WASHINGTON — The Trump administration has finally released its much-anticipated “gold card” allowing deep-pocketed foreigners to purchase US visas.
Trump told reporters at the White House that it would function “somewhat like a green card” letting foreigners become instantly eligible for permanent residency status to work in America.
Individuals have to pay $1 million to US Treasury coffers, while companies will have to fork over $2 million to keep employees.
The Department of Homeland Security will conduct a background check on all applicants to make sure they are qualified.
After five years, any gold card-carrying permanent resident can apply for full citizenship.
“THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT’S TRUMP GOLD CARD IS HERE TODAY! A direct path to Citizenship for all qualified and vetted people,” the president later posted on his Truth Social, sharing a link to the website for applicants.
“SO EXCITING! Our Great American Companies can finally keep their invaluable Talent. Live Site opens in 30 minutes!”
The card purchases are revamping the backlogged and cumbersome EB-5 visa program that had awarded permanent legal status to foreigners who invest in US businesses.
Trump expects that “hundreds of billions of dollars” in revenue could result — and that top businesses leaders like Apple’s Tim Cook have celebrated the gold card solution.
