Cidadania à venda: critérios econômicos na seleção de imigrantes nos Estados Unidos da América

Abstract

This study analyzes the economic criteria adopted by states in the selection of immigrants, with a focus on citizenship-by-investment programs in the United States of America. The research is based on the hypothesis that such mechanisms, while stimulating the national economy of the countries that employ them, also promote structural inequality in access to citizenship by favoring high-net-worth individuals to the detriment of vulnerable migrants. Furthermore, the study highlights, in an exemplary manner, the legal boundaries that must be observed by member states within the European Union. Although these countries retain their sovereignty, they are still required to respect internal legal limits in order to preserve the values and policies that guide the union. The investigation adopts a qualitative approach and a deductive method, based on literature review, document analysis, and data from international organizations. The study demonstrates that the commodification of citizenship contributes to the erosion of its democratic foundations, turning it into a tradable asset and restricting political belonging to a global elite. In contrast, the Brazilian model, despite its limitations, reflects a more inclusive and solidaristic conception of citizenship, grounded in constitutional principles of dignity, integration, and humanitarian protection. The study concludes that it is necessary to rethink the criteria for access to citizenship in light of international human rights commitments and the urgency for a fairer and more equitable global migration order.