Washington: The Trump administration has rolled out a new fast-track residency initiative—dubbed the “Trump Gold Card”—that offers wealthy foreign nationals an accelerated route to living and working in the United States. The programme, now live at Trumpcard.gov, marks one of the administration’s most aggressive attempts to blend immigration policy with revenue generation.
The newly launched website features a prominent “apply now” portal where prospective applicants can submit a $15,000 processing fee to the Department of Homeland Security. That fee only opens the door: after background checks and security vetting, applicants must provide a $1 million “contribution,” a term the site alternately describes as a gift, in exchange for the visa.
Speaking at the White House, President Donald Trump portrayed the initiative as a premium alternative to the standard Green Card.
“It’s basically a Green Card, but much stronger,” Trump said. “It’s a major pathway, and we want only the best people taking it.”
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said interest surged even before the official launch. According to him, roughly 10,000 individuals pre-registered, with expectations that demand—and revenue—will climb sharply.
“I think we’ll sell thousands of these cards over time and raise billions of dollars,” Lutnick said in an interview.
He argued the programme is intended to draw in high-earning newcomers who could boost the US economy, contrasting them with what he described as “average” Green Card holders. He claimed, without offering data, that typical Green Card recipients earn less and rely more frequently on public benefits than US-born citizens.
The initiative stands in sharp contrast to the administration’s wider immigration agenda, which has focused on restrictive measures, increased deportations, and reduced pathways for legal entry. The Gold Card scheme appears designed as a lucrative exception—an invitation for those able to pay a premium for residency rights.
In addition to the individual visa, the administration is also promoting a corporate tier. Companies seeking rapid approval for foreign employees can secure an expedited visa for each worker through a $2 million corporate contribution.
The rollout underscores Trump’s broader philosophy: using financial incentives—similar to his tariff strategy—to reshape policy and generate federal revenue. Whether the Gold Card becomes a significant draw, or a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over wealth-based immigration, remains to be seen.
