New Executive Order Creates Fast-Track Immigration for Wealthy Investors, Citing National Interest and Public Safety
President Donald J. Trump today announced a new immigration initiative, the “Gold Card,” an expedited visa program designed to attract wealthy foreign nationals to the United States. The program, detailed in an executive order, establishes a pathway to residency for individuals and corporations who make significant financial contributions to the U.S. government.
The order, issued from the White House, outlines the program’s purpose as a direct response to what the administration calls “disastrous immigration policies of the prior administration.” President Trump’s statement asserts that these past policies led to a “deluge of immigrants” and allowed “international cartels, transnational criminal organizations, terrorists, and foreign malign actors” to exploit open borders, jeopardizing public safety and national security.
In contrast, the Gold Card program aims to “realign Federal immigration policy with the Nation’s interests” by prioritizing immigrants who can “affirmatively benefit the Nation, including successful entrepreneurs, investors, and businessmen and women.”
Under the new program, the Secretary of Commerce, in coordination with the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security, will oversee the process. An individual can become eligible for an expedited visa by making an “unrestricted gift” of $1 million to the Department of Commerce. Corporations or similar entities can also sponsor an individual by making a $2 million gift.
The executive order specifies that this financial contribution will be considered as evidence of “exceptional business ability and national benefit,” potentially allowing applicants to qualify for a national-interest waiver and other expedited considerations under existing immigration laws.
Funds from the gifts will be deposited into a special Department of the Treasury fund and used by the Department of Commerce to “promote commerce and American industry.”
The order gives the three Cabinet secretaries 90 days to implement the program, which will include establishing application and fee processes, as well as procedures for the transfer of sponsorships between individuals. It also mandates that all applicants undergo appropriate screening for public safety and national security concerns.
The administration stated that the Gold Card is intended to create a more merit-based immigration system, focusing on individuals who can contribute financially to the U.S. economy. The order also notes the administration will consider expanding the program to other categories of visa applicants in the future.
The White House stated the order is effective immediately, though implementation details will be finalized in the coming months. The Department of Commerce will bear the costs associated with the public announcement and publication of the order.
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