“No” to immigrants unless they are at least a millionaire and willing to pay, says U.S. President Donald Trump, who has launched a program that offers faster visa issuance to wealthy foreigners who can afford at least $1 million.

With the “modesty” that (doesn’t) distinguish him, Donald Trump wrote on social media that the “gold card” would offer buyers “an immediate process for citizenship for all qualified and vetted individuals. So exciting! Our great American companies can finally hold on to their invaluable talent.”

What is the Trump Gold Card

The Trump Gold Card, first announced later this year, is a visa awarded to those who can demonstrate that they will provide a “substantial benefit” to the country, according to the program’s official website.

The visa comes at a time when Washington is stepping up its crackdown on immigrants, increasing work permit fees and deporting illegal immigrants.

The Gold Card promises permanent residency in the US in record time and is contingent on the payment of a $1 million fee, which is “proof that the individual will substantially benefit the United States,” according to the program’s website.

A “platinum card”

Businesses that want to issue the card to their employees are required to pay $2 million, along with additional fees.

A “platinum” version, offering special tax breaks, is expected to be available in the near future for $5 million. At the same time, depending on the circumstances, each applicant may be required to pay additional fees.

Individuals are also required to pay a $15,000 processing fee before their application is considered. The fee is non-refundable.

The program has been criticized since it was announced in February, with some Democrats arguing that it unfairly favors the wealthy.

“It will sell like crazy, it’s a bargain”

For the first time, Donald Trump has argued that this visa is similar to a green card, which allows immigrants of any income level to live and work permanently in the US. Green card holders typically become eligible for citizenship after five years.

However, the Golden Card is specifically aimed at “high-level” professionals, Trump said, stressing that “we want people who are productive.”

“People who can pay $5 million will create jobs,” Trump said. “They will sell like crazy. It’s an opportunity,” he added.

However, the program is being implemented while the Trump administration is providing significant resources to immigrant deportations, and immigration applications from 19 countries have been frozen. The US government has also frozen all decisions on asylum applications and has announced it will review thousands of cases approved under Joe Biden’s administration.

In September, Trump also signed an executive order imposing a $100,000 fee on applicants for the H-1B visa program for skilled foreign workers. The decision caused intense concern among foreign students at US universities and tech companies. However, it was clarified by the White House that the fee would only apply to new applicants currently abroad.