What is a Trump Gold Card? U.S. launches $1 million immigration visas.
The Trump Gold Card. (TrumpCard.gov)
The White House says that under the new program, cardholders will “receive U.S. residency in record time.”
President Trump on Wednesday unveiled the Trump Gold Card, a new program designed to provide a fast-track pathway to U.S. citizenship for foreign nationals who contribute $1 million to expedite their visa applications.
“Basically, it’s a green card but much better,” Trump said during an event with business leaders at the White House. “Much more powerful, a much stronger path.”
The initiative is now live through a dedicated website, TrumpCard.gov, which also showcases the card itself, featuring Trump’s official portrait alongside the Statue of Liberty, an eagle, and the president’s signature.
A screengrab from the new government website for Trump Gold Card applicants. (TrumpCard.gov)
How the Program Works
Applicants must first pay a nonrefundable $15,000 processing fee to be vetted by the Department of Homeland Security. Once “background approval” is granted, those who contribute $1 million can secure U.S. residency in a significantly shortened timeframe. Gold cardholders, as lawful permanent residents, will be eligible for naturalized citizenship after five years.
The website states that the $1 million contribution “is evidence that the individual will substantially benefit the United States” and notes that additional fees to the U.S. Department of State may apply depending on circumstances.
Businesses can also participate through the Trump Corporate Gold Card, paying $2 million per sponsored foreign worker. A higher-tier Trump Platinum Card is available for $5 million, offering the ability to spend up to 270 days annually in the U.S. without being taxed on non-U.S. income.
The program anticipates approval times of “weeks” for most applicants, though some countries may experience waits of up to a year or more due to visa availability. Trump estimated that the initiative could generate “probably billions of dollars” for the U.S. Treasury.
President Trump at the White House on Dec. 10. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images)
Background
The Trump Gold Card program has been in development for months as part of the administration’s broader approach to immigration reform. Trump first announced the concept in February, initially suggesting a $5 million price point per card. In September, he signed an executive order formalizing the program, aimed at admitting foreigners who demonstrate their ability and willingness to contribute financially to the United States.
In addition, Trump recently announced a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visa applications, which are widely used by technology companies to recruit skilled foreign workers. The president noted that business leaders, including Apple CEO Tim Cook, had raised concerns about retaining top talent due to visa restrictions.
While similar “golden visa” programs exist in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy, critics argue they create a two-tiered immigration system favoring wealthy applicants. Trump administration officials maintain that prioritizing high-net-worth individuals is intentional.
“We’re the only great country that lets other people just come in without vetting them and deciding whether they’re really going to help the economy of America,” Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who oversees the program, told CNBC. “Let’s bring in the top of the best. Let’s help them grow America and build America. Why should we take people who are below average? It just doesn’t make any sense.”
Context
The Gold Card rollout coincides with broader immigration policy changes following the November shootings of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., by an Afghan national. Trump subsequently announced plans to suspend immigration from certain countries and review green card applications from 19 “countries of concern,” including Afghanistan and Somalia.
During a speech in Pennsylvania this week, Trump referenced his previous comments about immigration, emphasizing the administration’s focus on admitting select foreign nationals who can contribute significantly to the country’s interests.
President Trump holds a Trump Gold Card as he speaks to reporters on Air Force One en route to Miami on April 3. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)
About Post Author
