President Donald Trump announced Dec. 10 the official launch of the “Trump Gold Card,” an immigration initiative that offers rapid U.S. residency and a path to citizenship in exchange for large financial contributions to the federal government.
The initiative, unveiled with applications opening at trumpcard.gov, stems from a Sept. 19 executive order. Applicants must pay a $15,000 nonrefundable processing fee for vetting, followed by either a $1 million donation for an individual or a $2 million contribution for a corporation sponsoring a foreign worker. The money will be treated as an unrestricted gift to the U.S. Treasury.
According to the program website, applicants upload required documents and pay the processing fee to trigger an accelerated review by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Regarding the speed of the process, the website states, “Once an applicant’s processing fee and application are received, the process should take weeks.” Officials conduct an in-depth background check which involves a visa interview.
Once approved, recipients receive lawful permanent residence as EB-1 or EB-2 visa holders and may use the Gold Card throughout all 50 states and U.S. territories. The website notes that the status functions as a visa and may be revoked for national security or other risks.
Individuals who qualify for the program may become citizens after five years, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said Dec. 10.
Speaking from the White House, Trump said all funds raised through the program will flow directly to the federal government into “an account where we can do things positive for the country.” He said the initiative could generate “maybe billions of dollars” in revenue.
Trump added that the pathway gives employers a reliable way to retain foreign workers, noting companies often “don’t know whether or not you can keep the person.”
The administration also plans to introduce a Trump Platinum Card, which will allow recipients to reside in the United States for up to 270 days per year without owing tax on non-U.S. income, according to the website. The Platinum Card is expected to function as a replacement for standard travel visas and is set to require a $15,000 processing fee and $5 million contribution to the U.S. Treasury.
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