortospendtimewiththeirfamily.)
The United States is a country governed by law. If foreign nationals meet the requirements of immigration law, they can immigrate to the United States and obtain a permanent resident card (permanent resident card), commonly known as a green card. Historically, it was green, then changed to pink, but by convention, it is still called a green card. On May 11, 2010, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced the introduction of a redesigned green card with more security features to prevent illegal documentation. The color returned to green. A green card is proof that a foreign national has the right to reside and work permanently in the United States.
How can one legally immigrate to the United States? According to U.S. immigration law, there are the following main pathways.
Pathway One: Immigration through Family.
This refers to immigrating to the United States through family members. The specific regulations are:
If there is a family member who is a U.S. citizen over the age of 21, then
their spouse, their children (regardless of marital status or age), their parents, and their siblings can apply to immigrate to the United States.
If there is a family member who is a permanent resident of the United States (not yet a U.S. citizen) over the age of 21, then
their spouse and any unmarried children of any age can apply to immigrate to the United States.
Pathway Two: Immigration through Investment.
Another category is immigration through investment. Essentially, this is also immigration through employment, as immigration law stipulates that this investment must create ten job opportunities. Typically, the investment amount is $1 million. In certain areas, primarily those with high unemployment or rural areas, it can be reduced to $500,000. Unlike the first two categories, investment immigrants receive a temporary conditional green card; the investor must apply to remove the conditions three months before the two-year period of the temporary green card expires. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will review the investor's investment to determine its authenticity and will approve the granting of a permanent green card.
The number of people from mainland China immigrating to the United States is increasing. According to statistics from the Department of Homeland Security, in 2009, 64,238 individuals born in mainland China obtained green cards, including 36,249 females and 27,989 males. Among them, 34,257 immigrated through family, accounting for 53%. 11,295 immigrated through employment, accounting for 18%. 18,486 immigrated as refugees or asylum seekers, accounting for 29%.
The United States will legislate to support renewable energy
The Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Joe Manchin, introduced new legislation in September requiring that 15% of the electricity used by utility companies come from renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power. The bill has received enough votes to pass legislation.