A Premium Route to Citizenship
President Donald Trump launches a visa designed for wealthy foreign applicants. The programme targets individuals willing to pay at least one million dollars. Trump promises a direct path to citizenship for fully vetted candidates. He says the plan helps US companies retain essential global talent. He presents the initiative as an economic boost for the country.
What the Gold Card Offers
The Gold Card provides an accelerated visa for applicants who deliver major economic value. The official website says the programme targets people who bring substantial benefits to the United States. The launch coincides with tighter immigration rules in Washington. The government raises work-visa fees and expands deportation efforts against undocumented migrants.
The scheme promises residency in record time. The one-million-dollar fee serves as proof of expected national benefit. Companies that sponsor employees must pay two million dollars plus extra costs. A planned platinum tier will cost five million dollars and offer tax advantages. Additional government fees may apply depending on each applicant’s situation. Every applicant must also pay a non-refundable processing fee of fifteen thousand dollars.
Criticism From Political Opponents
The programme draws criticism since its announcement in February. Several Democrats argue that the plan unfairly benefits the wealthy. Trump previously compared the new card to the long-standing green card. The green card allows people across income levels to live and work permanently in the country. Holders usually gain eligibility for citizenship after five years.
The Gold Card instead targets high-level professionals. Trump says the nation wants productive people. He argues that applicants who pay five million dollars will create jobs. He predicts heavy demand and calls the offer a bargain.
Part of a Larger Immigration Shift
The administration invests major resources in deportation efforts. The United States pauses applications from nineteen countries affected by the travel ban. Many of those countries are located in Africa or the Middle East. The government suspends all asylum decisions and reviews approvals made 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 decision alarms international students and technology firms. The White House later clarifies that the fee applies only to new applicants living abroad.
