Trump’s $1 Million ‘Gold Card’ Ushers in Elite Path to U.S. Residency Amid Broader Crackdown

In a bold pivot within his stringent immigration agenda, U.S. President Donald Trump has unveiled a premium residency program targeting affluent foreigners, requiring a $1 million contribution to the government for expedited legal status. Dubbed the Trump Gold Card, this initiative stands out as one of the costliest golden visa options globally, positioning itself as a superior, accelerated substitute for the conventional green card route, according to Reuters.

The announcement unfolds against a backdrop of Trump’s administration ramping up deportations and narrowing legal entry points for migrants. The program’s dedicated site, trumpcard.gov, launched earlier this week. Trump has hailed it as an economic boon, projecting it would funnel “many billions of dollars” into federal coffers.

Below are five essential aspects of the program:

1. Core Benefits and Entry Requirements
   The Gold Card pledges U.S. residency in an unprecedented timeframe, per reports from The Guardian and The Independent. Eligibility hinges on submitting a $15,000 fee to the Department of Homeland Security, clearing a thorough background vetting, and delivering a $1 million “contribution” or “gift” to the U.S. government, Reuters detailed. The trumpcard.gov platform adopts a familiar federal design, complete with an immediate “apply now” option, noted The Independent. Trump described it as “basically a Green Card, but much better,” offering a “much stronger path,” Reuters added.
   
2. Corporate Track for Businesses, with Steeper Fees
   An enterprise variant enables companies to fast-track staff residency at $2 million each, stemming from Trump’s September executive order, The Guardian explained. Additional obligations include a $20,000 yearly upkeep charge and a 5% fee for reassigning the status to new hires. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick shared with Reuters that roughly 10,000 individuals have pre-registered, forecasting substantial revenue for the Treasury.

Also Read: Trump Calls Affordability Crisis A ‘Con Job’—While 24% Of Americans Live Paycheck To Paycheck

3. Upcoming $5 Million ‘Platinum’ Upgrade
   Development is underway for an elite Trump Platinum Card tier at $5 million, granting holders up to 270 days annually in the U.S. free from taxation on overseas earnings, according to The Guardian and The Independent. Trump reiterated the revenue potential as “many billions of dollars,” The Guardian reported.
   
4. Launch Clashes with Overarching Immigration Restrictions
   This expansion coincides with aggressive measures to remove undocumented residents and limit lawful immigration streams. The Independent highlighted how the administration has revoked legal protections for hundreds of thousands, accelerated removals, and streamlined judicial processes. Detractors, cited by The Guardian, contend the scheme undermines Trump’s narrative by favoring high-net-worth entrants over those from modest backgrounds. Trump countered that qualifiers are “very successful” individuals who “spend a lot of money to come in, as opposed to walking over the borders.”
   
5. Limitations Beyond the Hype: Residency, Not Instant Citizenship
   Though Trump pitches the Gold Card as a “direct path to citizenship,” The Independent emphasized it secures only temporary legal residency, not enduring permanence. Participants must align with EB-1 or EB-2 visa criteria, geared toward those with exceptional talents, postgraduate qualifications, or outstanding skills. Further specifics from The Independent encompass cryptocurrency payment options, allowance for familial or borrowed financing, and persistent delays in green card processing for applicants from certain nations.