U.S. President Donald Trump has introduced his long-anticipated “gold card,” a program offering legal residency and a pathway to American citizenship for individuals willing to pay $1 million.
The official website, Trumpcard.gov, features an “apply now” option, where interested applicants can pay a $15,000 processing fee to the Department of Homeland Security for expedited handling.
Once applicants pass background checks, they must make a $1 million “contribution” — also described as a “gift” — to receive the visa. The card functions similarly to a Green Card, granting the holder permission to live and work in the United States.
“It’s basically a Green Card, but much better — more powerful, a stronger path,” Trump said at the White House. “A path is a big deal. We want great people.”
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick revealed that around 10,000 people registered during the pre-launch phase, and he expects many more to apply. “Over time, I think we’ll sell thousands of these cards and raise billions of dollars,” he told Reuters.
According to Lutnick, the program is intended to attract individuals who will boost the U.S. economy. He contrasted them with what he called “average” Green Card holders, claiming they tend to earn less and are more likely to rely on public assistance — though he did not offer evidence.
While the Trump administration has tightened immigration enforcement, removing hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants and restricting legal pathways, the gold card initiative serves as a revenue-generating exception.
Lutnick also noted that a corporate version exists, enabling companies to secure fast-track visas for employees at a cost of $2 million per worker.
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