Latest Golden Visa & Immigration Updates – February 20, 2025
Published Date: 20th Feb, 2025
Florida Enacts Stringent Immigration Laws
Florida has swiftly implemented new immigration legislation under Governor Ron DeSantis, introducing some of the nation's toughest measures. The laws impose harsher penalties for crimes committed by undocumented immigrants and restrict in-state tuition eligibility for undocumented students. Additionally, the state has appointed Larry Keefe to lead its new immigration enforcement board. A significant financial commitment of $298 million has been allocated to enhance Florida's role in federal immigration enforcement.
The UK government faces a legal challenge over new citizenship rules that bar refugees arriving via "irregular" routes from obtaining citizenship. A 21-year-old Afghan refugee, who arrived in the UK at 14, is contesting the policy, arguing it causes anxiety and hinders integration. Critics claim the changes breach the European Convention on Human Rights, while the Home Office asserts the guidance reinforces existing laws.
Spain Terminates Golden Visa Program
Spain has officially ended its Golden Visa program, which granted residency to non-EU nationals investing over €500,000 in real estate. The law, published on January 3, 2025, will take effect on April 3, 2025. This decision aims to curb real estate speculation and address rising property prices in major cities. Existing applications submitted before the deadline will still be processed under the current rules.
Greece's Golden Visa Program Sees Surge in Demand
As several EU countries discontinue their Golden Visa schemes, Greece's program is experiencing increased popularity. The country has become a prime destination for non-European investors seeking residency through real estate investments. Recent data indicates that over 10% of all real estate transactions in the 2023–24 period were linked to this residency-by-investment route.
Portugal Streamlines Golden Visa Application Process
Portugal has introduced a digital system to modernize its Golden Visa program, aiming to reduce delays and expedite application processing. This upgrade addresses the backlog of approximately 45,000 to 50,000 pending applications. The new system allows investors to track their applications online and accelerates the scheduling of biometric appointments.
UK Labour Government Retains Strict Immigration Policies
The UK's Labour government, in office since July 2024, has announced its intention to maintain stringent immigration rules introduced by the previous administration. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper stated that while most policies will be retained, the government is reviewing the minimum income requirement for sponsoring spouse or partner visas. This approach aims to balance reducing net migration with ensuring fairness in the immigration system.
Australia Considers Reinstating 'Golden Ticket Visa'
Australian opposition leader Peter Dutton has proposed reintroducing the 'Golden Ticket Visa,' allowing wealthy foreign investors to obtain residency through significant local investments. Critics argue this could lead to increased property prices and provide a loophole for affluent individuals to acquire citizenship. The previous iteration of this visa faced scrutiny over associations with financial misconduct and 'dirty money,' particularly from high-net-worth Chinese nationals.
US Department of Justice Sues New York Over Sanctuary Policies
The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against New York State, Governor Kathy Hochul, and Attorney General Letitia James over the state's sanctuary policies. The lawsuit challenges the "Green Light Law," which grants driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants and restricts the Department of Motor Vehicles from sharing information with federal immigration authorities. Attorney General Pam Bondi asserts that such policies obstruct federal immigration enforcement, while state officials defend them as protective measures for community safety.
Date: 20th Feb, 2025
