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The President of the United States, Donald Trump, signed an executive order on Friday creating the “Gold Card” immigration program, a new pathway for foreigners to access permanent residency (green card) and subsequently citizenship, in exchange for a million-dollar donation to the U.S. government.
The initiative has been presented by the administration as a way to attract entrepreneurs, investors, and individuals with high purchasing power, aiming to generate revenue for the State and stimulate the economy; however, it faces legal challenges as it is considered illegal, since the executive branch does not have the authority to create new categories of visas.
The measure is complemented by a significant increase in the fees for the popular H-1B visa, which will now require an annual payment of $100,000 from companies wishing to hire highly skilled foreign workers, effectively excluding thousands of professionals, including Latinos and Cubans without financial support.
How does the "golden card" work?
The program for the Trump Gold Card allows foreigners to receive priority processing for their visa if they make a direct financial contribution:
- Foreign applicants must make an "unrestricted" donation of at least $1 million to the Department of Commerce.
In the case that a company sponsors the candidate, the amount increases to $2 million.
A payment of $15,000 in processing fees is also required
Those who are approved will receive permanent residency (green card) with a path to citizenship.
The government will treat this donation as "evidence of professional exceptionalism and national benefit."
If approved, they will receive permanent residency and will be able to apply for citizenship, using the donation as proof of "extraordinary entrepreneurial ability and national benefit," according to the terms of the program.
The administration anticipates raising more than 100 billion dollars with this program, which effectively replaces the current EB-5, the visa for investors that required an investment in specific projects.
Objective: to finance the government
The funds raised will be managed by the Department of Commerce and channeled into a treasury fund aimed at promoting industry and commerce in the U.S.
The Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, assured that the program could raise billions of dollars.
Support and criticism
The White House defends the measure as a strategy to attract talent and capital.
The arguments in favor include stimulating the economy with new investors, generating revenue without raising taxes, attracting individuals with high entrepreneurial potential, and reversing previous immigration policies deemed "failed" by the current administration.
However, the program has generated strong criticism from legal experts, economists, and pro-immigrant organizations.
Legal and ethical questions
Doubtful legality: Several immigration law specialists warn that the president does not have the authority to create a new visa category without Congressional approval.
Substantially modifying programs like the EB-5 —which this new scheme aims to replace— would also require legislation.
System for the wealthy: Critics argue that the “gold card” turns immigration into a privilege for millionaires, sidelining skilled workers, refugees, and families.
Risk of corruption: Some warn that the program could attract individuals looking to launder money or hide assets.
Limited economic impact: Economists argue that focusing solely on great fortunes overlooks the economic value of other immigrants and can weaken key sectors such as agriculture, construction, or elder care.
Part of a broader immigration reform
The "Gold Card" program is part of other initiatives by the Trump administration to reform immigration.
Among them, a new fee of $100,000 for the H-1B visa, which affects highly skilled foreign professionals, along with stricter restrictions on family reunification and asylum.
The measure, still subject to possible legal challenges, is part of a broader strategy to redirect immigration policy towards economic and security criteria, to the detriment of the traditional approach based on merit, family ties, or humanitarian reasons.
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