A Premium Path to US Citizenship
President Donald Trump introduces a visa program for wealthy foreign nationals. Applicants must pay at least one million dollars. Trump promises a direct route to citizenship for fully vetted candidates. He says the initiative helps US companies retain crucial international talent. He presents the programme as a major boost to the American economy.
What the Gold Card Offers
The Gold Card delivers a fast-tracked US visa for applicants who provide significant economic value. The official website states the programme targets people who bring substantial benefits to the United States. The rollout coincides with Washington tightening immigration rules. The government raises work-visa fees and expands deportation measures targeting undocumented migrants.
The programme guarantees residency in record time. The one-million-dollar payment serves as proof of expected national benefit. Companies sponsoring employees must pay two million dollars plus additional charges. A planned platinum tier will cost five million dollars and include tax incentives. Extra government fees may apply depending on each applicant’s circumstances. All applicants must also pay a non-refundable fifteen-thousand-dollar processing fee.
Political Backlash
The Gold Card has faced criticism since February. Several Democrats argue the programme favours wealthy individuals. Trump initially compared the card to the long-standing green card. The green card allows immigrants from various income levels to live and work permanently in the United States. Holders usually qualify for citizenship after five years.
The Gold Card specifically 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 programme a bargain.
Tougher Immigration Measures
The administration devotes major resources to deportation efforts. The United States pauses applications from nineteen countries under the travel ban. Many of these nations are in Africa or the Middle East. The government halts all asylum decisions and reviews approvals issued 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 alarms many international students and technology firms. The White House later clarifies that the fee applies only to new applicants living abroad.
