'Direct path to citizenship': Trump launches Gold Card, cites corporate demand — what it means

US President Donald Trump on Thursday unveiled the new ‘Gold Card’ visa, a pathway that allows foreign nationals to obtain permanent-resident status by donating $1 million to the US Treasury. The White House has opened online applications, positioning the program as a fast-track option for individuals and a major new tool for companies seeking to retain high-skilled foreign workers.

Calling it “somewhat like a green card, but with big advantages over a green card," Trump said the Gold Card enables corporations to secure foreign talent through sponsorship. “Companies are going to be able to go to the Wharton School of Finance, Stern Business School, Harvard, MIT, wherever you may get your students… and you’re able to buy a card and keep that person in the United States," he said.

Trump hailed the program as a way to keep top global graduates, often required to return to their home countries, in the US workforce. “The companies will be very happy… I know Apple is going to be happy. Nobody talked to me more about it than Tim Cook," he said.