Brazil's life-like doll craze goes viral as online videos spark political reaction
SAO PAULO — Videos featuring emotional moments with hyper-realistic baby dolls have gone viral in Brazil , sparking both fascination and controversy.
Influencers have staged situations such as birth simulations and strolls in shopping malls with the hand-crafted baby figures, known as 'reborn' dolls, in a trend that has even prompted political reactions.
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Argentina To Launch New Citizenship Program: Here's What You Need To Know
Overlooking the Buenos Aires skyline at sunset. Argentina is preparing to launch a new citizenship-by-investment program, drawing interest from expats and global investors. getty More and more Americans are dreaming of moving abroad. Whether it's to escape the current political situation, for better work-life balance or just the thrill of a new adventure, there's a booming demand for second passports and long-term visas. While some countries offer citizenship after years of residency, a handful will give you a passport in exchange for investment. Now, Argentina—one of the most affordable countries to live—is getting in on the action. The South American country is rolling out a new citizenship-by-investment (CBI) program that will help make it easier for foreigners to get citizenship there. According to Isabela Schrotke, research team lead at Nomad Capitalist, the program will require a minimum investment of $500,000 in sectors like technology, agribusiness, energy or tourism. It is expected to launch by the end of 2025 or early 2026. 'The focus is on job-generating contributions—not real estate or donations,' Schrotke told me in an interview. 'Two executive decrees are being drafted to create a solid legal and administrative structure that avoids future court challenges.' Unlike Argentina's traditional path to naturalization—which requires two years of permanent residency—the new citizenship-by-investment route would offer investors a direct line to citizenship. And there's real value to being an Argentinian citizen: 'The lifestyle is culturally rich, affordable and has a strong European feel, especially in cities like Buenos Aires,' says Schrotke. A street scene in Palermo Hollywood, one of Buenos Aires' trendiest neighborhoods—known for its café culture and buzzing nightlife. getty Thanks to its café culture, walkability, thriving arts scene and European-style architecture, Buenos Aires often tops lists of the best cities in Latin America for expats. Outside the capital, regions like Mendoza and Bariloche also offer expat appeal. Another perk: 'Argentine citizenship gives you visa-free access to 172 destinations and the right to live and work in all Mercosur countries,' says Schrotke. The Mercosur countries include Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Bolivia. Plus, there are several other associated countries including Chile, Colombia and more. The launch of the program coincides with a broader economic transformation under President Javier Milei, who was elected in December 2023. In just over a year, Milei has lifted currency and capital controls, cut inflation and posted a budget surplus. "Argentina's past is turbulent, but current reforms are aimed at stability,' says Schrotke. 'Inflation is down, investor sentiment is improving and the program is part of a broader economic repositioning.' International Living correspondent David Hammond is enthusiastic about the new opportunity. 'So many times I've heard people say, if Argentina ever got its political and economic act together, it could rank among the best places in the world to live and invest,' Hammond wrote in a recent article. 'With reforms in place, financial barriers removed and international backing secured, this could be the most accessible and potentially profitable time to explore Argentina in decades.' Not everyone agrees. Jen Barnett, founder of Expatsi—which helps Americans find places to live abroad—is skeptical. 'I don't think Argentina is a safe choice in its current political climate that includes a recent incident where lesbians were set on fire, not to mention out-of-control inflation,' Barnett told me in an interview. 'We recommend Uruguay instead, which is a stable democracy that eliminated laws against homosexuality in 1934.' Taking in the natural beauty of Patagonia, one of Argentina's most awe-inspiring regions. With the soon-to-launch citizenship-by-investment program, the country is drawing new interest from nature lovers and investors alike. getty And Ted Baumann, chief of global diversification at International Living, calls Argentina's new approach a sharp pivot. 'Whereas before Argentina was relatively open to immigrants up and down the economic spectrum, now it appears to be narrowing those opportunities in favor of those with wealth and skills,' Baumann told me in an interview. Baumann says that Argentina will need to work hard to attract high-net-worth individuals, given its remote location and political unpredictability. 'There are numerous opportunities for people with half a million dollars to invest, and Argentina will have to compete hard to find its place in the CBI world,' he says. 'The country has great natural beauty and a European cultural flare. But it has two drawbacks from an international migration perspective. First, it's a long way from the centers of action. In terms of time zones, it's accessible to the U.S. East Coast, but anybody who needs to travel for business is going to have to get used to long haul flights if they settle there.' The political issue is much more consequential. 'Argentina has a history of significant sociopolitical and economic instability,'says Baumann. 'If the world goes into a global recession, Argentina could be hit hard.' And there are other issues to consider: 'Dual citizenship is allowed in Argentina without major restrictions. However, once naturalized, you are legally considered fully Argentine within the country, and the citizenship is permanent and cannot be renounced,' says Schrotke. 'This could carry legal or tax implications depending on your other nationality.' Whether this new program becomes a true game changer remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: For anyone dreaming of a new life abroad, Argentina is a country to watch. Golden hour in Mendoza's wine country—just one of the many regions that make Argentina a compelling destination for expats and investors. getty When will the program launch? Late 2025 is the earliest expected timeline, with early 2026 also a possibility depending on implementation. How much do I need to invest? A minimum of $500,000 in approved sectors such as technology, agribusiness, energy or tourism. Can I invest in real estate? No. The government has specifically excluded real estate and donations from qualifying investments. Do I need to live in Argentina? No residency is required under this program. That's one of the major differences from Argentina's traditional two-year path to citizenship. Does Argentina allow dual citizenship? Yes, but once you are naturalized, you are considered fully Argentine in the eyes of the law, and citizenship cannot be renounced. What are the risks? The country has longstanding oolitical and economic volatility, plus potential shifts in policy. And there are legal and tax implications tied to permanent citizenship status. Who is this program best for? Entrepreneurs and active investors looking to engage with Argentina's economy. It is not intended for remote workers or passive citizens.
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Sweeping victory for Venezuela's ruling party in elections boycotted by opposition
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