Trump unveils $1m ‘gold card’ immigration visa program

President Donald Trump has launched a new U.S. immigration program that offers wealthy foreign individuals an expedited path to U.S. permanent residency for a payment of at least $1m.

As reported by BBC, the card will give buyers a direct path to Citizenship for all qualified and screened people.

The Trump Gold Card was announced earlier this year; it is a US visa awarded to those who can exemplify they will provide a “substantial benefit” to the country.

The recent revelation comes as Washington strengthens its immigration crackdown, including increasing visa fees and deporting unauthorized immigrants.

The new program’s website clarifies that the Gold Card scheme promises US residency in record time and requires a $1m fee, which serves as evidence that the individual will yield a major advantage to the United States.

Further, the businesses sponsoring employees are required to pay $2m, along with additional fees.

In addition, a platinum version of the card that offers tax incentives will also be available soon for $5million.

The site explained that extra fees to the government may be charged depending on each applicant’s conditions.

Individuals are also required to pay a non-refundable $15,000 processing fee before their application is specifically scrutinized.

Initially, the gold card scheme encountered criticism since it was first announced in February, with some Democrats saying that it would largely favor wealthy individuals. 

When Trump announced the plan, he described the visas as being like green cards, which allow immigrants of distinct income levels to work permanently in the U.S. Green card holders commonly become eligible for citizenship after five years.

Trump signed an order to charge a $100,000 fee for applicants of the H-1B visa programme for skilled workers in September.

Critics of the program have claimed that it will take several jobs away from American citizens, and some netizens have argued the same thing.

The recent launch of the high-cost Gold Card comes amidst immediate enforcement, underscoring a deliberate policy contrast that gives precedence to capital-driven entry.