This story appeared in The Logoff, a day by day e-newsletter that helps you keep knowledgeable concerning the Trump administration with out letting political information take over your life. Subscribe right here.
Welcome to The Logoff: Donald Trump is continuous to rework America’s immigration system with the launch of a $1 million visa.
What occurred? On Wednesday, Trump introduced the launch of the “Trump Gold Card,” a brand new class of expedited visa that features a $1 million payment, or “reward,” as “proof that the person will considerably profit the USA.” The brand new program additionally features a “Company Gold Card” with a $2 million payment, and a not-yet-available “Platinum Card” for $5 million.
Recipients of the “Gold Card” will obtain everlasting resident standing within the US, often known as a inexperienced card.
What’s the context? Trump previewed it as early as February, on the time suggesting the associated fee could be $5 million. The “Gold Card” additionally isn’t the one method Trump is making an attempt to monetize the American immigration system; in September, he connected a $100,000 payment to new H-1B visas for expert staff.
The place did this concept come from? Setting a price ticket on a visa isn’t precisely new, within the US or elsewhere, however the “reward” requirement with Trump’s “Gold Card” is unusually direct. Comparable visa classes, comparable to so-called golden visas in some European international locations, usually require some type of funding in these international locations, comparable to property possession and even charitable giving.
Such applications additionally include critical corruption considerations: For instance, Trump has already expressed openness to granting “Gold Playing cards” to Russian oligarchs.
The place does the cash go? That half remains to be unclear; the “reward” of $1 million, $2 million, or $5 million will go on to the US authorities, into what Trump described Wednesday as “an account the place we will do issues constructive for the nation.”
What’s the massive image? “Gold Playing cards” primarily add a pay-to-play lane to the US immigration system, opening the door for individuals with thousands and thousands of {dollars} mendacity round — whilst Trump tries to slam it shut for asylum-seekers and immigrants from non-white international locations.
And with that, it’s time to sign off…
I loved this New York Occasions story concerning the slaty-masked tinamou, a pleasant, vocal new species of chicken not too long ago found within the mountains of western Brazil; one biologist described it to the Occasions as “an opera singer” with “a voice like no different.”
It’s not a completely upbeat piece — scientists fear that the chicken’s lack of worry might put it in firm with the now-extinct dodo — however the excellent news is that efforts are already underway to guard it. You may learn the complete story right here (it’s a present hyperlink). Have an amazing night, and we’ll see you again right here tomorrow!
