The United States has decided to make visa access easier for wealthy individuals with strong financial resources. According to the BBC, U.S. President Donald Trump has introduced a “fast-track” visa process for affluent foreigners who can pay at least 1 million dollars. Trump has described the initiative as the “Gold Card” program.
Posting on social media on Wednesday, Trump wrote that the card provides “a direct pathway to citizenship for qualified and vetted individuals.” The BBC reports that the “Trump Gold Card” is a visa designed for people who can deliver “significant benefits” to the United States.
The announcement comes as Washington continues tightening its immigration policies, raising visa fees for workers, and deporting undocumented immigrants. The Gold Card program promises U.S. residency in “record time” and requires a payment of 1 million dollars.
Business owners wishing to sponsor their employees will need to pay 2 million dollars, in addition to other applicable fees. A “Platinum” version—offering tax incentives—is also expected soon, with a fee of 5 million dollars. The Gold Card program was first announced in February. Several Democratic leaders say the initiative benefits only the wealthy.
When Trump initially revealed the plan, he said it would function similarly to a Green Card. A Green Card grants permanent residency to immigrants from various income levels, allowing them to live and work in the United States. Holders may apply for citizenship after five years.
The Gold Card, however, is targeted mainly at “high-level” professionals. Trump stated, “Those who pay 5 million dollars create jobs. It benefits America.” The program comes as the Trump administration expands resources to deport immigrants.
The United States has suspended immigration applications from 19 countries, many of them in Africa and the Middle East—regions affected by Trump’s travel ban. The government has also halted decisions on asylum applications, and several cases previously approved under the Biden administration are now set for review.
In September, Trump ordered a 100,000-dollar fee for H-1B visa applications for skilled foreign workers. The decision created concern among foreign students and employees in U.S. technology companies. The White House later clarified that the fee applies only to new applicants outside the United States.
