U.S. President Donald Trump has officially launched a new immigration pathway known as the “gold card,” a premium visa route offering expedited legal status and a pathway to U.S. citizenship for individuals willing to make a $1 million contribution.
The initiative, unveiled through the newly launched website Trumpcard.gov, invites interested applicants to submit an initial $15,000 processing fee to the Department of Homeland Security, after which they undergo a background vetting process. Upon approval, applicants must then make a $1 million “contribution” or “gift” to secure the card, which functions similarly to a Green Card but with enhanced privileges, according to the administration.
“Basically, it’s a Green Card but much better—more powerful, a much stronger path,” President Trump told reporters at the White House. “We want great people.”
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick revealed that approximately 10,000 people had already pre-registered for the program, expressing confidence that the initiative would generate “billions of dollars” in revenue over time. He argued that the program would attract high-net-worth individuals who would contribute significantly to the U.S. economy.
Lutnick drew comparisons between gold card applicants and traditional Green Card holders, claiming—without providing evidence—that the latter earn less on average and are more likely to rely on public assistance.
The gold card rollout comes as the Trump administration continues its aggressive immigration crackdown, including ramped-up deportations and stricter measures limiting legal entry. The program is positioned as an economic counterbalance, designed to inject substantial revenue into the U.S. Treasury.
In addition to individual applications, a corporate version of the gold card is available, allowing companies to obtain expedited visas for select employees in exchange for a $2 million contribution per worker.