US President Donald Trump’s administration officially launched the Trump Gold Card visa program, offering non-U.S. citizens an expedited pathway to live and work in the United States at a steep cost.
The program, unveiled Wednesday, requires applicants to first pay a $15,000 processing fee to the Department of Homeland Security. Then, after completing background checks, candidates must contribute $1 million to secure the Gold Card. The card functions like a Green Card, yet Trump promoted it as “much better” and “more powerful.”
Moreover, Trump emphasised that the initiative provides a stronger path to residency and insisted that only “great people” would qualify.
Meanwhile, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced that 10,000 individuals had already pre-registered. He predicted that thousands more would join, which could raise billions of dollars for the U.S. Treasury. Furthermore, Lutnick argued that Gold Card holders would boost the economy more than average Green Card holders, although he offered no evidence to support the claim.
At the same time, the administration has pursued aggressive immigration crackdowns, deporting hundreds of thousands of undocumented individuals and discouraging legal immigration. Consequently, officials framed the Gold Card program as a counterbalance—generating revenue while selectively admitting wealthy applicants.
In addition, a corporate version of the Gold Card allows companies to fast-track visas for employees at $2 million per applicant.
Ultimately, the program has sparked debate over whether wealth should determine access to U.S. residency. Critics argue that it raises serious questions about fairness, inclusivity, and the future direction of immigration policy.
