President Donald Trump’s administration has rolled out a new, controversial pathway to U.S. residency: the Trump Gold Card, a premium visa track created for wealthy non-citizens willing to invest heavily in exchange for speed, access, and long-term opportunity in America.
Hosted on Trumpcard.gov, the program invites applicants to pay a $15,000 processing fee to the Department of Homeland Security simply to enter an accelerated review process. After completing security vetting and background checks, applicants must then make a $1 million “contribution” – described on the website as a gift – to secure the fast-tracked residency status.
Trump described the Gold Card as “basically a Green Card, but much better,” emphasizing that the program offers “a stronger path” for those he believes can contribute significantly to the nation. “A path is a big deal. Have to be great people,” he told reporters at the White House.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick revealed that interest has surged since pre-registration opened, with 10,000 people already signing up. He projected that the program could eventually raise “billions and billions of dollars” for the U.S. Treasury.
Lutnick argued that the Gold Card would attract high-earning individuals whose presence could positively impact the American economy. He compared them to what he called “average Green Card holders,” suggesting that many traditional immigrants earn less and often rely on public assistance – though he did not provide evidence to support these claims.
At the same time, the Trump administration continues to enforce a stringent immigration agenda, marked by deportations and efforts to restrict legal immigration channels. The Gold Card appears to be the administration’s attempt to balance strict policy with revenue-generating incentives targeted at the world’s wealthiest.
A corporate version of the Gold Card is also available, allowing companies to secure expedited visas for employees they wish to bring into the U.S. — at a cost of $2 million per individual.
As the program unfolds, it raises urgent questions about fairness, access, and the future meaning of U.S. residency. While some will see the Gold Card as a door to opportunity, others will view it as a sign that in America’s evolving immigration landscape, wealth now buys the fastest route to belonging.
