KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 7 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia’s benchmark index rebounded from earlier losses to close at its intraday high on Wednesday, gaining 0.27 per cent in late trading as buying interest returned to selected heavyweights. At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) advanced 4.48 points to 1,676.83 from Tuesday’s close of 1,672.35. The benchmark index opened 0.88 of-a-point lower at 1,671.47 and subsequently hit a low of 1,665.94 during the mid-morning session before gaining momentum toward closing. On the broader market, losers led gainers by 565 to 512, while some 526 counters were unchanged, 1,046 untraded, and 10 suspended. Turnover improved to 2.73 billion units worth RM2.76 billion versus Tuesday’s 2.66 billion units worth RM2.76 billion. Dealers said that investors were cautious following geopolitical developments in Asia.
Gold Card to Replace EB-5 Visa Program
- Trump announced plans to replace the EB-5 investor visa program with a new "Gold Card" priced at US$5 million as a route to U.S. citizenship.
- The EB-5 program currently grants green cards to foreign investors who create or preserve U.S. jobs.
- The new Gold Card would offer green card privileges and a direct path to U.S. citizenship.
Trump’s Justification for the Change
- Trump called the EB-5 program "full of nonsense, make-believe, and fraud", arguing it was a cheap way to obtain U.S. residency.
- Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the new plan would ensure only wealthy investors gain U.S. entry.
Potential Eligibility & Controversy
- When asked if Russian oligarchs could qualify, Trump responded, "Yeah, possibly. I know some Russian oligarchs that are very nice people."
- Critics may question whether the policy favors ultra-wealthy elites over job-creating investors.
What’s Next?
- Trump said full details of the Gold Card program will be released in two weeks.
Summary:
- Trump proposes replacing the EB-5 visa with a US$5 million "Gold Card" that grants green card privileges and a path to citizenship.
- Move aims to attract ultra-wealthy investors while eliminating alleged fraud in the EB-5 program.
- Russian oligarchs and other foreign elites may be eligible, raising potential controversy.
- More details to be announced in two weeks.
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