US Vice President JD Vance’s take on Green Cards: What it means for immigrants

A new immigration proposal by US President Donald Trump, known as the ‘gold card’ initiative, has reignited discussions about residency rights and pathways to citizenship in the United States. The plan, which would allow wealthy foreigners to purchase residency for USD 5 million, has drawn both support and criticism as it aims to overhaul the current immigration system. Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance’s remarks on green card holders’ rights have added another layer to the debate.
As discussions around the ‘gold card’ continue, recent comments from Vice President JD Vance have brought renewed attention to the status of green card holders in the US. While a green card allows foreign nationals to live and work in the country, it does not provide an indefinite right to stay. Under existing laws, residency can be revoked for reasons such as criminal activity, prolonged absences, or failure to comply with immigration regulations.
Vance’s remarks have sparked debates on national security and the criteria for permanent residency. Some view his statements as a reaffirmation of existing laws, while others see them as a potential shift toward stricter immigration policies.

The ‘gold card’ proposal is particularly relevant to Indian nationals, who have been among the largest recipients of US work visas. Data from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) indicates that between October 2022 and September 2023, Indian applicants accounted for 72.3% of all H1B visas issued.
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Trump has emphasized the need to retain highly skilled international graduates, particularly those from India, China, and other countries, who complete their education at top US institutions but face uncertainty in securing long-term work opportunities. By offering a more secure residency option, the ‘gold card’ initiative aims to prevent the loss of top talent to other nations.
Trump’s proposed ‘gold card’ would serve as a premium alternative to the traditional green card, offering foreign nationals the right to live and work in the US with additional privileges. It is expected to provide a direct route to citizenship while allowing companies to purchase the cards to facilitate hiring international talent. The initiative is seen as a replacement for the EB-5 immigrant investor visa program, which currently requires foreign investors to create jobs in the US to qualify for residency.
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Supporters argue that the program could generate billions in revenue, which could be used to reduce national debt and support economic growth. By offering a straightforward residency pathway, it also seeks to attract high-net-worth individuals who can contribute significantly to the US economy.