A High-Cost Gateway to Citizenship
President Donald Trump introduces a visa aimed at wealthy foreign nationals. The programme targets applicants prepared to pay at least one million dollars. Trump promises a direct route to citizenship for fully vetted candidates. He says the plan helps US companies retain crucial international talent. He presents the initiative as a strong economic boost.
How the Gold Card Operates
The Gold Card offers a fast-tracked US visa for applicants who show major economic value. The official website says the programme supports people who bring substantial benefit to the United States. The launch takes place as Washington tightens immigration rules. The government raises visa fees and increases deportations targeting undocumented migrants.
The scheme 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 charges. A planned platinum tier will cost five million dollars and include tax incentives. Additional government fees may apply depending on each applicant’s profile. Every applicant must also pay a non-refundable fifteen-thousand-dollar processing fee.
Critics Raise Concerns
The Gold Card faces criticism since its announcement in February. Several Democrats argue that the programme favours wealthy individuals. Trump initially compared the new visa to the long-standing green card. The green card allows people across income levels to live and work permanently in the country. 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 initiative a bargain.
Broader Immigration Clampdown
The administration invests major resources in deportation efforts. The United States pauses applications from nineteen countries under the travel ban. Many of those nations lie in Africa or the Middle East. The government suspends 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 move unsettles many international students and technology firms. The White House later clarifies that the fee applies only to new applicants living abroad.
