Donald Trump, former president of the United States, is evaluating the possibility of introducing a fee of US$100,000 to obtain green cards, the permanent residence visa in the country. This measure would be part of a package of immigration reforms if he returns to the White House in a future administration.
The amount of one hundred thousand dollars is one of the scenarios analyzed by his team to finance a more rigorous agenda of border control and modernization of the American immigration system. The initiative seeks to radically transform access to legal residence in the country.
Trump’s idea to generate billions from immigration policy
The main motivation behind the proposal is the expectation of raising billions of dollars, resources that would be directed to cover border security costs and reduce the country’s public deficit. The team argues that the measure would bring substantial economic benefits.
This initiative directly aligns with the “America First” platform, which prioritizes national interests and restrictions on mass immigration. The high charge aims to select immigrants with greater financial capacity to reside in the United States.
Possible consequences of the charge for the economy and immigrants
Critics of the measure point out that such a cost would represent a significant barrier for the majority of immigrants, favoring only the wealthiest. Experts in international law question the legality and practical feasibility of its implementation, raising debates about equity.
Currently, fees for green cards are considerably lower, ranging from one thousand to two thousand dollars, depending on the type of application. Trump’s proposal, therefore, would represent an unprecedented increase and distance the US from common practices in other nations.
