A High-Cost Path to Citizenship
President Donald Trump unveils a visa aimed at wealthy foreign nationals. The programme targets applicants willing to pay at least one million dollars. Trump promises a direct path to citizenship for vetted candidates. He says the initiative helps US companies retain vital global talent. He presents the plan as a major win for the American economy.
How the Gold Card Works
The Gold Card provides a fast-tracked US visa for applicants who demonstrate strong economic value. The official website says the programme focuses on people who offer substantial benefits to the United States. The launch comes as Washington tightens immigration rules. The government raises visa fees and expands deportation actions targeting undocumented migrants.
The scheme guarantees residency in record time. The one-million-dollar fee serves as proof of expected national benefit. Companies that sponsor employees must pay two million dollars plus additional charges. A planned platinum tier will cost five million dollars and provide tax incentives. Extra government fees may apply depending on each applicant’s case. Every applicant must also pay a non-refundable processing fee of fifteen thousand dollars.
Debate Over Fairness
The Gold Card faces criticism since its debut in February. Several Democrats argue that the programme favours wealthy individuals. Trump first compared the offer to the long-standing green card. The green card gives immigrants from various income levels the right to work and live permanently in the United States. Holders usually qualify for citizenship after five years.
The Gold Card instead targets high-level professionals. Trump says the nation wants productive people. He argues that applicants who pay five million dollars will create jobs. He predicts heavy interest and calls the offer a bargain.
Immigration Measures Intensify
The administration invests major resources in deportation efforts. The United States pauses applications from nineteen countries covered by the travel ban. Many of those countries are located in Africa or the Middle East. The government halts all asylum decisions and reviews cases approved under President Joe Biden.
In September Trump announces a one-hundred-thousand-dollar fee for H-1B applicants. The H-1B supports skilled foreign workers. The decision unsettles international students and technology firms. The White House later clarifies that the fee applies only to new applicants living abroad.
