Trump Launches $1M “Gold Card” Visa
President Donald Trump has officially launched the “Trump Gold Card”, a visa pathway aimed at wealthy foreigners who are willing to pay at least $1 million in exchange for expedited U.S. residency. The program’s debut comes as his administration continues to aggressively crackdown on both legal and undocumented immigration.
Trump promoted the initiative on social media, calling it “a direct path to Citizenship for all qualified and vetted people. SO EXCITING! Our Great American Companies can finally keep their invaluable Talent.” He also told reporters, “Basically it’s a Green Card, but much better. Much more powerful, a much stronger path.”
How the Gold Card Works
Applicants begin by paying a $15,000 non-refundable processing fee to the Department of Homeland Security. After background checks, individuals must make a $1 million “contribution”—which the program’s website also refers to as a “gift”—to secure the visa. An official site describes the offer as residency “in record time,” and the administration argues that the hefty payment itself serves as proof the applicant will “substantially benefit” the U.S.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said interest is already high, claiming around 10,000 people signed up during pre-registration and predicting the program could bring in “billions.” There is also a corporate version of the gold card for businesses seeking to bring in foreign employees, which requires a $2 million contribution per worker.
The government is also preparing a “Trump Platinum Card” priced at $5 million, which will include special tax advantages and allow holders to spend extended periods in the U.S. without being taxed on overseas income.
The rollout arrives at the same time the administration is dedicating major resources to mass deportations and restricting other legal immigration channels. The U.S. has paused applications from people in countries affected by the travel ban, halted asylum decisions, and introduced steep new fees—such as a $100,000 charge for certain H-1B applicants abroad.
These moves have amplified criticism that the Gold Card contradicts the nation’s long-standing image as a place where immigrants of modest means can build new lives. Nonetheless, Trump argues the program will bring in job creators and revenue, saying the people able to pay the steep fees “are going to create jobs” and that the card “is going to sell like crazy.”
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem backed the initiative, saying it will provide expedited EB-1 or EB-2 green cards “following rigorous vetting.” Trump insists the billions he expects the program to generate will go to “an account where we can do things positive for the country.”
