Deciphering the 'Trump Gold Card'

Introducing a quick path to permanent residency for a hefty fee.

Donald Trump continues to reshape America's immigration policies with a novel visa program priced at $1 million.

This past Wednesday, Trump revealed the 'Trump Gold Card,' an exclusive visa category that demands a $1 million fee, termed a 'gift,' as proof of the applicant's substantial future contributions to the United States. There's also a 'Corporate Gold Card' pegged at $2 million, and a forthcoming 'Platinum Card' with a $5 million price tag.

Applicants who secure the 'Gold Card' will attain the status of permanent US residents, also known as green card holders.

Trump initially hinted at this concept back in February, suggesting then that the cost could reach as high as $5 million. The introduction of the 'Gold Card' marks just one of Trump's efforts to economically exploit the US immigration framework; he earlier proposed a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visas aimed at highly skilled foreign workers.

The Origin Story

Charging for a visa isn't a novel idea, within the US or globally, but the straightforward 'gift' mandate of Trump's 'Gold Card' stands out starkly. Comparable programs, such as the golden visas in many European nations, typically involve investments like property procurement or donations.

These initiatives can also be marred by allegations of corruption: Trump has even shown willingness to offer 'Gold Cards' to Russian magnates.

Monetary Mysteries

The destiny of the substantial fees—$1 million, $2 million, or even $5 million—remains somewhat ambiguous. The funds are intended to flow directly into a US government account, geared towards endeavors labeled as 'beneficial for the nation,' as claimed by Trump recently.

Wider Implications

Effectively, the 'Gold Card' introduces an avenue in the US immigration system where affluence grants expediency, while simultaneously, Trump's policies attempt to close doors on migrants seeking asylum and immigrants from predominantly non-white countries.