Fast Citizenship for Big Payments
President Donald Trump launches a visa aimed at wealthy foreign applicants. The programme targets individuals who pay at least one million dollars. Trump promises a direct route to citizenship for approved candidates. He says the plan helps American companies retain essential talent. He calls the scheme an exciting step for the economy.
How the Programme Operates
The Gold Card offers a rapid US visa for applicants who show major economic benefit. The official website says the programme supports people who provide substantial value to the country. The rollout occurs as Washington tightens its immigration controls. The government raises visa fees and increases deportations of undocumented migrants.
The Gold Card promises residency in record time. The one-million-dollar fee demonstrates expected national benefit. Companies that sponsor workers must pay two million dollars plus extra charges. A planned platinum tier will cost five million dollars and offer tax advantages. Additional government fees may apply depending on each case. All applicants must also pay a non-refundable processing fee of fifteen thousand dollars.
Political Backlash
The programme faces criticism since its debut in February. Several Democrats argue that it favours wealthy individuals. Trump initially compared the card to the traditional 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 nation needs productive people. He argues that applicants who pay five million dollars will create jobs. He predicts strong demand and calls the offer a bargain.
A Wider Clampdown on Immigration
The administration devotes large resources to new deportation actions. The United States also 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 orders a one-hundred-thousand-dollar fee for H-1B applicants. The visa supports skilled foreign workers. The announcement alarms many international students and technology firms. The White House later clarifies that the fee applies only to new applicants residing abroad.
