特朗普签署行政令，正式推出“特朗普金卡”签证计划，向全球富人出售美国居住权。个人申请“特朗普金卡”需支付100万美元，在经过国土安全部（DHS）审查后缴纳100万美元，即可以“创纪录的速度”获得美国居留权。更高级别的“白金卡”需支付500万美元，允许在美国停留长达270天，且无需为在美国以外地区获得的收入而纳税。企业也可为个人员工支付200万美元费用获得金卡，且企业可以借此为不限数量的员工获得美国居住权。特朗普要求企业需支付10万美元费用才能获得H-1B工作签证。美国商务部长卢特尼克预计，金卡计划将为美国政府筹集超过1000亿美元。 ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses recent changes in the U.S. visa policy, particularly the shift from a lottery system to a weighted system for H1-B visa allocation, favoring high-skilled and high-salary applicants [3][4]. Visa Policy Changes - The proposed new rule by the Department of Homeland Security aims to allocate H1-B visas based on multiple factors such as salary, job level, and education, rather than a random lottery [3][4]. - Currently, there is a cap of 85,000 H1-B visas issued annually, with 20,000 reserved for applicants holding a master's degree or higher [3]. Impact on Applicants - High-salary and higher-education applicants will have increased chances under the new system, as the lowest income quartile will see reduced lottery opportunities [3][4]. - The majority of H1-B visas (64%) are currently awarded to applicants in computer-related occupations, with Indian nationals receiving 71% of these visas [6]. Salary Level Considerations - The new rule will consider salary "levels" within specific job categories, meaning that applicants with salaries that meet or exceed the prevailing wage for their occupation will have a better chance of selection [7]. - For example, a teacher earning $112,790 in San Francisco may have a higher chance of selection than a software engineer earning $135,699 if their salary corresponds to a higher wage level [7]. Timeline for Implementation - The proposed rule is not yet finalized and will undergo a public comment period of 30-60 days before being officially published [8]. - If the process goes smoothly, the new system could impact the H1-B lottery for the fiscal year 2027, with registration starting in March 2024 [8]. Recommendations for International Students - International students are advised to communicate effectively with employers regarding job codes, work locations, and salary expectations to enhance their chances under the new system [10]. - Students should consider leveraging their educational qualifications as a dual advantage, as higher degrees may provide better job levels and salaries, thus improving their chances in the new allocation system [11]. Alternative Visa Options - Current regulations allow certain employers, such as universities and non-profit research institutions, to apply for H1-B visas year-round without a lottery [12]. - Applicants with significant achievements in their fields may also consider the O-1 visa, which has no cap on the number of visas issued [12].

Core Viewpoint - The Trump administration is considering a $1,000 expedited fee for non-immigrant visa applicants seeking quicker interview appointments, in addition to the existing $185 visa fee [1][2]. Group 1: Proposed Changes to Visa Fees - The proposed $1,000 fee would allow certain applicants to bypass the standard waiting process for visa interviews [1]. - The plan may be piloted as early as December this year, but faces significant legal risks, including potential rejection by the White House budget office or the courts [2]. Group 2: "Gold Card" Proposal - The "Gold Card" plan, proposed earlier this year, suggests selling U.S. permanent residency for $5 million, aiming to replace the current EB-5 investment immigration program [2]. - This initiative is intended to help reduce the U.S. federal debt, which exceeds $36 trillion, with the potential to generate up to $1 trillion if 200,000 cards are sold [2]. Group 3: Implications for Immigration Policy - Experts warn that the legal feasibility of significantly altering existing green card programs without Congressional involvement is uncertain [2]. - The potential tax burden on applicants, as the U.S. taxes global income for citizens and green card holders, may deter interest in the program [3]. - The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) predicts a 7% decline in international tourism spending in the U.S. by 2025, influenced by Trump's policies and a stronger dollar [3].