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Silicon Valley Mogul Proposes New Country To House Global Refugees

SACRAMENTO (CBS Sacramento) -- A Silicon Valley real estate mogul is proposing a radical solution to solve the world's refugee crisis: create a new country just for them.

Jason Buzi is an Israeli-born, American-raised investor. His website, refugeenation.org, is a blueprint for an ambitious program he hopes will give millions of displaced people a permanent home.

He explained his mission in a statement on the site:

"Today 195 sovereign countries are recognized around the world. And we need one more . . . a country which any refugee, from anywhere in the world, can call home. Where each has the same legal rights to reside, work, pursue an education, have a family, buy and sell property, start a business, like any of us. Where everyone is an equal citizen, regardless of ethnic background, religious affiliation, or any other personal status. A completely inclusive and compassionate nation, in which every refugee is automatically granted citizenship."

Buzi suggests the country could be formed on a sparsely inhabited island, a newly built island or a European enclave.

The funding would come from the world's richest people, nations and international organizations, Buzi proposed.

The United Nations estimates there are nearly 60 million refugees around the world.

(TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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