Welcome back to “The Unify Brief,” where we track the latest developments shaping the nation. Here’s what you need to know this week.
Trump proposes $5 million “gold card” visa program
Last week, President Donald Trump announced a new immigration initiative: the “gold card” visa program.
Unveiled on Feb. 25, the proposal aims to replace the existing EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. The gold card would grant wealthy foreign nationals residency and a pathway to U.S. citizenship in exchange for a $5 million investment. Unlike the EB-5 program, which requires investments in job-creating enterprises, the “gold card” focuses solely on the financial contribution, eliminating the job creation mandate.
Officials emphasized that applicants would undergo vetting to ensure they are “top-notch global citizens.” The administration asserts that this initiative will attract affluent individuals capable of contributing significantly to the U.S. economy. However, experts question the program’s potential impact on reducing the national debt, citing likely limited demand.
This policy prioritizes wealth-based immigration benefiting affluent individuals while not addressing pathways for lower-income immigrants, refugees or asylum seekers. Critics argue this could widen socioeconomic disparities, while supporters claim it will attract high-net-worth individuals who contribute economically.
Local: Trump wants to sell $5 million gold cards to foreigners who will create US jobs (Denver Gazette)
National: Can a ‘gold card’ program visa spur investment in the U.S. economy? (AP News)
What other college campuses have to say: Students grapple with possible visa law changes (The Daily Texan)
USAID Funding Cuts
In a significant policy shift, the Trump administration has implemented extensive reductions to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), eliminating over 90% of its foreign aid contracts. This decision, part of the “America First” agenda, aims to reallocate approximately $54 billion from international aid to domestic priorities.
These developments reflect a dramatic shift in U.S. foreign aid policy, with profound implications for international relations and global health initiatives. The decision to prioritize domestic over international aid deepens disparities for the world’s most vulnerable populations.
Local: USAID gutting hits Colorado as organizations, small businesses struggle to survive (The Denver Post)
National: Trump’s ending of 90% of USAID foreign aid contracts slams programs around the world (ABC News)
What other college campuses have to say: Trump plans to dismantle United States Agency for International Development (The Daily Bruin)
Trump shares AI-generated video of Gaza
On Feb. 24, President Trump shared an AI-generated video depicting a transformed Gaza Strip, renamed “TRUMP GAZA.” The video showcased a luxurious resort destination with images of Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sunbathing, children emerging from rubble into opulent surroundings and a golden statue of Trump.
Subsequent investigations revealed that the video was initially created as a satirical piece by two Los Angeles-based entrepreneurs earlier this month. President Trump’s sharing of the video amplified its reach and sparked significant backlash.
Many Palestinians and observers criticized it as insensitive, especially given the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises in the region. Critics argued that the portrayal dismissed the suffering of Gaza’s residents and oversimplified complex geopolitical issues.
Local: Democrats denounce Trump’s gilded vision of Gaza: ‘Despicable’ (KDVR)
National: Trump’s social media video garners pushback from Arabs and Muslims in U.S. and Gaza (NPR)
What other college campuses have to say: Former Human Rights Watch Director Warns Against Trump’s Plans for Gaza (The Hoya)
Take Action:
- Given the AI-generated Trump Gaza video, it is imperative for readers to fact-check and critically analyze digital content. Media literacy is more important now than ever.
At DU:
- Get involved with student organizations to inform the DU community about current social justice issues. The Club for Collective Liberation, Poder Latine and many other student organizations are dedicated to student advocacy and social justice.
