A Costly Shortcut to Citizenship
President Donald Trump launches a visa aimed at wealthy foreign nationals. The programme targets applicants who pay at least one million dollars. Trump promises a direct route to citizenship for vetted candidates. He says the initiative helps US companies keep vital talent. He promotes the scheme as a major economic advantage.
Inside the Gold Card Programme
The Gold Card offers a fast-tracked visa to people who show strong economic value. The official website says the programme serves applicants who bring substantial benefit to the United States. The launch comes as Washington tightens its immigration rules. The government raises visa fees and increases deportations of undocumented migrants.
The programme promises residency in record time. The one-million-dollar fee acts as proof of expected national benefit. Companies that sponsor workers must pay two million dollars plus extra costs. A new platinum tier will cost five million dollars and include tax incentives. Additional government fees may apply based on each applicant’s profile. Every applicant must also pay a non-refundable processing fee of fifteen thousand dollars.
Growing Opposition
The programme receives criticism since its introduction in February. Several Democrats argue that the plan favours the wealthy. Trump initially compared the card to the standard green card. The green card offers permanent residence and work rights for immigrants from many income levels. Holders usually qualify for citizenship after five years.
The Gold Card instead targets high-level professionals. Trump says the country wants productive people. He argues that applicants who pay five million dollars will create jobs. He predicts strong demand and calls the offer a bargain.
Immigration Policy in Flux
The administration commits major resources to new deportation efforts. The United States pauses applications from nineteen countries under the travel ban. Many of those countries are in Africa or the Middle East. The government suspends all asylum decisions and reviews cases approved under President Joe Biden.
In September Trump orders a one-hundred-thousand-dollar fee for H-1B visa applicants. The visa supports skilled foreign workers. The decision worries many international students and technology firms. The White House later explains that the fee applies only to new applicants living abroad.
