20 US States Challenge Trump’s Gold Card Visa Policy
A major controversy has erupted in the United States over former President Donald Trump’s new Gold Card visa policy. Twenty US states, led by California, have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for introducing a steep $1 million (approximately ₹9 crore) visa application fee.
The states argue that the fee is illegal, discriminatory, and likely to worsen the already growing shortage of doctors, teachers, and other skilled workers across schools, hospitals, and research institutions.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta said the visa program targets highly skilled professionals such as doctors, engineers, scientists, and teachers. “When talented people from around the world come to America, the entire country benefits,” Bonta said, emphasizing the need for inclusive immigration policies.
Legal Challenge Over Visa Fee Hike
The lawsuit, jointly filed by California, New York, Illinois, Washington, and Massachusetts, claims the Trump administration violated the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) by introducing such a major policy without parliamentary approval or public consultation.
Previously, the H-1B visa fee ranged from $1,000 to $7,500 (around ₹1–6 lakh). The sudden jump to $1 million per applicant has shocked institutions and businesses alike. States say this new charge is “hundreds of times higher” than the actual processing cost.
Schools and Hospitals to Suffer the Most
Officials warn that the hardest-hit sectors will be education and healthcare, as these were earlier exempt from visa fees. Under the new rule, bringing a foreign teacher or doctor into the US could cost nearly ₹9 crore—forcing schools and hospitals to cut essential services or divert funds.
According to the US Department of Education, over 75% of school districts are struggling to hire teachers, especially in science, special education, and language programs. The healthcare system faces a similar crisis, with the country projected to face a shortage of 86,000 doctors by 2036.
Experts fear the new visa fee could make it nearly impossible for institutions to attract foreign professionals, deepening staffing shortages nationwide.
US Government Defends High Visa Fees
The Trump administration defended its decision, claiming the fee hike aims to prevent misuse of the visa system and protect jobs for American citizens. The White House said the funds collected would help cut taxes and reduce government debt.
However, critics warn that the move could backfire. Skilled workers from countries like India may now prefer destinations such as Canada, Australia, or Europe, where immigration rules are more welcoming.
The US has also tightened background checks for visa applicants, including reviewing their social media history for the past five years, making the process more stringent.
Gold Card Visa: A Pathway for the Wealthy
Trump launched the Gold Card visa officially on Thursday, offering long-term US residency rights to wealthy foreigners. The card grants almost all rights of citizenship—except voting and passport privileges.
While the Trump administration calls it part of the “America First” agenda, critics say it favors the rich and shuts doors for skilled but less wealthy professionals.
