"My administration is prioritizing adjustments to federal immigration policy that serve the national interest by ending illegal immigration and prioritizing the admission of those who demonstrably benefit our country," President Donald Trump stated in the executive order signed on 19/9.
The executive order establishes the Gold Card visa program, overseen by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, "to facilitate entry for individuals who have demonstrated capacity and desire to advance US interests through a substantial contribution."
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President Trump holds the Gold Card executive order at the White House on 19/9. Photo: AP |
President Trump holds the Gold Card executive order at the White House on 19/9. Photo: AP
The document lists a contribution level of $1 million for individuals and $2 million for businesses seeking to sponsor employees. The immigration gold card website, trumpcard.gov, displays two card types corresponding to these levels: the "Trump Gold Card" and the "Trump Gold Card for Business."
The "Trump Gold Card" allows holders to obtain US residency in record time. Sponsored employees of businesses also receive similar benefits. The "Trump Gold Card for Business" further allows for the transfer of sponsorship from one individual to another.
The trumpcard.gov website also displays a "Trump Platinum Card" for $5 million, which allows holders to stay in the US for up to 270 days without being subject to US taxes on income earned outside the country. However, Trump did not mention the platinum card in the executive order.
"The important thing is we're going to have great people coming into our country, and they’re going to pay. And we’re going to use that money to reduce taxes and reduce our national debt," President Trump told reporters, adding that he believes the program will be extremely successful.
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US President Donald Trump and a model of the "Trump Gold Card" at the White House on 19/9. Photo: AP |
US President Donald Trump and a model of the "Trump Gold Card" at the White House on 19/9. Photo: AP
It remains unclear whether US law allows the Trump administration to issue residency visas in this manner. Many countries around the world have similar visa programs with lower prices and limited success.
The Trump administration also announced plans to increase the fee businesses pay for H1B visa workers to $100,000, payable over six years. The White House argues that this move will help ensure that only highly skilled, irreplaceable workers come to the US and protect American jobs.
The H1B is a non-immigrant visa granted by the US government, allowing companies to hire foreign workers with specialized skills to work in the US for a specific period. H1Bs typically last for three years, and holders can apply for extensions or green cards.
Nhu Tam (AFP, Reuters)
