On Thursday, December 11th, US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick stated that with the White House introducing the “Golden Card” visa, the United States should focus on attracting immigrants who can promote economic growth.
Lutnick, in an interview with CNBC on Thursday, said, “Let’s bring in the most talented individuals. Let’s help them come to the US to develop and build America.”
“Why should we accept people who earn below average income? That just doesn’t make sense,” he added.
Lutnick mentioned that the average income of US Green Card holders (permanent residents) is one-third lower than the average income of Americans.
“We are the only country allowing others to enter without scrutiny, without considering if they can truly help America become an economically great nation,” he said.
Lutnick’s remarks came as the Trump administration officially launched the “Golden Card” visa program. This program offers a pathway to citizenship for applicants, akin to an upgraded version of the Green Card, but requires a $1 million “donation.” The program has piqued the interest of wealthy foreigners, and companies can also purchase the Golden Card to sponsor employees, with the donation amount doubling.
Trump has made combatting illegal immigration a cornerstone policy of his return to the White House. In September, he announced that new H-1B visa applications would be subject to a $100,000 fee, a common pathway for tech companies to bring in skilled talent from overseas.
Lutnick stated on Thursday that immigrants willing to pay this $1 million can “prove” they are eligible for expedited approval.
“We should be bringing in the best, brightest talent,” Lutnick said. “This is where Trump is changing our immigration system.”
Applicants can access the Golden Card program through the website trumpcard.gov and can also pay $15,000 to the Department of Homeland Security to expedite the approval process.
The website states, “Simply pay the $15,000 DHS processing fee, donate $1 million after passing the background check, and you can obtain US permanent residency at record speed with the Trump Golden Card.”
Lutnick mentioned on Wednesday that around 10,000 people have pre-registered for the Golden Card during the pre-registration period, and he expects even more to register.
The trumpcard.gov website also mentions that the “Trump Platinum Card,” priced at $5 million, will allow cardholders to stay in the US for up to 270 days without paying taxes on overseas income.