What is the “Gold Card” — New US Visa Program Launched by Trump
On December 10, 2025, Donald J. Trump officially launched the new immigration initiative called the Trump Gold Card program. Under this scheme, foreign nationals can obtain U.S. permanent residency (similar to the green card) in exchange for a payment of USD 1 million. For companies sponsoring foreign employees, the cost is USD 2 million per person.
According to the White House and the Department of Commerce, there is also a processing fee of USD 15,000 in addition to the donation. Applicants must pass standard background checks through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The administration frames this program as a way to attract high-earning investors and skilled individuals from around the world, while replacing older visa pathways like the investor-based EB-5 scheme.
How the Gold Card Works — Key Details and Process
Eligibility and Payment Structure
- Individual Applicants: A one-time “gift” of USD 1 million plus the processing fee.
- Corporate Applicants: Companies paying USD 2 million per sponsored employee can obtain a Gold Card on their behalf.
- Background Checks: All applicants must clear vetting from DHS, including checks on financial sources and personal history.
- Residency Rights: On approval, holders receive lawful permanent residency in the U.S., with a pathway to citizenship. Trump described it as “like a green card, but much more powerful.”
Unlike the older EB-5 visa, the Gold Card does not mandate job creation or investment in U.S. businesses. The requirement is simply the financial contribution.
Why the U.S. Is Introducing This: Motives Behind the Program
Revenue Generation and Economic Incentives
Officials argue the program will generate billions of dollars in revenue for the U.S. Treasury. The funds are intended to be used for public spending, debt reduction, and economic development.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the Gold Card aims to bring in individuals and companies who can contribute significantly to the U.S. economy, as opposed to traditional green-card holders whose earnings are comparatively lower.
Attracting Global Talent and Capital
The Trump administration claims the program will enable U.S. businesses to recruit top global talent — including recent graduates from leading universities — by offering a streamlined residency route. This is expected to benefit sectors needing skilled labor, and to make the U.S. more competitive globally.
Trump and his team argue this approach aligns with an “America First” economic agenda — attracting investment, talent, and revenue, while reshaping immigration to favor economically beneficial immigrants.
Reactions — Supporters, Critics, and Global Perspectives
Supporters Highlight:
- Speed and simplicity — The Gold Card offers a much faster and clearer route to permanent residency and citizenship compared to traditional visa programs.
- Economic gains — Infusion of foreign capital into U.S. coffers at a time when public finances are under pressure.
- Talent retention — U.S. firms can retain top global professionals, helping innovation and competitiveness.
Critics Warn:
- Wealth-based immigration: Many oppose the idea of buying residency — calling it “pay-for-residency” rather than merit-based immigration.
- Equity concerns: Critics argue it deepens inequality, privileging wealthy individuals over skilled but less affluent immigrants.
- Ethical and legal questions: There are concerns about whether the scheme undermines traditional immigration norms and values.
- Impact on existing visa pathways: Since the scheme replaces or sidelines older visas (like EB-5, EB-1/EB-2, or diversity lottery), many skilled immigrants may lose more accessible pathways.
International observers note that while several countries offer “golden visas,” the U.S. version marks a significant shift — especially given America’s traditional model based on skill, family, or refugee status rather than wealth.
What This Means for Immigrants — Opportunities and Trade-offs
Who Might Consider Applying
- Wealthy individuals seeking a secure legal path to U.S. citizenship.
- Entrepreneurs and investors willing to commit the required funds.
- Global talent — including graduates or professionals who value long-term mobility and residency in the U.S.
- Corporations that want to retain foreign talent and offer residency as an incentive.
What Applicants Must Note
- The payment ($1 M or $2 M) is a donation/gift, not an investment — unlike EB-5, there is no requirement to start a business or create jobs.
- Applicants must undergo rigorous background checks and meet vetting criteria.
- Residency obtained via this program still subjects holders to U.S. tax and compliance laws (unless other exemptions apply).
- Critics suggest this could attract scrutiny, legal challenges, or future changes depending on political shifts in the U.S.
For Countries Sending Migrants (e.g., India)
- This could become an option for ultra-wealthy individuals seeking global mobility.
- However, the high cost makes it accessible only to a small, affluent segment.
- Skill- and talent-based migration or work-based visas may still remain more relevant for middle-class professionals.
Global Implications and What Comes Next
The Gold Card program may influence how other developed nations structure their immigration and residency schemes. Countries facing labor shortages may explore similar “wealth-plus-talent” models to attract investment.
At the same time, advocacy groups and civil society organisations are likely to challenge the policy — calling for more equitable immigration frameworks and oversight to prevent misuse.
For the U.S., the success of the program will be measured not just in revenue, but in how well these new residents integrate, contribute economically, and follow regulatory norms. The administration is betting on “quality over quantity” — a selective immigration model favoring economically beneficial applicants.
Conclusion: A New Era of Immigration — Wealth, Residency, and Controversy
The launch of the Trump Gold Card programme marks a dramatic shift in U.S. immigration policy. By offering permanent residency in exchange for financial contribution, the U.S. government is redefining the pathway to citizenship — from merit or job-based visas to a wealth-based model.
For some, this may represent a golden opportunity — fast-track residency, global mobility, and a route to the American dream. For others, the move raises uneasy questions about inequality, fairness, and the core values of immigration.
As applications roll in and stories emerge of who opts for the Gold Card — and why — the world will be watching. The long-term impact of this policy on America’s social fabric, economy, and global image remains uncertain, but the debate it has triggered—between opportunity and ethics, money and merit—is sure to shape the next chapter of immigration history.
