TP-Link’s Chinese founder Jeffrey Chao seeks US$1 million Trump Gold Card visa

TP-Link’s founder Jeffrey Chao, the California-based router maker’s chief executive, has applied for a Trump Gold Card visa to obtain permanent residency in the United States, according to people familiar with the matter.

“TP-Link’s Chinese founder Jeffrey Chao seeks US$1 million Trump Gold Card visa The router manufacturer is under investigation over concerns that its links to China may pose an unacceptable threat to US national security The Chinese founder of the massive router maker facing national security probes by the Trump administration has applied for an expedited visa under the Trump Gold Card programme, according to people familiar with the matter”

South China Morning Post

California-based TP-Link Systems told the federal agencies scrutinising its operations that founder and Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Chao had applied for permanent residency under the programme.

South China Morning Post

Successful Gold Card applicants must provide a US$1 million 'unrestricted gift' to the Commerce Department in exchange for a visa.

TP-Link said in a statement that Chao and his wife are pursuing US citizenship but declined to comment on any Trump Gold Card application.

South China Morning Post

The Commerce Department is investigating TP-Link over concerns that its connections to China may pose an unacceptable threat to national security, according to people familiar with the matter.

“TP-Link’s Chinese founder Jeffrey Chao seeks US$1 million Trump Gold Card visa The router manufacturer is under investigation over concerns that its links to China may pose an unacceptable threat to US national security The Chinese founder of the massive router maker facing national security probes by the Trump administration has applied for an expedited visa under the Trump Gold Card programme, according to people familiar with the matter”

South China Morning Post

A TP-Link spokesman said the company welcomed the opportunity to engage with the US government to show that its security practices were in line with industry standards and said that it was committed to addressing any national security issues.