Trump Gold/Platinum Card: $5 Million Visas Amid Immigration Crackdown
Trump’s “Gold card” and Increased immigration Scrutiny: A Two-Tiered System?
Published: October 26,2023
Updated: October 26,2023
This article examines the Trump governance’s simultaneous implementation of expedited residency pathways for wealthy individuals (“Trump Gold Card” and ”Trump Platinum Card”) alongside substantially increased vetting procedures – including social media and biometric data collection - for visitors from visa waiver countries. We’ll explore the legal challenges, the implications for immigration policy, and the potential impact on national security and civil liberties.
The “trump Gold Card” and “Platinum card” – Pay-to-Play Immigration?
The core of the controversy lies in the introduction of the “Trump Gold Card” (priced at $1 million) and the forthcoming “Trump Platinum Card” ($5 million). These programs promise expedited processing of residency applications, effectively creating a fast track for those with substantial financial resources. the Platinum Card goes a step further,suggesting potential tax benefits for its holders.
This concept is unprecedented in modern U.S. immigration history. While investment-based visas (like the EB-5 visa) exist, they require significant investment in U.S.businesses and job creation, not a direct payment for expedited processing. The Trump administration’s proposal appears to be a direct sale of residency, raising serious questions about fairness and equity.
EB-5 vs. Trump Cards: A Comparison
| Feature | EB-5 Visa | Trump Gold Card | Trump Platinum Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Investment Required | $900,000 – $1.8 million (depending on location) | $1,000,000 | $5,000,000 |
| Job Creation | Requires investment in a U.S. business that creates at least 10 full-time jobs | No job creation requirement | No job creation requirement |
| Processing Time | Variable, typically several years | “Record time” (promised) | “Record time” (promised) |
| tax Implications | Standard U.S. tax laws apply | Standard U.S. tax laws apply | Potential tax avoidance benefits |
| Legal Basis | Established immigration law | Questionable legal authority | Questionable legal authority |
Source: U.S. citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website,Democracy Now! transcript.
The legality of these cards is highly questionable. As Shev Dalal-Dheini, director of government relations at the American immigration Lawyers Association, points out in the Democracy Now! interview, Congress holds the exclusive authority to create new visa categories. An executive order cannot unilaterally establish such a program. Legal challenges are almost certain, focusing on the lack of congressional authorization and potential violations of equal protection principles.
Increased Scrutiny for Visa Waiver Program Travelers
Concurrently with the introduction of the “Gold” and “platinum” cards, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) implemented new rules requiring visitors from 42 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) to submit up to five years of social media history, along with extensive personal data, including telephone numbers, email addresses, and biometric facts (DNA, facial recognition, fingerprints, and iris scans).
The VWP allows citizens of participating countries to enter the U.S. for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without a visa. These new requirements represent a significant escalation in scrutiny for these travelers.
Countries Affected by Increased VWP scrutiny:
The 42 countries affected include most of western Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and several others. A complete list can be found on the Department of Homeland Security website:[https[https[https[https