US President Trump announces ‘Gold Card’ for foreigners of ‘extraordinary ability’
New York/Washington (PTI): US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order entitled ‘The Gold Card’, aimed at setting up a new visa pathway for foreigners of extraordinary ability who are committed to supporting the United States.
Under the Gold Card programme, signed on Friday, individuals who can pay USD 1 million to the US Treasury, or USD 2 million if a corporation is sponsoring them, will get access to expedited visa treatment and a path to a Green Card in the country.
“We're taking in hundreds of billions of dollars. The Gold Card will be taking in hundreds of billions of dollars, and companies will be able to keep some people they need. They need people of expertise, great expertise,” Trump said.
Trump emphasised the gold card will be a “fantastic thing” and “we're going to take that money and we're going to reduce taxes, we're going to reduce debt”.
“To apply, an applicant must pay a nonrefundable processing fee. Once an applicant’s processing fee is received, the process for visa adjudication will take place, assuming applicants submit additional documents in a timely manner," the official website of the programme said.
The website said that if approved, an individual “must make a gift of USD 1 million, which has been determined to provide sufficient evidence that the individual will substantially benefit the United States.”
The applicants must be “eligible for lawful permanent resident status, admissible to the United States, and a visa must be available,” the website added.
“The Order directs the Secretary of Commerce to deposit the gifts into the Treasury and use them to promote commerce and American industry,” a White House statement said.
The Gold Card prioritises entry for high-value contributors to American society, including successful entrepreneurs, investors, and businessmen, it said.
“Early in his second term, President Trump proposed Gold Cards, a vision he is now delivering to attract wealthy investors and entrepreneurs,” it added.
The programme will generate revenue and provide certainty to immigrants who can make significant contributions to the American economy, the statement added.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Mangaluru’s Karavali Utsava is back; Cultural, beach events lined up, here’s the complete schedule
Mangaluru: This year’s Karavali Utsava will commence on December 20, with a wide range of cultural, adventure, and tourism-focused programs planned across Mangaluru and other parts of the Dakshina Kannada district, Deputy Commissioner Darshan H.V. said.
He was speaking while presiding over a Karavali Utsava preparedness review meeting held at the District Commissioner’s office.
The main event will be held at the Karavali Utsava grounds in the city. In an effort to promote beach tourism, special programs will be organised at six beaches across the district, which include Panambur, Ullal, Someshwara, Sasihitlu, Tannirbhavi, and the Blue Flag Beach.
ALSO READ: Udupi: Toddler slips from mother's hand while drawing water from well, dies
Outlining the schedule, the Deputy Commissioner said adventure sports will be held at Sasihitlu Beach, while a wine, cheese, and cake festival will take place at the Tannirbhavi Blue Flag Beach.
A music festival and triathlon are planned at Tannirbhavi Beach. Football, volleyball and other sports events will be organised at Ullal Beach, cultural programs at Panambur Beach, and a music evening and yoga program at Someshwara Beach.
In addition, food festivals featuring a variety of local and regional cuisines will be held at all beaches. The Kala Parba program and a flower and floriculture exhibition will be organised at Kadri Park, while a film festival is also planned in Mangaluru city.
A football tournament will be held at Nehru Maidan on December 27 and 28, and special programs will be organised at Pilikula Nisargadhama. To attract tourists, helicopter joyrides have also been arranged, the Deputy Commissioner said.
The review meeting was attended by Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Narvade Vinayak Karbari, Mangaluru Deputy Divisional Officer Meenakshi Arya, Deputy Commissioner of Police Mithun H.N., Deputy Conservator of Forests Antony Mariappa, and other officials.
