Trump’s $1m ‘Gold Card’ offers fast-track visas for the wealthy
Sultanul Arefin 
President Donald Trump has launched the Trump Gold Card, a new immigration scheme that sells expedited US residency to wealthy foreigners for at least $1 million. Applicants also pay a non-refundable $15,000 processing fee before their case is reviewed, according to the program’s official website. Once approved, Gold Card holders receive rights similar to a green card and may apply for citizenship after several years of residence.
How the Trump Gold Card works
Under the scheme, individuals can secure permanent residency by making a $1 million “contribution” to the US government, while companies can sponsor a foreign worker for $2 million. The administration says the money will flow directly into federal coffers and help American businesses retain highly skilled staff. A promised “platinum” version, reportedly priced at $5 million with extra tax advantages, is expected to launch later.
Gold Card targets ‘high-level’ professionals
Trump argues that the Gold Card is aimed at “high-level” professionals and top global talent who will create jobs and boost growth. Supporters inside the White House say the program will generate billions of dollars in new revenue, while making it easier for major companies to keep foreign graduates of US universities. The initiative also replaces or sidelines older investor-visa pathways, such as the EB-5 program, which required proof of job creation and had long backlogs.
Critics warn of ‘visas for sale’
However, immigration lawyers and advocacy groups say the policy effectively puts US residency up for sale, creating a two-tier system that favours the ultra-rich while other applicants wait years in queues. Some experts argue that a president cannot unilaterally create a new visa class without Congress, raising the risk that courts could later strike the scheme down. If that happens, wealthy applicants may lose their fees and potentially their residency status.
Legal and political fallout ahead
The Gold Card also sits uneasily beside Trump’s broader hard-line immigration agenda, which includes higher fees for work visas and tougher rules for refugees and asylum seekers. Critics say the contrast highlights an approach that closes the door to poorer migrants while opening a fast lane for millionaires. Similar “golden visa” schemes in Europe have already been scaled back or shut down over money-laundering and security concerns, raising questions about the program’s long-term future in the United States. As a result, analysts expect court challenges and fierce political debate over whether the Gold Card can survive in its current form.
Featured image: RealDonaldTrump/TruthSocial
About The Author
Suzan Seherin 