...Now, six years and three CBA championships after his arrival, Marbury has received an honor perhaps rarer and greater than being commemorated with bronze statue, amusical, a postage stamp and a museum — a People's Republic of China Foreigner's Permanent Residence Card:...
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After being awarded honorary citizenship in Beijing last year in recognition of his contributions to the Beijing Ducks, the team for which he has starred over the last five seasons, Marbury applied for "a Chinese green card" that would make him the first foreign-born player in the CBA's 21-year history to be officially afforded status as a permanent resident of the nation that has embraced him.
"Government guidelines say that permanent status applicants should have a direct investment in China, hold senior positions in companies or academic institutions, or have significant talents and skills needed in China," Kiki Zhao of the New York Times wrote back in December, after Marbury said his application was approved....
Those requirements have previously made the "green cards" exceptionally difficult to get, according to Heather Chen of BBC News, but times seem to be changing:
China's green card policy was introduced in 2004 and is a notoriously difficult permit to obtain because of the stringent requirements for residency. Earlier this year however, Chinese media reported the government had eased rules and procedures, in a move to attract foreign investment. Applicants are required to hold professional titles and have made "outstanding contributions" to China.
They must have worked in the country for more than four years and have sound tax records. Officials say that only 5,000 foreigners were granted permanent residency between 2004 and 2013. There are an estimated 600,000 foreigners in the country.
"I'm so thankful and blessed to receive my green card today from the Beijing Government," the 39-year-old Marbury said after receiving his permanent residence card, according to Xinhua. "It's a true honor to be part of the capital of China. I hope I can not only help win more championships but continue to bring positive energy and love."
Stephon Marbury is now officially a permanent resident of China
Interesting. He's achieved a pseudo-Michael Jordan status in China. Fame, money, status, sneaker line, hoes... and now a permanent residency card.
...
After being awarded honorary citizenship in Beijing last year in recognition of his contributions to the Beijing Ducks, the team for which he has starred over the last five seasons, Marbury applied for "a Chinese green card" that would make him the first foreign-born player in the CBA's 21-year history to be officially afforded status as a permanent resident of the nation that has embraced him.
"Government guidelines say that permanent status applicants should have a direct investment in China, hold senior positions in companies or academic institutions, or have significant talents and skills needed in China," Kiki Zhao of the New York Times wrote back in December, after Marbury said his application was approved....
Those requirements have previously made the "green cards" exceptionally difficult to get, according to Heather Chen of BBC News, but times seem to be changing:
China's green card policy was introduced in 2004 and is a notoriously difficult permit to obtain because of the stringent requirements for residency. Earlier this year however, Chinese media reported the government had eased rules and procedures, in a move to attract foreign investment. Applicants are required to hold professional titles and have made "outstanding contributions" to China.
They must have worked in the country for more than four years and have sound tax records. Officials say that only 5,000 foreigners were granted permanent residency between 2004 and 2013. There are an estimated 600,000 foreigners in the country.
"I'm so thankful and blessed to receive my green card today from the Beijing Government," the 39-year-old Marbury said after receiving his permanent residence card, according to Xinhua. "It's a true honor to be part of the capital of China. I hope I can not only help win more championships but continue to bring positive energy and love."
Stephon Marbury is now officially a permanent resident of China
Interesting. He's achieved a pseudo-Michael Jordan status in China. Fame, money, status, sneaker line, hoes... and now a permanent residency card.
