"No" to immigrants, unless they are at least millionaires and willing to pay, says US President Donald Trump, who launched a program that offers faster visa issuance to wealthy foreigners who can afford to pay at least $1 million.
With his uncharacteristic "modesty," Donald Trump wrote on social media that the "gold card" would offer buyers "instant citizenship for all qualified and vetted individuals. So exciting! Our great American companies can finally keep their invaluable talent."
What is the Trump Gold Card?
The Trump Gold Card, which was first announced earlier this year, is a visa awarded to those who can prove they will provide "substantial benefit" to the country, according to the program's official website.
The visa comes at a time when Washington is intensifying its crackdown on immigrants, raising work permit fees and deporting illegal immigrants.
The Gold Card promises permanent residency in the US in record time and is conditional on the payment of a $1 million fee, which constitutes "proof that the individual will substantially benefit the United States," according to the program's website.
"Platinum card" expected
Businesses that want to issue a card to their employees are required to pay $2 million, along with additional fees.
A "platinum" version is expected to be available in the near future, offering special tax breaks for $5 million. At the same time, depending on the circumstances, each applicant may be required to pay additional fees.
Individuals are also required to pay a $15.000 processing fee before their application will be considered. The fee will not be refunded.
The program has faced criticism since it was announced in February, with some Democrats arguing that it unfairly favors the wealthy.
"It will sell like crazy, it's a great opportunity"
For the first time, Donald Trump argued that this visa is similar to a green card, which allows immigrants regardless of income level to live and work permanently in the U.S. Green card holders usually become eligible for citizenship after five years.
However, the Gold Card is specifically aimed at "high-level" professionals, Trump stressed, underlining that "we want people who are productive."
"People who can pay $5 million, they're going to create jobs," Trump said. "It's going to sell like crazy. It's a deal," he added.
But the program is being implemented while the Trump administration is devoting significant resources to deportations and has frozen immigration applications from 19 countries. The US government has also frozen all asylum decisions and announced it will review thousands of cases approved under the Joe Biden administration.
In September, Trump also signed an executive order imposing a $100.000 fee on applicants for the H-1B visa program for skilled workers from abroad. The decision has sparked intense concern among international students at U.S. universities and technology companies. However, the White House clarified that the fee would only apply to new applicants who are currently abroad.
Source: protothema.gr
