Trump Introduces the $1 Million Gold Card Visa, Giving Wealthy Candidates Fast Tracked US Residency
The new program, which has drawn criticism for favoring the wealthy, provides quick US status to candidates who pay at least $1 million.
President Donald Trump has started a program that allows wealthy foreigners who can pay at least $1 million to obtain US visas more quickly.
Customers will have a “direct path to citizenship for all qualified and vetted people” with the card. AWESOME! Trump posted on social media on Wednesday, saying, “Our Great American Companies can finally keep their invaluable talent.”
According to the program’s official website, the Trump Gold Card, which was first introduced earlier this year, is a US visa given to individuals who can prove they will provide a “substantial benefit” to the nation.
The launch coincides with Washington stepping up its immigration crackdown, which includes deporting unlawful immigrants and increasing the cost of work visas.
The website claims that the Gold Card program demands a $1 million charge as “evidence that the individual will substantially benefit the United States” and offers US residency in “record time.”
Companies that sponsor staff members must pay $2 million in addition to other costs. According to the website, a platinum edition with additional tax benefits will also be offered for $5 million.
Before their submission is examined, applicants must also pay a $15,000 processing fee, which is non-refundable. Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, additional government fees can also be applicable.
Since its February launch, the program has come under fire, with some Democrats accusing it of unfairly favoring the wealthy.
Trump compared the visas to green cards, which permit immigrants of all income levels to reside and work permanently in the United States, when he originally announced the plan. After five years, green card holders are usually entitled to become citizens.
However, Trump emphasized that “we want people that are productive” and that the Gold Card is intended exclusively for “high level” professionals. “Those who can pay $5 million will create jobs,” he continued. It will sell out quickly. It’s a good deal.
The release coincides with the Trump administration’s heavy investment in immigration deportations. Applications for immigration from people in 19 countries—mostly in Africa and the Middle East—that are included by the president’s travel ban have been suspended by the US.
Additionally, the government announced that it will review thousands of cases that were authorized under President Joe Biden’s administration and paused any judgments on asylum claims.
Trump issued an order in September requiring applicants to the H 1B visa program for talented foreign workers to pay a $100,000 fee. Technology companies and international students in the US were alarmed by the decision. Later, the White House made it clear that the fee would only be charged to new applicants who were already overseas.
