A Premium Pathway to Citizenship
President Donald Trump unveils a visa designed for wealthy foreign nationals. The programme targets people prepared to pay at least one million dollars. Trump promises a direct route to citizenship for vetted applicants. He says the plan helps US companies keep essential global talent. He presents the initiative as a strong boost for the American economy.
The Gold Card in Detail
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 provide substantial benefit to the United States. The rollout comes as Washington tightens its immigration rules. The government raises visa fees and expands deportation efforts targeting undocumented migrants.
The scheme promises residency in record time. The one-million-dollar fee signals expected national benefit. Companies that sponsor employees must pay two million dollars plus extra charges. A planned platinum level will cost five million dollars and include tax incentives. Additional government fees may apply depending on each applicant’s case. Every applicant must also pay a non-refundable processing fee of fifteen thousand dollars.
Critics Challenge the Programme
The Gold Card faces criticism since its introduction in February. Several Democrats argue that the scheme favours wealthy individuals. Trump first compared the programme to the long-established green card. The green card offers permanent residence and work rights to people across income levels. Holders usually become eligible 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 expects strong demand and calls the offer a bargain.
Immigration Policy Under Strain
The administration invests major resources in deportation efforts. The United States pauses applications from nineteen countries affected by the travel ban. Many of the countries lie in Africa or the Middle East. The government suspends all asylum decisions and reviews approvals issued under President Joe Biden.
In September Trump orders a one-hundred-thousand-dollar fee for H-1B visa applicants. The H-1B supports skilled foreign workers. The announcement unsettles many international students and technology firms. The White House later clarifies that the fee applies only to new applicants living abroad.
