U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance has reignited the ongoing debate over immigration, asserting that holding a Green Card does not guarantee foreign nationals an indefinite right to remain in the country. Speaking on Fox News’ The Ingraham Angle, Vance emphasized that residency is subject to government discretion, clarifying that a Green Card does not ensure absolute permanence.
“If the president and secretary of state decide someone should no longer stay, they have no legal right to be here—it’s as simple as that,” he stated. While acknowledging national security concerns, he stressed that the broader issue revolves around determining who is permitted to become part of the American community.
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Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump has introduced a new immigration initiative—the gold card program—designed to provide an expedited pathway to permanent residency and citizenship for a $5 million fee.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump described it as an enhanced alternative to the traditional Green Card, stating, “You have a Green Card. This is a gold card. We’re going to be putting a price on that card of about $5 million, and that’s going to give you Green Card privileges, plus it’s going to be a route to citizenship.”
The initiative is intended to attract highly skilled professionals, particularly from countries such as India and China, who often face visa challenges despite graduating from top U.S. universities.
Trump highlighted how existing immigration policies discourage international talent from remaining in the U.S., citing instances where companies retract job offers due to visa uncertainties. He emphasized that this new program could provide stability for such professionals, ensuring that graduates from institutions like Harvard and the Wharton School of Finance can contribute to the American economy without bureaucratic obstacles.
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The gold card program is expected to replace the EB-5 immigrant investor visa and could be accessible to both individuals and corporations willing to invest in securing permanent residency. In addition to easing immigration for skilled workers, the initiative is projected to generate significant revenue, potentially helping to reduce the national debt.
Meanwhile, data from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) shows a growing demand for U.S. work visas, with Indian nationals accounting for 72.3 percent of all H-1B visas issued between October 2022 and September 2023.
Green Card holders in the U.S. continue to have defined rights and responsibilities under federal law, including the ability to live and work in the country, as long as they do not engage in activities that could lead to deportation.
However, Vance’s recent remarks and Trump’s new proposal indicate a possible shift in the landscape of permanent residency in the U.S., potentially impacting millions of immigrants who have traditionally viewed Green Cards as a stable route to citizenship.