August M
A new US immigration pathway — priced at a minimum of $1m — has been formally launched by President Donald Trump, who promoted it online as a direct route to citizenship for vetted, high-net-worth individuals.
The announcement arrives as the administration tightens rules elsewhere in the immigration system, raising fees and accelerating deportations.
The Trump Gold Card was first trailed earlier this year and is advertised as a visa for applicants who can prove they will deliver ‘substantial benefit’ to the United States, according to the programme’s official website, reports the BBC
High-priced residency
The BBC reported that the scheme promises residency in “record time” for individuals able to pay the $1m fee, which the government treats as evidence of economic value.
Businesses seeking to sponsor employees must pay $2m, with additional charges possible depending on the case.
A premium “platinum” card offering tax advantages is expected to cost $5m. Applicants must also pay a non-refundable $15,000 processing fee before any review can begin.
Democrats have criticised the initiative since its February announcement, arguing it privileges wealth over need or merit.
Trump’s pitch
Trump framed the programme as comparable to the long-established US green card, though green cards are available to immigrants across income levels and typically lead to citizenship after five years.
The Gold Card, he said, targets ‘high-level’ professionals and people who are ‘productive’. He also argued that those who can invest millions will generate employment, claiming the scheme would ‘sell like crazy’ and calling it ‘a bargain’, notes the BBC
Broader clampdown
The rollout comes amid an aggressive tightening of immigration policy. According to the BBC, the US has paused visa processing for applicants from 19 countries subject to Trump’s travel ban, mostly in Africa and the Middle East.
Asylum decisions have also been frozen, with thousands of existing approvals under the Biden administration now under review.
Sources: BBC
