Trump launches $1 million "gold card" immigrant visas

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has introduced a new visa scheme designed to grant fast-track residence rights to wealthy foreign investors. The program, called the “Gold Card,” offers accelerated entry into the United States for applicants who invest at least $1 million.

In a statement on social media, Trump said the card would provide “a direct path to citizenship for all qualified and vetted individuals,” adding that American companies would finally be able to retain “their invaluable talent.” The program was first announced earlier this year.

According to the program’s official website, the Gold Card is a special U.S. visa issued to individuals who can demonstrate that they will bring “significant benefit” to the country. The initiative comes at a time when Washington is intensifying its crackdown on immigration, increasing work-visa fees, and expanding deportations of undocumented migrants.

Under the scheme, applicants must pay $1 million and prove the economic value they would bring to the United States. The website promises residency approval “in record time.” For applicants sponsored by companies, the fee rises to $2 million, along with other required payments. A “platinum” version of the card, which will include additional tax advantages, is expected to launch soon at a price of $5 million.

Applicants must also pay a non-refundable $15,000 processing fee before their files are reviewed, and additional government charges may apply depending on the individual case.

Since the program’s initial announcement in February, it has drawn criticism from various groups. Several Democrats have argued that the plan unfairly favors wealthy individuals. Trump, however, emphasized that the program targets “high-level professionals,” stating, “We want productive people.”

He added that those able to invest $5 million would “create jobs,” and predicted that the program would be a “massive success.”

The initiative emerges as the government takes a much tougher stance on immigration. The United States has already suspended immigration applications from 19 countries — mostly in Africa and the Middle East — that are subject to Trump’s travel ban. In addition, decisions on asylum claims have been halted, and the administration announced it will re-examine thousands of cases approved during Joe Biden’s presidency.

In September, Trump also signed an executive order imposing a $100,000 fee on certain applicants for the H-1B skilled-worker visa, particularly those who are currently outside the United States. The move sparked concern among international students and technology firms. The White House later clarified that the fee applies only to new applicants filing from abroad.