Lawsuit Challenges Trump's 'Gold Card' Visa Program

A national university faculty group is suing to block President Trump's "Gold Card" visa program, deeming it unlawful. The American Association of University Professors and foreign professionals argue the program unfairly benefits wealthy applicants over merit-based candidates. The Gold Card program, requiring substantial financial contributions, fast-tracks permanent residency for foreign nationals. It utilizes existing EB-1 and EB-2 visa categories, which are already subject to annual caps. Plaintiffs contend the program will increase wait times for qualified applicants by diverting limited visa slots. They argue the Gold Card converts visas into revenue-generating commodities, contradicting merit-focused immigration laws. The lawsuit also alleges the administration bypassed proper rulemaking procedures. Individual plaintiffs, including scientists and engineers, fear further delays in their green card applications. They seek a court declaration that the Gold Card is unlawful and an injunction against its operation. The administration, however, claims the program aims to retain highly skilled graduates in the U.S.