Friday, December 12, 2025 -President Donald Trump has officially launched a controversial new immigration initiative known as the “Trump Gold Card,” offering a fast-track pathway to U.S. residency for wealthy foreign nationals who are willing to pay $1 million.
The program opened for applications this week through an official website where prospective applicants first pay a non-refundable $15,000 processing fee and undergo a Department of Homeland Security background check.
Once vetted, individuals who make the $1 million contribution can secure lawful permanent residency, with eligibility for U.S. citizenship after meeting standard naturalization requirements. Businesses can likewise sponsor foreign workers by contributing $2 million per employee.
The administration positions the Gold Card as a way to attract top global talent and inject billions of dollars into the U.S. economy, with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick saying thousands have already pre-registered and could generate significant revenue.
Trump and supporters argue the program will help U.S. companies retain highly skilled graduates and professionals who otherwise face long waits under traditional visa categories. They describe the card as an “accelerated visa” that bypasses lengthy backlogs and provides residency in weeks rather than years.
Critics call the initiative a stark departure from traditional immigration policy, warning it effectively creates a pay-to-play system that favors the ultra-wealthy and could face legal challenges. Opponents highlight fairness concerns, noting the program contrasts sharply with long waiting lists for family-based and refugee immigration and suggesting it undermines principles of equal opportunity.
Legal experts have raised questions about whether the administration can implement such a visa category without congressional approval and about its potential to strain the broader immigration system.
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