Former US President Donald Trump's proposed 'gold card' initiative has reignited immigration debates, especially after Vice President JD Vance’s latest remarks on green card holders' rights.

Under US law, a green card grants foreign nationals the right to live and work in the country but is not an absolute guarantee of permanent residency. "A green card holder doesn’t have an indefinite right to be in the United States," Vance stated, arguing that national security and the ability to integrate into American society should determine residency status.

Trump’s 'gold card' proposal introduces a new pathway for wealthy foreigners, allowing them to purchase US residency for $5 million. "We're going to be selling a gold card. You have a green card. This is a gold card," Trump said from the Oval Office, emphasizing that it would also provide a direct route to citizenship.

The initiative aims to retain top international talent, particularly from India, China, and Japan, by offering certainty in immigration status. "A person attends Harvard or the Wharton School, receives job offers, but loses them due to visa uncertainty," Trump noted. The 'gold card' would eliminate such barriers, allowing businesses to hire skilled foreign professionals seamlessly.

The program is expected to replace the EB-5 investor visa, which currently requires foreign applicants to create US jobs to qualify for permanent residency. Trump suggested that selling ‘gold cards’ could generate billions in revenue, potentially helping to reduce national debt.

Indian nationals, who accounted for 72.3% of all H1B visas issued between October 2022 and September 2023, are likely to be among the biggest beneficiaries. However, critics argue that prioritizing wealth over merit-based immigration could reshape America’s immigration landscape.

Former US President Donald Trump's proposed 'gold card' initiative has reignited immigration debates, especially after Vice President JD Vance’s latest remarks on green card holders' rights.

Under US law, a green card grants foreign nationals the right to live and work in the country but is not an absolute guarantee of permanent residency. "A green card holder doesn’t have an indefinite right to be in the United States," Vance stated, arguing that national security and the ability to integrate into American society should determine residency status.

Trump’s 'gold card' proposal introduces a new pathway for wealthy foreigners, allowing them to purchase US residency for $5 million. "We're going to be selling a gold card. You have a green card. This is a gold card," Trump said from the Oval Office, emphasizing that it would also provide a direct route to citizenship.

The initiative aims to retain top international talent, particularly from India, China, and Japan, by offering certainty in immigration status. "A person attends Harvard or the Wharton School, receives job offers, but loses them due to visa uncertainty," Trump noted. The 'gold card' would eliminate such barriers, allowing businesses to hire skilled foreign professionals seamlessly.

The program is expected to replace the EB-5 investor visa, which currently requires foreign applicants to create US jobs to qualify for permanent residency. Trump suggested that selling ‘gold cards’ could generate billions in revenue, potentially helping to reduce national debt.

Indian nationals, who accounted for 72.3% of all H1B visas issued between October 2022 and September 2023, are likely to be among the biggest beneficiaries. However, critics argue that prioritizing wealth over merit-based immigration could reshape America’s immigration landscape.