The Trump administration has officially unveiled its controversial ‘Trump Gold Card’ immigration initiative, creating an expedited pathway for wealthy foreign nationals to obtain U.S. residency privileges. The program, launched through the dedicated portal Trumpcard.gov, requires applicants to make a substantial $1 million contribution to the United States Treasury in addition to a $15,000 processing fee paid to the Department of Homeland Security for accelerated review.
President Trump characterized the initiative as a superior alternative to traditional Green Cards, emphasizing its ‘more powerful and stronger path’ during a White House briefing. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick revealed that approximately 10,000 individuals had already pre-registered for the program, projecting that the initiative could generate billions in revenue for the federal government over time.
The Gold Card program represents a paradoxical approach within the administration’s broader immigration framework, which has simultaneously implemented stringent measures against both illegal immigration and conventional legal pathways. Lutnick defended the program as an economic benefit mechanism, asserting it would attract high-value immigrants who would contribute substantially to the U.S. economy, though he provided no empirical evidence to support claims about traditional Green Card holders’ economic performance.
Notably, the program includes a corporate variant permitting businesses to secure expedited visas for key employees through a $2 million contribution per individual. This premium immigration strategy aligns with President Trump’s frequently stated preference for revenue-generating policies that mirror business principles, drawing parallels to his administration’s tariff initiatives.