A Fast-Track Route to Citizenship
President Donald Trump launches a visa programme targeting wealthy foreign nationals. Applicants must pay at least one million dollars. Trump promises a direct path to citizenship for fully vetted candidates. He says the initiative helps US companies retain crucial global talent. He presents the plan as a major boost to the American economy.
How the Gold Card Works
The Gold Card provides a fast-tracked US visa for applicants who bring significant economic value. The official website says the programme targets people who offer substantial benefits to the United States. The launch comes as Washington tightens immigration rules. The government raises work-visa fees and expands deportation efforts against 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 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 circumstances. All applicants must also pay a non-refundable fifteen-thousand-dollar processing fee.
Criticism and Debate
The Gold Card has faced criticism since its announcement in February. Several Democrats argue the programme unfairly benefits 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 focuses on 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.
Expanded Immigration Enforcement
The administration invests major resources in deportation measures. The United States pauses applications from nineteen countries under the travel ban. Many of these nations lie 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 international students and technology firms. The White House later clarifies that the fee applies only to new applicants living abroad.
