A High-Priced Route to Citizenship
President Donald Trump unveils a visa programme for wealthy foreign nationals. Applicants must pay at least one million dollars. Trump promises a direct path to citizenship for vetted candidates. He says the plan helps US companies retain critical international talent. He calls the initiative a significant boost to the American economy.
Inside the Gold Card Programme
The Gold Card offers a fast-tracked US visa for applicants who provide substantial economic value. The official website says the programme targets individuals who deliver major benefits to the United States. The rollout coincides with Washington tightening immigration regulations. The government raises work-visa fees and increases deportation efforts for 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 case. All applicants must also pay a non-refundable processing fee of fifteen thousand dollars.
Political and Public Criticism
The Gold Card has drawn criticism since its debut in February. Several Democrats argue the programme favours wealthy applicants. Trump initially compared the card to the traditional green card. The green card allows immigrants from various income levels to live and work permanently in the United States. Holders usually become eligible 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.
Tougher Immigration Measures
The administration invests major resources in deportation actions. 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 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 alarms many international students and technology firms. The White House later clarifies that the fee applies only to new applicants living abroad.
