Trump launches $1m ‘gold card’ immigration visas
President Donald Trump has launched a scheme to offer fast-track US visas to wealthy foreigners who can pay at least $1 million (£750,000).
The card will offer recipients “a direct path to Citizenship for all qualified and vetted individuals. SO EXCITING! Our Great American Companies can finally protect their invaluable Talent,” Trump said in a statement on social media Wednesday.
The Trump Gold Card, first announced earlier this year, is a U.S. visa given to those who can show they will provide a “significant benefit” to the country, according to the program’s official website.
This comes as Washington intensifies its crackdown on immigration, including increasing work visa fees and deporting undocumented immigrants.
The Gold Card program promises US residency in “record time” and charges a $1 million fee; which is “evidence that the individual will significantly benefit the United States.” website in question.
Businesses that sponsor employees must pay $2 million, plus additional fees. The website said that a “platinum” version of the card, which offers special tax breaks, will also be available soon for $5 million.
The site said extra fees may be charged from the government depending on each applicant’s situation. Individuals are also required to pay a non-refundable $15,000 processing fee before their application is reviewed.
The gold card plan has faced criticism since it was first announced in February, with some Democrats saying it would unfairly favor wealthy individuals.
When Trump first announced the plan, he described the visas as similar to green cards, which would allow immigrants of various income levels to live and work in the United States permanently. Green card holders generally become eligible for citizenship after five years.
However, Trump said that the Gold Card was specifically aimed at “high-level” professionals and said, “We want productive people.”
“People who can pay $5 million will create jobs,” Trump said. “It’s going to sell like crazy. It’s a bargain.”
The plan comes at a time when the Trump administration is dedicating significant resources to deporting immigrants.
The United States has also suspended immigration applications from individuals from 19 countries subject to the president’s travel ban, mostly in Africa and the Middle East.
The government also paused all decisions on asylum applications and said it would review thousands of cases approved under President Joe Biden’s administration.
In September, Trump also signed an order imposing a $100,000 fee on applicants for the H-1B visa program for skilled foreign workers.
The decision caused panic among foreign students and technology companies in the United States. The White House later clarified that the fee would only apply to new applicants currently abroad.
