Trump Introduces $1 Million “Gold Card” Visa for Rich Foreigners
According to BBC, US President Donald Trump has started a new visa plan called the Trump Gold Card, which gives rich foreigners a faster way to live in the United States. BBC reports that anyone who wants this special visa must pay at least $1 million, which is about £750,000.
BBC says the Gold Card gives a quick path to US citizenship for people who pass all checks. Trump posted online that this will help American companies keep skilled workers. The Gold Card is meant for people who can bring “big benefits” to the US economy, BBC explains.
This new visa is coming at a time when the US government is tightening immigration rules. BBC reports that the US is increasing visa fees and deporting many undocumented migrants, so this Gold Card is the opposite — it welcomes wealthy people instead.
How the Gold Card Works (BBC)
- BBC says applicants must pay $1 million as proof they can help the US economy.
- Companies that want to sponsor an employee must pay $2 million, plus other charges.
- There will also be a “Platinum” version for $5 million, which gives special tax benefits, BBC mentions.
- Every applicant must pay a non-refundable $15,000 processing fee, even before their application is reviewed, according to BBC.
Why People Are Talking About It
Many Democrats are criticizing the plan. BBC reports that they believe the Gold Card favours only the rich, unlike the normal green card system that allows people of different income levels to live and work in the US.
Trump says this new card is for “productive” people and BBC quotes him saying that those who can pay $5 million will create jobs. According to Trump, the Gold Card will “sell like crazy”.
This new visa looks less like an immigration plan and more like a luxury product for millionaires. It’s almost like the US is selling a “VIP ticket” to live in America.
While normal workers struggle with higher visa fees and strict rules, BBC highlights that wealthy people now have a fast lane. This shows a widening gap between how rich and poor immigrants are treated.
For Africans and people from the Middle East, the situation is tougher. BBC reports that the US has paused most immigration applications from 19 countries under Trump’s travel ban, making it even harder for regular people to enter, while the Gold Card opens doors for those with money.
Credit: BBC
