Trump’s Visa Move After H-1B Fee Hike

President Donald Trump has introduced a new premium immigration option. The Trump Platinum Card promises a path to US residency for a multi-million dollar fee. This follows the recent announcement of a similar Gold Card program.

The move comes alongside a major proposed hike in H-1B visa application fees. According to Reuters, the new plan would charge $100,000 per H-1B application. This represents a dramatic shift in US immigration policy for skilled workers.

Details of the High-Cost Platinum and Gold Cards

The official Trumpcard.gov website outlines the new Platinum Card offer. It requires a $5 million contribution after processing fees and a Department of Homeland Security vetting. Successful applicants can spend up to 270 days in the US without being taxed on foreign income.

This new card is a more expensive version of the previously announced Gold Card. That program requires a $1 million contribution for a fast-track to residency. Both programs are currently accepting names for a waiting list.

The Trump administration has not released figures on application numbers. The website provides basic details but lacks extensive legal fine print. This has led to questions about the program’s structure and implementation.

H-1B Visa Fee Hike Sparks Industry Concerns

The premium card announcements coincide with a reported plan to overhaul the H-1B visa system. Bloomberg reports the new application fee could be set at $100,000. This is a significant increase from the current modest lottery entry fee.

The H-1B program grants 85,000 visas yearly to highly skilled foreign professionals. Major tech firms like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google are leading beneficiaries. According to AP, Amazon alone secured over 10,000 of these visas in recent years.

The proposed change aims to address loopholes in the current system. Reports indicate some outsourcing firms flood the lottery with applications. These firms then receive nearly half of all available visas each year.

The introduction of a multi-tiered immigration system marks a profound policy shift. The new Trump Platinum Card and H-1B fee changes will significantly impact both wealthy investors and skilled professionals seeking US entry.

Info at your fingertips

What is the difference between the Trump Gold and Platinum Cards?

The Gold Card requires a $1 million contribution for a residency fast-track. The new Platinum Card demands a $5 million contribution for similar benefits, including a 270-day US stay.

How much is the proposed new H-1B visa fee?

According to Bloomberg reporting, the new application fee for an H-1B visa would be $100,000. This is a massive increase from the current costs paid by employers.

Which US state has the most H-1B visa workers?

Data from US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) shows California has the highest number of H-1B visa holders. Tech hubs like Silicon Valley drive this concentration.

Why is the H-1B system being changed?

The changes aim to fix system loopholes. Some staffing firms submit numerous applications, securing a large share of visas for lower-wage positions.

Trusted Sources

Reuters, Associated Press (AP), Bloomberg, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)