Chinese Founder of Router-Maker TP-Link Seeks a Trump Gold Card

March 19, 2026, 4:18 PM UTC

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 program, according to people familiar with the matter.

California-based TP-Link Systems Inc. told the federal agencies scrutinizing its operations that founder and Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Chao had applied for permanent residency under the program, the people said. Successful Gold Card applicants must give a $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 ...

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