Vice President’s Statement Sparks Concern Among Indian Immigrants
Washington D.C. |
U.S. Vice President JD Vance stated on Thursday that holding a green card does not guarantee permanent residence in the United States. Speaking to a TV channel, Vance emphasized that the administration has the legal authority to deport green card holders if deemed necessary, sparking concerns among millions of immigrants, including Indians.
Green Card Holders at Risk?
A green card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card, allows foreign nationals to live and work permanently in the U.S. However, this status can be revoked if the individual violates immigration laws or commits certain crimes. Vance’s remarks have heightened uncertainty for Indian professionals and families who rely on employment-based green cards for a stable future in the U.S.
Trump’s ‘Gold Card’ Citizenship Plan
Vance’s statement comes at a time when President Donald Trump is aggressively promoting a new visa initiative called the ‘Trump Gold Card’. Under this program, foreign nationals can purchase U.S. citizenship for $5 million (approx. ₹44 crore).
Trump has described the Gold Card as an alternative to the EB-5 visa program, which currently allows foreign investors to obtain a green card by investing $1 million (approx. ₹8.75 crore) in a U.S. business that creates at least 10 jobs. The President has proposed selling 1 million Gold Cards, claiming the program could generate significant tax revenue and help reduce the national debt.
Major Shift in U.S. Immigration Policy
The EB-5 visa program, introduced in 1990, has been a key pathway for high-net-worth individuals to gain U.S. residency without employer sponsorship. However, Trump’s push for the Gold Card could replace or phase out the EB-5 system, making immigration significantly more expensive for aspiring applicants.
Currently, the U.S. offers several employment-based visa programs:
- EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, and EB-4 (which require employer sponsorship)
- EB-5 (which grants a green card to investors who create jobs)
If the EB-5 program is scrapped, the only remaining fast-track route to citizenship would be through the Trump Gold Card, which costs five times more.
Impact on Indian Applicants
The Indian community, one of the largest groups applying for green cards, may face significant challenges if the EB-5 program is discontinued. Skilled Indian professionals already face decades-long wait times for green cards due to visa backlogs. The introduction of the costly Gold Card could make U.S. immigration inaccessible to many middle-class professionals.
For thousands of Indian families waiting for permanent residency, these policy changes could make the American Dream far more expensive and uncertain.
