President Donald Trump has unveiled a controversial scheme offering fast-tracked US visas to wealthy foreigners who can afford a $1 million fee. The initiative, dubbed the Trump Gold Card, promises a “direct path to citizenship” for qualified individuals who demonstrate they will provide a “substantial benefit” to the United States.
The scheme was first announced earlier this year, with Trump promoting it as a way to attract high-level professionals and foreign talent. In a statement on social media, Trump hailed the card as a groundbreaking initiative: “SO EXCITING! Our Great American Companies can finally keep their invaluable Talent.”
According to the scheme’s official website, the Trump Gold Card offers residency in the US in “record time” for those who can meet the hefty price tag. Individuals are required to pay a $1 million fee, which is meant to show their potential to contribute significantly to the US economy. Businesses sponsoring employees are required to pay $2 million, with additional fees potentially incurred based on each applicant’s specific situation.
In addition, a “platinum” version of the Gold Card is set to be introduced soon, priced at $5 million, which promises special tax breaks for those who can afford it.
Applicants are also subject to a non-refundable $15,000 processing fee before their application can be reviewed. Despite the promise of quick US residency, the scheme has faced backlash, especially from critics who argue that it disproportionately favors the wealthy. Some Democrats have expressed concerns that the Gold Card undermines the fairness of the US immigration system.
The Gold Card visa scheme is being launched amid the Trump administration’s broader crackdown on immigration, including increased work visa fees, mass deportations of undocumented migrants, and a pause on immigration applications from 19 countries, mostly in Africa and the Middle East, that are affected by the president’s travel ban.
Trump has made it clear that the Gold Card is not aimed at low-income immigrants but rather at “high-level” professionals. In his announcement, Trump emphasized the value of bringing in productive people: “The people that can pay $5m, they’re going to create jobs,” he said, calling the scheme “a bargain” that would be highly sought after.
The launch of the Gold Card program is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to overhaul immigration policies. In September, the president signed an order imposing a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applicants, a move that caused concern among overseas students and technology firms relying on skilled foreign workers. However, the White House later clarified that the fee would only apply to new applicants currently abroad, not to those already in the US.
The Gold Card initiative raises questions about the future of the US immigration system, with critics arguing that it risks prioritizing the wealthy over immigrants from lower-income backgrounds. As the debate continues, the Trump administration is poised to make further changes to the immigration landscape in the coming months.
Adapted from BBC News
