<Well there is an investor class immigration visa to the US - you just need to invest enough in the US in money and employment and you get a green card.>
Yea, like I said:
<In any case, citizen is a 'legality'... a legal construct subject to changes, revocation, etc...>
That class is subject to change in any number of ways including outright elimination. There are ways to become a citizen [legal].. you will NEVER trade them on an exchange!!! Otherwise any terrorist with cash becomes a citizen. Can you imagine the requirements involved to trade citizenships??? Trading them on an 'exchange' would simply be another layer of red tape.
<Well we were talking about permanent residence and the government selling rights... I can't see that is a problem.>
That's NOT trading!! A government selling rights is EXACTLY what I"m talking about... that is as far as you can get from freely traded.
< But even a free market in such rights seems like a reasonable option.>
Yea, a free market assuming you go to lower Manhatten and fill out all the paperwork and wait in line... you guys are dreaming.
< If I want to sell my Australian citizenship or right of residence to someone who wants one and then buy an American one I can't see that is a problem in any way ethically or otherwise.>
Oh, except if the buyer is a terrorist.... or the small matter of waiting in line with your paperwork and multiple stamps, proof of employment, residence,..... blah blah blah... I can't say often enough... it's completely silly. Investor class citizens ALWAYS hire lawyers... Besides, if you think you plop down 500k [investor class] and become a citizen instantly you better take another look.
I dont' think you get it... it's a legal construct, it's not a commodity, bond, equity backed by assets, or even a defined 'right'... it's a floating target subject to changes in laws, proceedure, and even the mood of the immigration officer on duty that day. There is nothing traded freely on the planet remotely like what you're talking about.... period.
DAK |
