In brief
President Donald Trump has launched a scheme for fast-tracked U.S. visas dubbed the 'Gold Card,' which requires a payment of at least $1 million. The program aims to grant wealthy foreigners a direct path to citizenship and has drawn criticism for allegedly favoring the wealthy amid broader immigration restrictions.
President Donald Trump has launched a scheme offering fast-tracked US visas to wealthy foreigners who can pay at least $1 million (£750,000). The card will give buyers a 'direct path to Citizenship for all qualified and vetted people. SO EXCITING! Our Great American Companies can finally keep their invaluable Talent,' Trump said on social media on Wednesday. The Trump Gold Card, which was first announced earlier this year, is a US visa awarded to those who can demonstrate they will provide a 'substantial benefit' to the country, according to the scheme's official website.This Gold Card scheme promises US residency in 'record time' and requires a $1 million fee as evidence that the individual will substantially benefit the United States, the programme's website claims. Businesses sponsoring employees are mandated to pay $2 million, along with additional fees. A 'platinum' version of the card, offering special tax breaks, will soon be available for $5 million, according to the announcements made by the program.Notably, applicants must also pay a non-refundable $15,000 processing fee before their applications are reviewed.As Washington escalates its immigration crackdown—raising work visa fees and deporting undocumented migrants—the Gold Card scheme faced backlash from critics who argue it disproportionately benefits affluent individuals. Trump's initiative stands in stark contrast to traditional green cards, which help immigrants of various income levels live and work in the US, allowing them to become eligible for citizenship after five years.The introduction of the Gold Card is part of a broader immigration strategy spearheaded by the Trump administration, which has focused resources on deporting immigrants while also halting immigration applications from numerous countries subjected to the President's travel ban. In September, Trump signed an order imposing a $100,000 fee for applicants under the H-1B visa program for skilled foreign workers, a decision that sparked panic among overseas students and technology companies reliant on skilled labor.
